Many of us relate “suffrage” to the women’s rights movement and the abolition of slavery. There are two meanings of the word suffrage; One is the right to vote or participate. The other meaning is a short prayer (or petition) in favor of another person. Abolitionist organizations fought for the rights of women, equal rights and the end of slavery. Anti-abolitionists opposed change and fought to maintain the status quo. Critics on both sides were vocal. The 1911 California Proposition 4 would allow women the right to vote in elections in the state. More than a million men were eligible to vote. Almost a quarter of a million men did vote, and the rights for women were won by the narrowest of margins. Divisions are a normal part of society and so are those individuals who speak out. Narcotics Anonymous has experienced many divisions since the inception of the Fellowship in 1953. Dividing points are a natural and normal part of living. Learning to deal with division is fundamental to my recovery.
Group Conscience
The Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous references the phrase “Group Conscience”. A book titled ‘It Works How and Why’, published in 1993, offers what I think is the best definition of the phrase and how it works.
Group conscience can be thought of in much the same way as personal conscience. Group conscience reflects a collective awareness of, understanding of, and surrender to spiritual principles. The conscience of a group takes shape and is revealed when its members take the time to talk with each other about their personal needs, the needs of that group, and the needs of NA as a whole. Each member draws upon his or her relationship with a Higher Power when sharing with the group. As members listen carefully to each other and consult their personal understanding of a loving God, something happens: Solutions to problems become apparent, solutions that take into consideration the needs of everyone concerned. In developing a group conscience, a clear mutual understanding or consensus arises. Based upon the understanding gained by sharing group conscience, a group may move on to a vote in order to make decisions. In the best of circumstances, however, the group continues discussion until it reaches unanimity. The resulting solution may be so obvious that no vote is needed.
It Works How & Why. Published 1993, Tradition 2, Page 99
I find that communicating with others, connecting with the God of my own understanding and consider the needs of all of Narcotics Anonymous has given me skills that benefit all aspects of my life. Those skills allow me to enjoy complete recovery and acceptance in society. I also need to accept that others see things differently from me. Being tolerant and compassionate are great skills to have in society. The idea of winning or losing is never spiritual.
Differences of Opinion
My home group signs verification papers for people who are court ordered to attend NA meetings. I have mixed feelings about this. We held a group conscience and voted in favor of signing. I do not feel so strongly that I need to leave the group and I fully support the group’s decision now despite my personal feelings. Other groups might see things differently and refuse to sign. That’s ok with me and their decision has no impact on my life. My ability to put aside personal opinions helps me function in society. I can draw healthy boundaries. When asked by a newcomer, I try to understand both sides and offer an explanation without judgment.
Attraction and Promotion
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Second Edition, Tradition 11.
I try to live an honest life and share about that at meetings. Some may find something attractive that helps them. Promoting a way of life or belief can be dishonest and deceptive. Who am I trying to convince and why are questions I need to ask myself. Sometimes I find it difficult to distinguish between what is attraction and promotion. The Basic Text of NA says that some members remain abstinent but cannot enjoy complete recovery and acceptance in society because of their dishonesty and self-deception. The Basic Text also says that there are self-seekers who only focus on their own needs. Everyone is welcome to attend Narcotics Anonymous. This blend of personalities is the collective vision of Narcotics Anonymous that a newcomer experiences. I believe that diversity is our strength, and no single vision of recovery exists.
Principles and Personalities
The first edition of the Basic Text (Published in March of 1983) was altered prior to publication because of fear of what the book contained. Despite all the group consciences that approved of the writing, some members were unable to surrender to new ideas. The approved version was finally published as the Second Edition in July of 1983. This division within the Fellowship was created by fear. Manipulation and control are powerful drugs but I find I turn to them when I am afraid of change. I have lived with dishonesty until I surrendered. Some ideas require time to process before I accept them. I hold on to old ideas because they are comfortable and predictable. Sometimes I speak out about my fear or I try and promote fear so I am not alone.
In the early 1900’s, anti-abolitionists included individuals who were outspoken critics of change. Some held on to the belief in slavery or a woman’s inability to participate in society as equals to men. Strong personalities were present on both sides. Strong personalities exist in the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous. Promulgators are people who proclaim rules or bring ideas into the public. Some of the ideas shared are fabrications and others are simply opinions. Those who promote falsehoods can become cult-like in their beliefs and behaviors. Fear is powerful and manipulation and control comes naturally to achieve a goal. Seeing both sides of an argument can be difficult for those who disagree and worse for those who do not understand. I often see people leave NA because of the divisions.
I like the Second Edition of the Basic Text. I believe that nothing outside of a home group can be called Narcotics Anonymous. Groups can choose whether to participate or support service bodies and events based on the Group’s conscience. The only authority I accept in NA rests with the group conscience. Somes members will create service boards or committees to put on events or accomplish tasks. It is confusing for me that they label them as Narcotics Anonymous. The Basic Text says we have no fees, or dues, and no clean time requirements in Narcotics Anonymous. This is not always true with service efforts or events hosted by members of NA. I have a single vote on any issue that impacts Narcotics Anonymous in a home group. When I experience conflict within a group, I have the freedom to join another home group, I can surrender or even start a new group.
I struggle with these lies presented as facts by members. A ‘global group conscience’ does not exist and would violate the Twelve Traditions but promulgators perpetuate the lie. There are many more lies shared. I ‘suffer the rage’ of hearing these lies at meetings. I also know that some perceive my opinions as lies. I do not like the divisions, but I remember that is a normal part of life on life’s terms. I can always choose to pray for another person, which is another aspect of suffrage. Prayer helps me find peace, surrender and acceptance. Participating in a home group gives me an opportunity to voice my opinions and hear from others. I try to share my experiences and not my opinions. When I focus on the primary purpose of carrying a message to the still suffering addict, no divisions exist.