Here are the notes from our meeting of the Events Committee on Tuesday.
The topics of discussion were,
The Love and Service one day conference on June 19th.
The Sober Softball and Barbeque on July 10th
The Spiritual Retreat on October 8,9,10.
"Get out of the Gutter" upcoming bowling on a tuesday evening.
The June 19th event at the LAX/El Segundo Hilton Garden Inn will start with volunteers arriving at 12 noon to facilitate set up.
Terry and Timo and an additional person will be helping with the welcome table.
Paul will be in charge of signage, making sure that the signs are up and current.
The room setup will be graciously guided by Eduardo. This will include making sure that the room is in good order and the speaker knows where and when to arrive. Timo and others will help greet people into the room.
This will continue throughout the three workshops:
Working the 12 steps with a sponsor
How the 12 Traditions can guide your group
Understanding the 12 concepts of world service and the CMA world service manual.
(People can also attend the CMA General Service Organization meeting happening parallel to the workshops)
There will also be a table for H&I to present its literature as well as offer a place for people to sign up to speak on panels.
Also, there will be a table for CMA literature ( a volunteer is needed for this position)
After the workshops we will have an ice cream social that will be facilitated by the Hotel with a suggested donation accepted by participants.
For the main meeting, Nick will set up. There is still a need for greeters.
Our leader will be Freddie and the Speaker will be a member of the Board of Trustees of CMA who will be visiting from out of town.
I will be looking into several key issues with the hotel, such as parking cost and whether sound is free or we need to bring it. If we must supply our own sound, Freddie will bring his amp.
The July 10th Softball event will be a Softball Game and Barbeque.
We are still looking into a location for this event. Tenatively we are looking into Pan Pacific Park, Elysian Park and the Rio De Los Angeles Park. If anyone has any additional ideas please let me know.
Hopefully we will have participation from Long Beach and make this a LB vs LA softball matchup.
We will need a Softball leader and a Barbeque leader to organize these parts of this event.
The October 8th 9th and 10th retreat planning is underway.
We will be paying a 500.00 deposit this week and securing the location.
Dixon will be organizing the registration effort with an online component. Possibly on Shutterfly as well as our website. I will make up the registration form to help Dixon with his registration duties.
Freddie and Dale (and hopefully Digby) will be part of the Program Committee.
The cost is 175.00 for the weekend. This will include meals but bedding and pillows must be brought with participants.
This is a spiritual retreat at a Zen Meditation Center so the atmosphere is one of tranquility and introspection. We will be trying to cultivate a supportive and loving atmosphere for spiritual development.
Possible Names:
Peaceful Beginnings
Conscious Contact: An 11th Step Prayer Meditation and Yoga Retreat
Spiritual Awakening
Awaken your Recovering Spirit! A retreat for spiritual awakenings.
Practicing the Presence
We also will be beginning to organize a 12 step Bowling night at the Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood. We can devise different games on many lanes and have contests and prizes. The best nights to have the place to ourselves is monday or tuesday nights.
Thank you all for your help. Looking forward to making these events a wonderful reality.
Dale
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Disease or Brain Damage?
I prefer to think that I have “brain damage”, rather than the “disease of addiction” - because I think my addiction is the direct result of my action in taking this drug over and over. While the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous speaks of a physical allergy to alcohol that alcoholics suffer from, I’m not sure this same phenomenon applies in my own experience with crystal meth. I don’t know too many people who can take it or leave it - they seem mostly to run fast in the other direction, or jump in whole hog. A doctor once told me that his patients who used crystal all eventually discovered that they had to stop doing it - some discovered this quickly, before much damage had been done, just because they feared its power. The other group discovered they had to stop once they had experienced incomprehensible demoralization, and hit some form of bottom. So in my opinion - and I wager science would prove this out - the range of experience among the general population with crystal meth is much different than the range of experience in the general population with alcohol.
Nevertheless, I can’t drink alcohol and stay sober. My relapse emerged over a period of a year or two, during which I stopped participating in CMA, moved from New York to LA, left behind my supportive circle of fellow spiritual practitioners (many of whom first met in CMA), and decided that my own will power would be enough to keep me safe. I had stayed clean for 10 years; surely this gave me some power. I first made a decision to leave the program, then a few months later smoked pot, then a few months later drank some wine, then one or two cocktails. None of this appeared problematic at the time.
But then the moment arrived, that I had long heard foretold, when there was nothing between me and my drug of choice but my higher power. And at the moment I had no access to my higher power. I picked up crystal meth, and the same pattern re-emerged within several weeks time. I again ended up in a situation of incomprehensible demoralization. Fortunately, I knew where the solution was waiting for me, as it had worked before some 11 years prior. The mistake I made was thinking I could take my will back, and do this on my own - I could not, because my damaged brain quickly resorted to the familiar ways of thinking that led me to a moment of desparation, my second bottom.
My experience, however, is not so different from someone with only a little clean time who decides to drink, then is on the phone to the crystal dealer in half an hour. In my case the same chain of events played out, but much more slowly.
So today I abstain from alcohol - and the rest - in order that it be possible that I abstain from crystal meth.
John T.
Nevertheless, I can’t drink alcohol and stay sober. My relapse emerged over a period of a year or two, during which I stopped participating in CMA, moved from New York to LA, left behind my supportive circle of fellow spiritual practitioners (many of whom first met in CMA), and decided that my own will power would be enough to keep me safe. I had stayed clean for 10 years; surely this gave me some power. I first made a decision to leave the program, then a few months later smoked pot, then a few months later drank some wine, then one or two cocktails. None of this appeared problematic at the time.
But then the moment arrived, that I had long heard foretold, when there was nothing between me and my drug of choice but my higher power. And at the moment I had no access to my higher power. I picked up crystal meth, and the same pattern re-emerged within several weeks time. I again ended up in a situation of incomprehensible demoralization. Fortunately, I knew where the solution was waiting for me, as it had worked before some 11 years prior. The mistake I made was thinking I could take my will back, and do this on my own - I could not, because my damaged brain quickly resorted to the familiar ways of thinking that led me to a moment of desparation, my second bottom.
My experience, however, is not so different from someone with only a little clean time who decides to drink, then is on the phone to the crystal dealer in half an hour. In my case the same chain of events played out, but much more slowly.
So today I abstain from alcohol - and the rest - in order that it be possible that I abstain from crystal meth.
John T.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
When Traditions Collide
Tradition 10 reads: Crystal Meth Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, hence the CMA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Tradition 5 reads: Each group has but one primary purpose; to carry its message to the addict that still suffers.
At first glance it would seem that the choice of Phoenix as the venue of the 2011 CMA World conference should be unaffected by the recent law—passed but not yet in effect—that will require police to check the paperwork of anyone who can be “reasonably suspected” of being in the United States illegally. I believe, however, this “outside issue” is an “inside issue,” as it could seriously impact a segment of our fellowship.
Living in Los Angeles, I’ve known more than a few addicts who do not have, to put it nicely, all of their immigration paperwork in order. One, in fact, happens to be my sponsee, Eduardo (not his real name). For years he had a green card. But such authorizations lapse. In his case, this expiration was part of the wreckage of his active addiction. He’s been clean for almost a year now, but it will be a while before he makes enough money for the necessary legal fees to regularize his status.
What if Eduardo—who looks and sounds very Mexican—wanted to be of service by attending the 2011 Conference? Is he supposed to have to worry about walking to a coffee shop to fellowship, in case he is arrested and deported because his paperwork is not in order?
I would like for laws such as this to genuinely be “outside issues.” But in my opinion, it threatens our singleness of purpose and unity as a fellowship, by creating distinctions between addicts based on our immigration status. None of us, by definition, make it into CMA without breaking the law countless times. Can we afford to acquiesce in the marginalization of any member of our fellowship on that basis? We don’t do it when we take meetings into jails and prisons, and we certainly shouldn’t do it by holding our conferences in a city that could jeopardize some of our attendees.
The committees making the determination of venue for the conference are responsible to those they serve—meaning each and every one of us. If you feel, as I do, that our singleness of purpose is a higher spiritual principle than running the risking of appearing to have an opinion on an outside issue, please let your feelings be known. If you disagree, by all means share them as well. This decision should be made with as much input from as many of you as possible—that’s how we do things.
Mark O.
Tradition 5 reads: Each group has but one primary purpose; to carry its message to the addict that still suffers.
At first glance it would seem that the choice of Phoenix as the venue of the 2011 CMA World conference should be unaffected by the recent law—passed but not yet in effect—that will require police to check the paperwork of anyone who can be “reasonably suspected” of being in the United States illegally. I believe, however, this “outside issue” is an “inside issue,” as it could seriously impact a segment of our fellowship.
Living in Los Angeles, I’ve known more than a few addicts who do not have, to put it nicely, all of their immigration paperwork in order. One, in fact, happens to be my sponsee, Eduardo (not his real name). For years he had a green card. But such authorizations lapse. In his case, this expiration was part of the wreckage of his active addiction. He’s been clean for almost a year now, but it will be a while before he makes enough money for the necessary legal fees to regularize his status.
What if Eduardo—who looks and sounds very Mexican—wanted to be of service by attending the 2011 Conference? Is he supposed to have to worry about walking to a coffee shop to fellowship, in case he is arrested and deported because his paperwork is not in order?
I would like for laws such as this to genuinely be “outside issues.” But in my opinion, it threatens our singleness of purpose and unity as a fellowship, by creating distinctions between addicts based on our immigration status. None of us, by definition, make it into CMA without breaking the law countless times. Can we afford to acquiesce in the marginalization of any member of our fellowship on that basis? We don’t do it when we take meetings into jails and prisons, and we certainly shouldn’t do it by holding our conferences in a city that could jeopardize some of our attendees.
The committees making the determination of venue for the conference are responsible to those they serve—meaning each and every one of us. If you feel, as I do, that our singleness of purpose is a higher spiritual principle than running the risking of appearing to have an opinion on an outside issue, please let your feelings be known. If you disagree, by all means share them as well. This decision should be made with as much input from as many of you as possible—that’s how we do things.
Mark O.
Monday, May 10, 2010
GSR Report - May 2010
Hello Everyone,
I want to thank all those who attended the district meeting. Thank you for enduring the elements and I want to assure you that we secured the room for the next three months so no more park benches.
So there are a few up coming things that we need to get the word out about.
The Information and Outreach committee needs your support to get the word out about CMA. There are several commitments open so please contact Roger D through the CMAinLA.com website if you want to be of service. We need a parolee liaison as well as people to distribute CMA information to local distribution points.
Hospitals and Institutions
The H&I sub committee is growing and panel leaders are needed as new H & I panels come on line. Please consider being of service once a month by leading a panel if you have a year or more. Please consider speaking on a panel if you have 6 months or more. We need your help and helping others is how we stay sober!
Also, if your meeting doesn't have an H & I Liaison who attends the monthly H & I meeting, please see if your meeting would like to make that an elected commitment. It is another way for your meeting to allow someone to step up into service and save their lives. They are asked to attend one monthly meeting at the weho recovery center and make announcements about H & I at their meeting.
CMA Help Line
The next phone line training will be on the 24th of May at 6pm at 6018 Carlton Way #2 Hollywood 90028
Any CMA member with 1 year or more can learn how to answer the CMA phone line from their cell phone. Phone calls are forwarded to them for a 4 hour shift once a week. They will be trained on how to guide callers to CMA meetings. It is a great way to be of service.
Upcoming Events
The next event is the "Love and Service" event on June 19th. A gathering of CMA members from all over the country will center around 3 workshops.
"Working the 12 steps with a sponsor."
"Applying the 12 traditions to your group."
and "Understanding the CMA Service Manual and the 12 Concepts of World Service."
This will be followed by an ice cream social and a speaker meeting. It all starts at 1pm on June 19th at the
Hilton Garden Inn El Segundo.
The address and phone number are
2100 East Mariposa Avenue
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 726-0100
There will be a small donation accepted.
We are planning a day of Softball and fellowship for July 10th. Anyone who wants to be of service for this event please contact Dale G through the cmainla.com website. This will be a chance for LA and Long Beach to get together and have fun bringing the whole fellowship together. We are planning a softball game and barbeque. The location will be announced soon.
We have chosen a location and a time for the Los Angeles CMA spiritual retreat. We are planning on early October in Idylwilde. If all goes as planned, the cost will be 160.00 per person for the entire weekend including meals. It is at a Zen meditation center and more information will follow. Please contact Dale G if you want to secure your reservation and/or be of service.
Remember - All GSR's are requested to attend the California Area Assembly Saturday May 22nd at 1:30 pm at the Fullerton Alano Club
530 W Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton CA
Take the Euclid Exit off of the 91 freeway.
714-992-0988
We will be discussing issues of great importance to the California area.
Thank you for being of service.
I want to thank all those who attended the district meeting. Thank you for enduring the elements and I want to assure you that we secured the room for the next three months so no more park benches.
So there are a few up coming things that we need to get the word out about.
The Information and Outreach committee needs your support to get the word out about CMA. There are several commitments open so please contact Roger D through the CMAinLA.com website if you want to be of service. We need a parolee liaison as well as people to distribute CMA information to local distribution points.
Hospitals and Institutions
The H&I sub committee is growing and panel leaders are needed as new H & I panels come on line. Please consider being of service once a month by leading a panel if you have a year or more. Please consider speaking on a panel if you have 6 months or more. We need your help and helping others is how we stay sober!
Also, if your meeting doesn't have an H & I Liaison who attends the monthly H & I meeting, please see if your meeting would like to make that an elected commitment. It is another way for your meeting to allow someone to step up into service and save their lives. They are asked to attend one monthly meeting at the weho recovery center and make announcements about H & I at their meeting.
CMA Help Line
The next phone line training will be on the 24th of May at 6pm at 6018 Carlton Way #2 Hollywood 90028
Any CMA member with 1 year or more can learn how to answer the CMA phone line from their cell phone. Phone calls are forwarded to them for a 4 hour shift once a week. They will be trained on how to guide callers to CMA meetings. It is a great way to be of service.
Upcoming Events
The next event is the "Love and Service" event on June 19th. A gathering of CMA members from all over the country will center around 3 workshops.
"Working the 12 steps with a sponsor."
"Applying the 12 traditions to your group."
and "Understanding the CMA Service Manual and the 12 Concepts of World Service."
This will be followed by an ice cream social and a speaker meeting. It all starts at 1pm on June 19th at the
Hilton Garden Inn El Segundo.
The address and phone number are
2100 East Mariposa Avenue
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 726-0100
There will be a small donation accepted.
We are planning a day of Softball and fellowship for July 10th. Anyone who wants to be of service for this event please contact Dale G through the cmainla.com website. This will be a chance for LA and Long Beach to get together and have fun bringing the whole fellowship together. We are planning a softball game and barbeque. The location will be announced soon.
We have chosen a location and a time for the Los Angeles CMA spiritual retreat. We are planning on early October in Idylwilde. If all goes as planned, the cost will be 160.00 per person for the entire weekend including meals. It is at a Zen meditation center and more information will follow. Please contact Dale G if you want to secure your reservation and/or be of service.
Remember - All GSR's are requested to attend the California Area Assembly Saturday May 22nd at 1:30 pm at the Fullerton Alano Club
530 W Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton CA
Take the Euclid Exit off of the 91 freeway.
714-992-0988
We will be discussing issues of great importance to the California area.
Thank you for being of service.
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