Trusted Servants At Work (and play)

by Judi T

CoDA's National and World Services Boards met in mid-January, and I drove down to New York so I could report to the Boards on behalf of the National Literature Committee. I also had some wonderful opportunities while there to see New York City CoDA in action, and I’d like to share some of my experiences with you.

I attended part of a daylong New York City CoDA Shar-A-Thon, which took place in a public school. There were lots of topic meetings; I attended one on "mother relationships" which was powerful. I am amazed and gratified that I can join a group of codependents and feel comfortable. I didn’t feel like a stranger, even though I didn’t know anybody in the meeting! We all shared at least two common bonds: our codependence and our desire to heal.

One of my important childhood issues is the feeling I had of not belonging, not fitting in. It is truly a sign of my recovery that I can be among a group of people I don’t know, and feel at ease.

That night, a large group of us went to dinner in Chinatown. Some attended the Shar-A-Thon Dance afterward. I went to the 107th floor of the World Trade Center to see a spectacular view of the city with several CoDA friends.

I have attended our own MA/NH/RI Intergroup Board meetings for years, and in New York I had the chance to see how their Board operates. They discussed many of the same issues that we have in our area: difficulty keeping the meeting list updated, wanting to have meeting information available by telephone, how to encourage participation in service. Their Intergroup meeting was fast-paced, definitely faster than our Intergroup! Maybe we can adapt some of their efficiencies for our own use! During the meeting, Wally, of CoDA’s National Board, talked about Positions in Service. I suggested that we could gain attention for this effort to increase service by using the acronym PIS. (!!!) Some of us went out for delicious Italian food after the meeting.

I wish more members had the opportunity to see the service work in action! I am so impressed with the numbers of people around the country who give untold hours of their time to CoDA service work. The dedication! The recovery! I enjoyed seeing some people that I knew from the 1997 Conference, and getting to know them better. I have such warm feelings for these CoDA people who have worked---and continue to work--- their recovery. Who are serious about our primary spiritual aim---to "carry the message", as expressed in Step Twelve.

I was pleased that a major goal of the NLC is being implemented as a result of the meeting; a vastly simplified Contributor’s Agreement was approved. The NLC believes this will increase literature submissions from, and for, the Fellowship.

Also, some new audiotapes were approved for availability, and will appear on the next Literature Order Form.

CoDA’s National Literature Committee welcomes participation--visit our projects list on this web site!