The importance of giving everyone a chance to be heard

[admin]

The importance of giving everyone a chance to be heard.
Concept Five: "The rights of appeal and petition protect minorities and insure that they be heard."
When opinions are freely given, a divergent viewpoint can be examined and evaluated. It could possible stimulate a second look at an old issue. With new input, a more suitable solution or approach to an old problem might be found.
A member said, "Even when I was new in the program and pretty much off the wall, nobody ever told me that I was wrong. They simply allowed me the space, the time, and the experience to find out for myself." This concept is the basis of a democratic way to solve problems. In my home and in the group, when one member thinks differently from the rest, the use of this concept makes it possible for that person's voice to be heard.
I see young parents in groups allowing family debate and discussion. Even the angry members of the family voice their opinions. When possible, the children get a vote in the family plans and decisions, but they always get a voice.
Everyone counts. Nobody is discounted. What a healthy way to grow.
by Anonymous

Reproduced with permission

[saved1]

This concept is extremely important especially concerning newcomers.

Sometimes we forget the newcomer,we bump posts and dominate all areas of discussion.
Are we really helping by doing this?Community flourishes when encouraged not discouraged.
:1:

[MajestyJo]

People told me that people new in recovery have nothing to say and shouldn't be taking part in meetings. It is even hard to accept people who get up and preach and come across as their way is the only way. The last time I went to a meeting near me, there were only 5 people there that use to go when I went there 5 years ago. Only one of them a woman. It is a progressive disease. Even when we don't pick up, our disease continues to grow if we become complacent and stop sharing with others.

I feel bad because I have problems walking the 5 long blocks to get there at night, especially when I don't get an offer of a ride home when it is dark. I live just around the corner from the 'in' place to drink, the fashionable place to be seen, the outdoor patios, and I don't feel safe coming home at night with my walker. Never bothered me when I could walk talk, feel confident and I could defend myself if necessary.

I would like to think that I encourage others to share or to keep coming back. I try not to always copy and paste but speak from the heart and share my esh on the boards. If something speaks to me I respond. If something is a whole lot of words, especially in small print, I seldom read it unless it is in large print. Having said that I know that I can click on Ctrl + and make it larger or Ctrl - to make it smaller.

I know that I can't make anyone do anything, if they aren't willing, there is nothing I can do. I am as powerless over their disease as I am my own.

I was told there were no stupid questions. I encourage people to read even if they had problems. When you allow them to try, they grow within themselves and feel good about themselves. I never tell someone the word unless they ask for help.

I use to be one of those who wanted to read the whole thing because others were so slow and didn't know how to do it. That is how I learned I had a monstrous ego.

[saved1]

I believe all said reinforces the importance of the central thought.
It clarify s the right thing to do.

Tradition Two, from the AA Twelve Steps/Traditions book reveals more insight on this.
Page 135, reflected upon, reveals a natural trait, thus ending any confusion.

The traditions are our guide to better living when recognized and used.

[admin]

Everyone needs / wants someone who will listen to them.

[MajestyJo]

As I shared with someone tonight, I have one reason to go to AA. I have 3-33 reasons to go to Al-Anon.

[marlene damore]

Principle over personality! What a gift for harmony, deflation of the ego and brotherly love.