Recording Secretary’s Report on NERAASA 2023
Recording Secretary Report
2023 NERAASA
NERAASA was an amazing experience, this was the second chance that I have had to go to this Service Assembly. Some of the main takeaways that I took with me home from Albany were my experiences at the Round Tables, the speakers for the panels challenging me to think about the newcomer. How important it is for me to realize that even though I have managed to put together a series of days consecutively, it is vital for the good of AA to continue to keep in mind that individual who is walking through the doors of AA for their first time.
I saw comradery across the NorthEast Region with lots of discussion trying to exchange ideas and perspectives to continue to grow. There was so much laughter in passing conversations, and seriousness when discussion prompted for attention. What I really saw was love being shown for AA, for the newcomer, and for our region.
I also took away the mention of the Plain Language Big Book. How many can’t actually read the Big Book as it is written in the 4th edition. How when I make decisions in AA; as a homegroup member, as a servant at Area 47, and when I am offering input for the delegate to carry to the General Service Conference, that I keep in mind that newcomer.
Also when considering the pamphlets and agenda items that change literature, to keep in mind who we are excluding with our literature as it is today. Who is, as a result of the way we approach newcomers, or as a result of the way some of our literature is written, being deterred from AA. Are we including our Spanish Speaking members in our meetings, are we making our meetings accessible for ASL, for the deaf or hard of hearing? How much room do we have to grow with our translations of the BIg Book and other literature. It’s great that we have literature in over a hundred languages and the Big Book is translated in over 70, but there are over 7,000 languages in the world. So how can we continue to grow in that respect?
I’m excited to hear the new additions to the stories in the back of the 5th edition Big Book in hopes that this can help reach the most possible alcoholics in the reflection of the membership today
For the Round Tables, it was an interesting take, as most secretaries had recording secretaries that took the minutes for the assembly. I did learn that there is an option I can pursue for taking attendance that may help ease the process, as I endeavor to help with that responsibility for our Area. There was also great discussion about how many Area Assemblies are most effective for the year. There was research talked about that showed that a less frequent number of Area Assemblies actually produces a higher rate of attendance at Area Assembly, and then the Area Committee would meet in-between those times. We in Area 47 meet the most frequently from what I gathered at the roundtable.
The last thing I”ll mention is a note from one of the panelists, mentioning that our leaders need to be informed. I just wanted to mention how grateful I am that our Area (with consideration to our Delegate) has created a highly inclusive format for gathering feedback with regards to this year’s agenda items. I look forward to seeing what this produces and how our Area can discuss how we can be best informed and best inform our Delegate, to carry our conscience to this year’s General Service Conference.
I took away so much from this NERAASA and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to attend it. I look forward to hearing what others’ experiences were like and what their takeaways were from the Service Assembly.
