Registrar’s Report on NERAASA 2023
Registrar Report
2023 NERAASA
This past February I had the privilege of attend NERAASA in Albany. As a first-timer I was unsure what to expect, but learned there are a lot of alcoholics in the North East Region that care about A.A. as a whole. Panel topics varied from lighting up dark districts to safety in meetings to the effectiveness of a group conscious. The phrase “Best for me may not be the best for all” stuck with me the most. It is easy to believe how I got sober in A.A. is “the” way to sobriety. When, in fact, this is far from the truth. So many people come into A.A. to find a way out of alcoholism that are not exactly like me. Who am I to say something I didn’t need (i.e. Plain Language Big Book translation) won’t help someone else stay sober?
I attended the Registrar and Secretary round tables, where I learned my experiences with registering groups and Fellowship Connection are far from unique. I meet with Area Registrars every month and it was great to see some familiar faces in person! At the end of the conference representatives from each roundtable (i.e. Chairpersons, Registrar/Secretary, P.I., Corrections, GSRs, DCMs, etc.) gave a report of their discussions. The Chairperson representative reported discussions on overcoming strong personalities while the Español representative shared how Hispanics are alcoholics first and no different from other alcoholics. The representative from the GSR roundtable shared how setting simple, easy service positions can be a great entry into service, and I’m looking forward to incorporating this in my homegroup.
I also attended the NERAASA business meeting Saturday night. I’m very grateful to learn alcoholics at business meetings, regardless of service level, are all the same.
I am grateful I had the opportunity to attend NERAASA and I know for sure I’ll be bringing more people in my car next year.
