| 1.0 | Introduction |
| 2.0 | Purpose |
| 3.0 | Scope |
| 4.0 | Native American AA - Background |
| 5.0 | Native American AA - Enclosures |
| 5.1 | Application to participate in the World Service Meeting of AA |
| 5.2 | March 26, 1993, Letter from Paul C., Area 8 Delegate |
| 5.3 | October 1995, resubmitted application |
| 5.4 | October 18, 1995, Letter from Sarah P., General Service Staff |
| 5.5 | April 5, 1999, Letter from Greg M., General Service Manager |
| 5.6 | April 14, 1999, Meeting minutes re-establishing the NAIGSB |
| 5.7 | May 21, 1999, Letter from Earl L. to the heads of Native Nations |
| 5.8 | August 21, 1999, Implementation Plan for the NAIGSO |
| 5.9 | Structure of the Fellowship |
| 5.10 | October 12, 1999, Letter from Greg M., General Service Manager |
| 5.11 | May 12, 2000, Correspondence from GSO, New York to NAIGSO |
| 5.12 | June 10, 2000, Correspondence from NAIGSO to GSO, New York |
| 5.13 | August 15, 2000, Correspondence from GSO, New York to NAIGSO |
| 5.14 | November 27, 2000, Correspondence from GSO, New York to NAIGSO |
| 5.15 | December 3, 2000, Correspondence from NAIGSO to GSO, New York |
| 5.16 | January 2, 2001, Correspondence from GSO, New York to NAIGSO |
| 5.17 | NAIGSO-AA Organization News and Comments archives from December 13, 2004 back to March 2, 2001 |
to return to Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION.
With encouragement from General Services Office, New York, NY, the Native American
Indian General Service Board (NAIGSB) reactivated on April 17, 1999. The NAIGSO was
established May 8, 1999.
2.0
PURPOSE.
To help our Indian people obtain sobriety through the Spirit of the 12 Steps
and 12 Traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA).
To be a helping hand to General Services Office, New York, NY, and World Service,
New York, NY as an information source and referral service.
To induce Native American Indian AA groups and peoples to work closely and confidently
with General Services Office and World Services in AA.
3.0
SCOPE.
Represents all Native American Indians, wherever they are practicing the 12 Steps
and 12 Traditions of AA.
The organization/service flow shall adapt to the Indian culture and traditional way
of life. The GSO shall develop organizational structure and provide service in concert
with their traditional manner of gathering(s).
4.0
NATIVE AMERICAN AA - BACKGROUND
1989-1993. AA concluded "the message" was not effectively being carried
to the Native American people. San Diego Area 8 was selected to form a "Carry
the Message to the Native American ad hoc committee". The committee was to establish
meetings on the reservations in San Diego County, solicit support from urban groups
to keep them going, and report back the results with recommendations.
MARCH 1993. AA meetings were established on twelve of the eighteen reservations
in San Diego County. Native American customs and traditions were included into the
order of the meetings. It was determined by the "ad hoc" committee that
the Native American people should be as sovereign and that their own General Service
Office should represent the Nations with delegate(s) seated on the World Service
Committee. An application for Native American Indian Nations to participate in the
World Service Meeting of AA was submitted.
5.0
NATIVE AMERICAN AA - ENCLOSURES
5.1
APPLICATION FOR NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN NATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD SERVICE
MEETING OF AA AND FIRST NATIONS - SOVEREIGNTY DOCUMENT.
APPLICATION FOR NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN NATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD SERVICE
MEETING OF ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS
PROPOSAL:
We propose to integrate the following concepts to effectively carry the message of
Alcoholics Anonymous (hereafter "A.A") to the Native American Indian: 1)
a Service board to service the Indian Nations; 2) provision of service to the Indian
nations in accordance with the Spirit of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of
Alcoholics Anonymous; 3) action to carry out service duties and participate at World
Service Conventions of AA; and 4) networking of Indian Nations throughout United
States and Canada. We feel that recovering Indian alcoholics, willing to travel many
miles at their own expense to pray, eat and share their experience, strength and
hope, will nurture a spiritual awakening. We feel that this truly is the spirit of
attraction and that the Higher Power will give it increase. In augmentation, the
United States Congress recognizes that Indian people are the indigenous people of
this continent and makeup sovereign nations. Accordingly, we formally and respectfully
request the World Services of A.A. to recognize that Indian people are indigenous
to our land, makeup sovereign nations, and welcome their delegates to participate
in A.A. World Service Meetings.
BACKGROUND:
Alcoholics Anonymous General Services Office of the United States has recognized
that the Native American Indians in the United States have not been reached. Some
of the reasons why this is so are as follows: The Indian people within United States
and Canada are struggling to obtain their identity. They are a people that have been
told to integrate into the mainstream of society, to become part of the melting pot
of nationalities that make up the American/Canadian people. However, after being
told to become one with American/Canadian people, they have not been treated equally.
For people to have their own identity and self worth they must be treated equally.
Since signing peace treaties with the United States/Canada, the Indian people have
been told they are a sovereign nation and have been partially treated as such. They
have their own police, constitution, laws, tax structure, etc.. Some even have their
own reservation car license plates and highway patrol. They have full rights to govern
themselves. The treaties ensure water rights, mineral rights, land rights, and the
list goes on and on. It is more and more a recognized fact that the Indian people
are truly nations within the United States and Canada. The Indians are hurting and
dying in their alcoholism and struggling for survival. They have been traumatized.
This has been passed on from generation to generation. Indian people need to be recognized
as sovereign nations, whose ways, culture, and traditions are spiritual. They need
to be whole and true to themselves i.e. to experience their own identity, to have
people come to them and share recovery in an Indian way and to take part in their
culture, way of life, and traditions.
PRESENT CONDITION:
Indians are a people who have their own outlook on
how to live in harmony and balance. They are polite to listen, but will go on their
own way. Those that attend AA meetings want to get sober, break the cycle of alcoholism,
and get a new life in sobriety. As Indians, we see and understand the message of
recovery must come from within. Indians must be acknowledged as sovereign nations;
they must be encouraged to come forth on their own, allowing AA to flourish from
within, to network and meet throughout the land at pow-wows, A.A. and tribal gatherings.
This is the way of the Indian.
What has worked, in the San Diego Area up to this point is the formation of an A.A.
ad-hoc committee to carry the message to the Native American. The committee had roving
potluck meetings each month, meeting at different locations through out the area,
and having a different host reservations each month. When an Indian interest in starting
an A.A. meeting on the reservation, his tribal counsel was approached and A.A. traditions
were explained (such as being self supportive), along with what A.A. does not do.
A tribal location and date to start the meeting would be agreed upon. All participants
dedicate themselves to support the new meeting, making sure someone is always there
to open the door. This level of experience did not come about overnight; but over
a period of years. It has been shown in the San Diego area that this way of encouraging
the message to come from within does work. The San Diego area presently has thriving
A.A. meetings on twelve of its eighteen reservations. The San Diego ad hoc committee
approach is extremely effective as long as the are carrying the message of A.A.
The United States/Canada is the home of the Native American Indian. Most of his land
has been taken away, but the Native Americans continue as nations. A.A. can effectively
carry the message to the Native American if he recognizes and embraces this concept
of an Indian GSO. Please realize this is just not a isolated pipedream of a few people,
but is rather a movement. There is groundswell throughout Indian Country to experience
the A.A. fellowship from within. There is tremendous support for this undertaking
in California, Nevada, Arizona, North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan, Alberta,
Quebec, etc.. We have been requested by our Elders to carry this vision forward!
CONCLUSION:
In essence we have the way, the means, the love, the hope, and the vision to carry
the vision message to the nations of Indian people. For example, the past two years
we have held a National/International A.A. Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Last
year the attendance was in the excess of 4000 Indian alcoholics, with more than 61
tribes represented. This year more will come. We must honor Indian people in their
own right, give them honor where honor is due, and recognize them for who they are
-- nations of people within a nation. It is imperative to support the Native American
Indian in healing through his own awareness and understanding; to encourage the Indian
to invite others into Indian Country to share in A.A. meetings. We must respect the
Native American and welcome their nations delegate to the World Service Conventions.
We understand there is no standardized form for membership in the World service Meeting,
but we wish to make it clear that are ready to meet the requirements for new countries
to participate, namely, to have an operating general service board and/or literature
distribution center, and, to submit this document as a formal application to be forwarded
to the World Service Meeting/ Policy/Admissions/Finance Committee for approval by
2/3 vote of the Committee Members. We are aware of the financial responsibility for
countries participating in the World service Meeting and will fulfill our delegate's
commitment and financial responsibility.
We feel that formally recognizing and serving the Indian people as a group of nations
will effectively carry the message to the Native American. With the formation of
a Native American Indian General Services Office, representing all Native Americans
wherever they are practicing the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of A.A., this
much needed Native American Indian General Services Office is a strong step in bringing
Native American A.A. groups and peoples working closely and confidently with Alcoholics
Anonymous. The Native American GSO work can include, but not limited to, a helping
hand to GSO and World Service, New York, NY as an information source and referral
service. We thank you in advance for your support in this very consequential situation.
Earl W. L., Jr., Chairman
Joshua W., Vice Chairman
NAIGSB
P.O. Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92040
First Nations - Sovereign Nations
In the United States there are hundreds of differing Native American Indian tribes.
Each tribe has a sovereign legal status; each tribe has its own customs, language
and worldview. In other words, each indigenous tribe is a separate nation. These
tribes were a part of what the European explorers and settlers encountered in the
Americas, so there is no question that the indigenous tribes are the first people
of the Americas. Where do the tribal leaders of America ever get the idea that their
Indian reservations are, indeed, sovereign nations? The idea of sovereign nations
within a nation is often quite repugnant to most non-Indians, and it is a concept
difficult for them to understand. So where did Indians get such an idea?
One need look no further than the Constitution of the United States, Article 1, Sec.
8, to see why Indians consider their lands to be sovereign. It reads: "The Congress
shall have the power to borrow money on the credit of the United States; to regulate
commerce with foreign nations and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes."
It doesnít say "to regulate commerce with the Indian tribes through the state
governments." It is explicit. It says, quite clearly, that the United States
recognized Indian tribes as separate nations with powers equal to foreign nations
and state governments.
Somewhere along the way many forgot this. State and federal lawmakers forgot. Federal
laws such as Public Law 280, which gave some state governments jurisdiction over
some Indian tribes (although in clear violation of the U.S. Constitution) have created
a hodge- podge of jurisdictional regulations that are strangling the sovereignty
of many Indian tribes. But worse yet, Alcoholics Anonymous forgot!
The structure of the AA fellowship must be in a form attractive to the alcoholic
Indian. The Native American Indian General Service Office (NAIGSO) recognizes the
need for each Nation, tribe, and band to honor their spiritual customs and traditions
and to base recovery on those living principles. The form of these spiritual customs
and traditions cannot be separated from the social aspects of daily living and thus
it cannot be separated from the structure and form of AA. This applies to individuals
in recovery, to the AA group, and to the nations of the world.
Dual citizenship - what a disturbing concept! However, the good news is the fact
that Indian alcoholic being a citizen of two nations is not a circumstance to shun
and fear, but one to understand, embrace, and use for helping them. The Indian is
beyond a shadow of doubt, a citizen of two nations. AA must provide service through
each nation.
Lasting sobriety comes through oneís own culture and must not be in conflict with
it, whether one nation (U.S. or Reservation), or a combination of them both (U.S.
and Reservation). It is very conceivable that both GSO (New York) and NAIGSO could
serve one Group. The intent of establishing the NAIGSO and World Services seating
is not to take away from the GSO, New York. They do not supplement, add, or enhance
it, either. They simply serve and provide representation through their delegates
at World Services.
5.2
MARCH 26, 1993. Letter from Paul C., Area 8 Delegate, indicating San Diego
Area's continued support for Indian Sovereignty in AA.
2693 Butler Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
March 26, 1993
Joshua W.
10668 Duke Miguel Court
Santee, CA 92071
Dear Joshua:
I just wanted to let you know that I presented the situation of the native American
Committee to the Area Committee on March 18. The Area Committee understood your committeeís
desire to operate autonomously, with no association with the Area assembly, and join
me in sending you best wishes.
Of course, if there is any way we can help, please call. On a personal note, I appreciate
all the time and great dedication you and your father have given to this committee
over the years. Please keep in touch and let me know how things are going.
Yours in A.A.,
Paul C., Delegate
Panel 42, Area 8
California San Diego ó Imperial
9619) 433-9169
cc: J.P. P., Area Chairman
Lois F., GSO
John G., GSO
George D., GSO
Greg M., Pacific Regional Trustee
5.3
OCTOBER 1995. Resubmitted application. At the Annual National/International
Native American Indian Convention in Rapid City Sarah P., General Service Staff,
suggested resubmitting the Application for Native American Indian Nations to Participate
in the world Service Meeting.
5.4
OCTOBER 18, 1995. Letter from Sarah P., General Service Staff, indicating
disapproval of Native American seating at the World Services Meeting.
October 18, 1995
Don W.
8661 Wintergardens Blvd. #93
Lakeside, CA 92040
Dear Don:
It was a great pleasure for Les L. and me and me to meet you and Sylvia
at the Fifth Annual National/International Indian Convention in Rapid City. We enjoyed
being with you both and sharing at the banquet, and attending the A.A. meeting on
Saturday night.
Don, when you and I conversed about your wish to form a Native American service structure,
and apply to be seated at the World Service Meeting, I hadnít thought it through.
At our weekly A.A. staff meeting, I was reminded that in keeping with the policy
of seating service structures at the World Service Meeting, only one service structure
for each country is eligible. Since service structures, and groups within a service
structure, follow the same principles, and have the same goals, each country is simply
encouraged to work out and accommodate the differences among members.
I have just read a 1991 report from the San Diego-Imperial Area on how the A.A. groups
were being formed on the reservations there, and that A.A.s on the reservation were
participating in the Area Committee. So things are working there. In New Mexico and
Arizona, Native A.A.s participate in the Area Assemblies; a March 1995 report from
Alberta, Canada says the A.A. is rapidly growing in the Northwest Territories, and
for the most part doing so in the traditional A.A. way. And, the Convention we just
attended was traditional A.A. too. So from these indicators, we probably can work
things out too.
Let us hear your thoughts, Don. Meanwhile, Les joins me and all of the G.S.O. staff
in sending you and Sylvia our best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Sarah P.
General Service staff
Cc: Les L.
5.5
APRIL 5, 1999. Letter from Greg M., General Manager of General Service Office
of AA expressing interest and support on the reformation of the NAIGSO. After
discussion with Greg M., General Manager of General Service Office of AA, it was
suggested that Earl L. re-convene the Native American General Service Board (NAIGSB),
re-establish the NAIGSO, and submit the names of two delegates for seating on the
World Services Committee.
April 5, 1999
Don W.
8661 Wintergardens Blvd., #93
Lakeside, CA 92040
Dear Don:
I want to thank you for taking time last week to discuss with me the problems and
solutions facing the Native American Indian. You truly stretched my mind and opened
my eyes to a world of service work that was theretofore hidden from my view. Iíve
asked Susan U., who is the staff person who handles Regional Forums and Special
Forums to send you the information on the Window Rock Special forum. I do hope that
you will register and be there to help us celebrate the wonderful Fellowship of A.A.
I would appreciate being kept up-to-date on yours and Earlís progress on the reformation
of Native American service Office. Anything that A.A.ís General Service Office can
do to help carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers is our one and only
aim. I look forward to meeting you in Window Rock and until then, please know that
I send you my warmest A.A. love.
Your friend,
Greg M.
General Manager
GM/ls
Cc: Susan U.
5.6
APRIL 14, 1999. Meeting minutes re-establishing the NAIGSB.
Minutes for the Native American Indian General Service Board (NAIGSB) meeting held
4/17/99 at 2404 Larkspur Dr., Alpine, California.
For meeting participants see attached Members and Members at Large participants attendance
roster.
Earl L., chairman, called meeting to order.
Joshua W., vice chairman, gave opening prayer.
Treasurer report: Don W., gave the treasurer report. Balance on hand is $493.91.
Old business:
| 1. | Background given by Treasurer, Don W. |
| 2. | Review of status of NAIGSB and selected delegates to World Services given by chairman, Earl L.. |
New business:
| 1. | Motion to reactivate the NAIGSB made by Don W.
Seconded by Steven G. and unanimously approved. The reactivated NAIGSB is as follows:Chairman:
Earl L.; Vice Chairman: Joshua W.; Treasurer: Don W.; Secretary: vacant; Historian: Rachael C. |
| 2. | Motion by Juan V. to reactivate Earl L. and Joshua W. as selected delegates to World Services. Seconded by Samm H. and unanimously approved. The selected delegates to World Services are Earl L. and Joshua W. |
| 3. | Motion by Joshua W. to combine the positions of treasurer and secretary. Seconded by Helen F. and unanimously approved. The treasurer, Don W., will concurrently be the NAIGSB treasurer and secretary. |
| 4. | Action item: The treasurer will expend NAIGSB funds to rent a P.O. Box for the NAIGSB in a local post office. |
| 5. | Due to the lengthy inactive period of the NAIGSB, Joshua W. made a motion that this meeting be a new start, that is, the initial meeting for the record. Seconded by Raul R. and unanimously approved. |
| 6. | Next meeting is scheduled for 5/8/99, 1:00 P.M. at 2404 Larkspur Dr., Alpine, California. |
| 1. | Agenda. |
| 2. | Listing: Board members and selected delegates to World Services. |
| 3. | Qualifications for a World Services Delegate. |
| 4. | Qualifications for countries participating in the World Service Meeting. |
| 5. | Application for Native American Indian Nations to participate in the World Service Meeting of Alcoholic Anonymous. |
| 6. | 3/26/93 letter from Paul C., Area 8 Delegate indicating San Diego Area continued support for Indian Sovereignty in AA. |
| 7. | 10/18/95 letter from Sarah P., General Service Staff, indicating non-approval of Native American seating at the World Services Meeting. |
| 8. | 4/5/99 letter from Greg M., General Manager of General Service Office of AA expressing interest and support on the reformation of the NAIGSO. |
5.7
MAY 21, 1999. Letter from Earl L. to the heads of Native American Nations to
obtain, in a good way, consensus for NAIGSO interaction with the people.
NATIVE AMERICAN GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE (NAIGSO)
OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
P.O. Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92040
May 21, 1999
Native American Nations
United States and Canada
Dear Heads of Nations:
The General Services Office and World Services of Alcoholics Anonymous, New York
City, NY, encouraged us to activate a Native American Indian General Service Board
of AA (NAIGSB) and establish a NAIGSO. This has been accomplished as of May 8, 1999.
To implement, we wish to acknowledge the sovereignty of each native American Indian
nation and obtain, in a good way, your consensus for NAIGSO interaction with your
people. Please respond.
It is our vision: 1) To help our Indian people to obtain sobriety through the Spirit
of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). 2) To work closely,
providing service in harmony with their culture and traditional manner of gathering(s).
The NAIGSO shall honor, provide service, and be responsible to the people of your
nation who desire to be sober and practice the 12 steps and 12 traditions of AA.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,
strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help
others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire
to stop drinking. There are no dues for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through
our own contributions. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics
to achieve sobriety.
For further information please feel free to contact myself or NAIGSB vice-chairman,
Joshua W. at (619) 561-7641.
Warm A.A. love,
Earl W. L. Jr., Chairman
NAIGSB
367 South Paha
Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 872-2861
5.8
AUGUST 21, 1999. Draft (8/21/99) Implementation Plan for the Native American
Indian General Service Office (NAIGSO). Written narrative of the Structure of the
Fellowship of AA for the Native American Indian.
DRAFT (8/21/99)
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN
GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE (NAIGSO)
INTRODUCTION.
With encouragement from General Services Office, New York, NY, the Native American
Indian General Service Board (NAIGSB) reactivated on April 17, 1999. The NAIGSO was
established May 8, 1999.
PURPOSE.
To help our Indian people obtain sobriety through the Spirit of the 12 Steps
and 12 Traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA).
To be a helping hand to General Services Office, New York, NY, and World Service,
New York, NY as an information source and referral service.
To induce Native American Indian AA groups and peoples to work closely and confidently
with General Services Office and World Services in AA.
SCOPE.
Represents all Native American Indians, wherever they are practicing the 12 Steps
and 12 Traditions of AA.
The organization/service flow shall adapt to the Indian culture and traditional way
of life. The GSO shall develop organizational structure and provide service in concert
with their traditional manner of gathering(s).
OBJECTIVES.
1. To acknowledge the sovereignty of each native American Indian nation and obtain,
in a good way, their consensus for NAIGSO interaction with their people.
Procedure:
a). Compose letter to the tribal councils explaining what AA does and does not do.
Indicate how the GSO is directly responsible to those they serve. That the GSO shall
honor, serve, and be responsible to the people of their nation who desire to be sober
and practice the 12 steps and 12 traditions of AA.
Status: Closed. Letter composed.
b). Obtain the address of the tribal council for each Native American Indian nation
and mail a copy of the subject letter to them.
Status: Closed. Obtained address of each Nation in continental U.S., including
Alaska. A copy of the subject letter mailed to these addresses on 6/25/99.
2. Develop a NAIGSO organizational and functional flow chart.
Procedure:
a). Determine where and what manner Indians gather and practice the 12 Steps and
12 Traditions of AA. E.g. groups talking circles, encampments, pow-wows, camp meetings,
and conventions.
Status: Closed. Determination complete.
b). Determine the natural/traditional and logical hierarchy of these gatherings.
Status: Closed. Determination complete.
c). Without compromising this hierarchy, fulfill NAIGSO organizational and functional
flow chart.
Status: Closed. The attached diagram is a vision of service by the Native
American Indian General Service Office (NAIGSO) to the more than 550 sovereign Indian
Nations in North America recognized by state governments and the Federal Government.
The structure of the fellowship is in a form as to become attractive to the alcoholic
Native American Indian. NAIGSO recognizes the need for each Nation, tribe, and band
to honor their spiritual customs and traditions and to base recovery on those living
principles. The form of these spiritual customs and traditions cannot be separated
from the social aspects of daily living and thus it cannot be separated from the
structure and form of AA. This applies to individuals in recovery, to the AA group,
and to NAIGSO as a whole. It is our vision to make all of the social aspects of our
natural gatherings available for AA meetings and fellowship. This includes but is
not limited to pot luck dinner meetings, pow wows, camp meetings, encampments, conventions,
and conferences. Each group is free in the tradition of AA to incorporate their own
traditional ways into the format of their meetings. At these gatherings, representatives
assigned, elected, or appointed by their AA group will meet and exchange information
which may then be communicated to the NAIGSO. The diagram is a design of the structure
of the AA fellowship for the Native American Indian. The outer circle represents
the universe of the Indian Nations of North America. NAIGSO is available to and has
sent communications introducing itself to almost all Indian Nations at this time.
This configuration is a dynamic representation of all the entities that are moving
and interacting with each other through the meetings, pow wows, conventions, conferences,
gatherings, etc. Although the NAIGSO is shown at the center of the circle, it is
always in touch and available to all individuals and groups. It is expected that
NAIGSO representatives will be available at these events. It is our intention
to provide a service organization that is able to evolve and grow to meet the needs
of those it serves. This is only a beginning and we expect the Creator to continue
to direct us all in the development and success of NAIGSO as time goes by.
3. Implement the NAIGSO organizational and functional flow chart using the AA
representative/delegate process for guidance.
Procedure:
a). Contact the committee chairmen of Native American Indian AA conventions. Work
with them to include on the convention program a meeting of Native American Indian
AA representatives/delegates. This service improvement meeting will provide two-way
communication to and from the NAIGSO. If available, obtain the confidential electronic
address listing of convention participants and their home groups/talking circles,
etc.
Status: Open. It is suggested that key participant(s) in the Conventions be
contacted for briefing and inclusion on the NAIGSB. Note: Hold off on further action
until after the meeting in Window Rock.
b). Repeat procedure for each of the higher order gatherings represented in the organization
hierarchy.
Status: Open.
c). Plan and schedule NAI General Service Conferences.
Status: Open.
4. Provide AA services through our own contributions.
Procedure:
a). Use gathered information to develop a Native American Indian AA directory.
Status: Open.
b). Maintain open door policy on needs/concerns. The Spirit of the 12 steps,
as discerned by the NAIGSB, will determine priority of NAIGSO action until their
delegates present the needs/concerns of the gatherings.
Status: On going.
c). Disburse information to the Gatherings regarding start up costs and suggested
percentage of the 7th Tradition to send in to the NAIGSO.
Status: On going. Secretaries of the local Indian meetings notified to proceed
with the above action.
d). Suggest that each person celebrating a sobriety birthday is encouraged to send
in to NAIGSO one dollar for each year.
Status: On going. Secretaries of the local Indian meetings notified to announce
this at the meetings. Historical note: Received the first sobriety birthday donation
to NAIGSO of $34.00 from Mr. Juan V..
e). Establish the NAIGSO as a California nonprofit corporation.
Status: Open. Samm Hurst donated The California Nonprofit Corporation Handbook
to use as a guide to accomplish this objective.
5.9
STRUCTURE OF THE FELLOWSHIP.
The attached diagram is a vision of service by the Native American Indian General
Service Office (NAIGSO) to the more than 550 sovereign Indian Nations in North America
recognized by state governments and the Federal Government. The population of Native
American Indians living in or near these Nations is reported by the US Census Bureau
to be almost 2 million people.
Our desire is to carry the message of AA recovery to the Native American Indian who
still suffers on every Native American Indian Nation and provide our experience,
strength, and hope in establishing and supporting meetings and groups.
The structure of the fellowship must be in a form as to become attractive to the
alcoholic Native American Indian. NAIGSO recognizes the need for each Nation, tribe,
and band to honor their spiritual customs and traditions and to base recovery on
those living principles. The form of these spiritual customs and traditions cannot
be separated from the social aspects of daily living and thus it cannot be separated
from the structure and form of AA. This applies to individuals in recovery, to the
AA group, and to NAIGSO as a whole.
It is our vision to make all of the social aspects of our natural gatherings available
for AA meetings and fellowship. This includes but is not limited to pot luck dinner
meetings, pow wows, camp meetings, encampments, conventions, and conferences. Each
group is free in the tradition of AA to incorporate their own traditional ways into
the format of their meetings. At these gatherings, representatives assigned, elected,
or appointed by their AA group will meet and exchange information which may then
be communicated to the NAIGSO.
The enclosed diagram is a design of the structure of the AA fellowship for the Native
American Indian. The outer circle represents the universe of the Indian Nations of
North America. NAIGSO is available to and has sent communications introducing itself
to almost all Indian Nations at this time.
This configuration is a dynamic representation of the AA Councils that are moving
and interacting with each other through the meetings, pow wows, conventions, conferences,
gatherings, etc. Although the NAIGSO is shown at the center of the circle, it is
always in touch and available to all individuals, groups, and councils. It is expected
that NAIGSO representatives will be available at these events.
It is our intention to provide a service organization that is able to evolve and
grow to meet the needs of those it serves. This is only a beginning and we expect
the Creator to continue to direct us all in the development and success of NAIGSO
as time goes by.
5.10
OCTOBER 12, 1999. Letter from Greg M., General Manager of General Service Office
of AA, transmitting World Services information and expressing continued concern on
the progress of the NAIGSO.
October 12, 1999
Don W.
Native American Indian
General Service Office of A.A.
P.O. Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92040
Dear Don:
As you have requested, I am enclosing a copy of the 15th World Service Meeting final
report along with a copy of the Delegate and Country Qualifications.
It was wonderful meeting with you and your friends and I look forward to many such
meetings in the future. Be sure to keep me posted on the progress of NAIGSO.
Warmest A.A. love.
Your friend,
Greg
5.11 MAY 12, 2000, Letter
from Eva S., International desk, GSO, New York, informing us of disapproval
of Native American seating at the World Services Meeting.
May 12, 2000
Mr. Donald E. W., Secretary
NAIGSO
P. O. Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92041
Dear Donald:
Warm greetings from G.S.O. in New York.
This letter is to inform you that the 16th World Service Meeting Committee on
Policy/Administrations/Finance considered the application of Native American
Indian Nations and determined that Native American Indian Nations does not meet
qualifications for delegate participation at the World Service Meeting. This
decision will be reported to the 16th World Service Meeting for ratification.
Following the World Service Meeting, October 22-26, 2000 we will send you a
letter confirming this decision by the 16th World Service Meeting.
Warm regards,
Eva S.
International Desk
G.S.O. New York
ES/ejb
5.12 JUNE 10, 2000, Letter
from Don W. to Eva S. responding to decision made by World Service
Meeting Committee.
June 10, 2000
Eva S.
International Desk
G.S.O. New York
Dear Eva:
Received your warm letter of May 12th informing me that the 16th World Service
Meeting Committee on Policy/Admissions/Finance determined that Native American
Indian Nations does not meet the qualifications for delegate participation at
the World Service Meetings and that the decision will be reported to the 16th
World Service Meeting October 22-26 for ratification.
The question that I need to ask you in a good way is, "After ratification
by the World Service Meeting, will your letter to me confirming the committee's
decision include where we fell short and what we need to accomplish (benchmarks)
to meet qualifications?" This will most helpful. We will be more than glad
to keep you informed of our progress as we work toward and meet the benchmarks.
We'd love to have your counsel, support and guidance on our journey to carry the
message to Native American Indian Nations.
Warm regards,
Don W.
Native American Indian General Service Office
Alcoholics Anonymous
P.O.Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92040
E-mail: naigso@home.com
Fax: (619) 443-4503
5.13 AUGUST 15, 2000 Letter
from Eva S., WSM Coordinator, GSO New York, regarding follow up letter.
August 15, 2000
Don W.
P. O. Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92041
Dear Don:
Greetings from the General Service Office in New York. Thank you for your warm
and thoughtful letter we received. It is good to have this opportunity to be in
contact, once again.
Following the 16th World Service Meeting in October, you can count on a follow-up letter with information in response to qualifications for World Service Meeting Countries and Delegates. We want to be helpful in your understanding of the necessary qualifications for participation at the World Service Meeting.
In the meantime, everyone here joins in sending all good wishes.
In fellowship,
Eva S.
WSM Coordinator
G.S.O. New York
ES/im
5.14 NOVEMBER 27, 2000 Letter
from Eva S., International Desk, GSO, New York regarding committee
decision.
November 27, 2000
Mr. Donald W., Secretary
NAIGSO
P. O. Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92041
Dear Donald:
I am writing this letter as a follow up to my previous correspondence dated May
12, 2000 informing you that the 16th World Service Meeting Committee on Policy/Admisssions/Finance
considered the request from Native American Nations and determined that NAIGSO
does not meet the qualifications of delegate participation at the World Service
Meeting.
As you know, the 16th World Service Meeting took place October 22-26, 2000 and the World Service Meeting ratified the above-mentioned decision of the Policy/Admisssions/Finance committee. I will quote directly from the report the results of that determination: "The committee reviewed the request from Native American Indian Nations and determined that Native American Indian Nations did not meet the qualifications for delegate participation at the World Service Meeting. The committee suggested Native American Indian Nations participate in local structures."
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regardingthe
decision of the delegates at the World Service Meeting. Meanwhile, I send to you
all good wishes for all the best that A.A. has to offer.
Kindest regards,
Eva S.
International Desk
G.S.O. New York
5.15 DECEMBER 3, 2000 Letter
from Don W. to Eva S., International Desk, GSO, New York, responding to
decisions made by the World Service Meeting Committee.
December 3, 2000
Eva S.
International Desk
G.S.O. New York
Dear Eva:
You indicated in your last correspondence, "... do not hesitate to contact
me if you have questions regarding the decision of the delegates at the World
Service Meeting." Thank you for being so gracious and "Yes, Eva, I do
have issues that need clarification." But first I'd like to review the
correspondence I received from your office and summarize my conclusions.
Your letter, dated 5/12/00, states:
"This letter is to inform you that the 16th World Service Meeting
Committee on Policy/Admissions/Finance considered the application of the Native
American Indian Nations and determined that Native American Indian Nations does
not meet the qualifications for delegate participation at the World Service
Meeting. This decision will be reported to the 16th World Service Meeting for
ratification. Following the World Service Meeting, October 22-26, 2000 we will
send you a letter confirming this decision by the World Service Meeting."
Conclusion:
The World Service Meeting committee on Policy/Admissions/Finance made the
determination and knows the rationale it used to support this determination.
Your letter, dated 8/15/00, states,
"Following the 16th World Service Meeting in October, you can count on a
follow-up letter with information in response to qualifications for World
Service Meeting Countries and Delegates. We want to be helpful in your
understanding of the necessary qualifications for participation at the World
Service Meeting."
Conclusion: When the World Service Meeting ratifies the
Policy/Admissions/Finance's Committee's determination, NAIGSO will be given a
detailed explanation of what improvement(s) are needed to meet qualifications.
Your letter, dated 11/27/00, states,
"I'm writing this letter as a follow up to my previous correspondence
dated May 12, 2000 informing you that the 16th World Service Meeting committee
on Policy/Admissions/Finance considered the request from Native American Indian
nations and determined that NAIGSO does not meet the qualifications of delegate
participation at the World Service Meeting. As you know, the 16th World service
Meeting took place on October 22-26, 2000 and the World Service Meeting ratified
the above-mentioned decision of the Policy/Admissions/Finance committee. I will
quote directly from the report the results of that determination; "The
committee reviewed the request from Native American Indian Nations and
determined that Native American Indian Nations did not meet the qualifications
for delegate participation at the World Service Meeting. The committee suggested
Native American Indian Nations participate in local structures."
Conclusion:
The delegates at the 16th World Service Meeting "rubber stamped" the
World Service Meeting committee on Policy/Admissions/Finance's
decision/rationale.
Based on the forgoing conclusions, I respectfully urge the World Service
Meeting committee on Policy/Admissions/Finance and the International Desk (your
office) to re-examine their motivations for these decisions and provide us with
tangible evidence of specific unmet qualifications, which result in our
applications being consistently denied.
We believe the survival of A.A. depends on the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions,
and the capability of the membership to be forthright and honest. It distresses
me to wonder if the last decade has been nothing more than a game of smoke and
mirrors... and not an earnest interest in serving the fellowship of Alcoholics
Anonymous to the Native American.
For years and years the sovereignty and dignity of Native people have been
trespassed by society and institutions at large. Past history has recorded far
too many battles to redirect the heart and spirit of the Native American Indian.
Yet despite these tribulations, our Native people continue to demonstrate a
profound resiliency and unwavering perseverance to honor family, culture, and
tribal sovereignty. We encourage you to respect this and preserve the history
that our people are making for themselves today in dedication to sobriety
through AA.
Let's actually do our best to assure that the A.A. message of recovery is
carried to the alcoholics who still suffer, wherever in the world they may be
and whatever language they speak. Let's even cross barriers, like culture,
politics, language, and religion, to ensure that we carry the message to the
Native American Indian Nations.
It is my understanding that the International Committee's aim is to find ways in
which the board and the General Service Office may assist in the growth of A.A.
worldwide, with particular attention to countries having no service structure.
If so, this demands an urgent and critical need for re-evaluation of our
application.
We here at NAIGSO will be waiting your response. In the meantime, every one here
wishes you the best as we endeavor to serve the Fellowship.
In fellowship,
Don W., GM
NAIGSO, Lakeside
Tel: (619) 443-8727
Fax: (619) 443-4503
E-mail: naigso@home.com
5.16 JANUARY 2, 2001 Letter
from Eva S., International Desk, GSO, New York, greetings for the new year
and response to letter sent December 3, 2000.
January 2, 2001
Don W.
Box 1253
Lakeside, CA 92041
Dear Don:
Warmest greetings for the New Year from all your friends at the General Service
Office in New York. I received your letter dated December 3, 2000 and thank you
for sharing your thoughtful concerns and comments.
In your letter you urged that the 16th World Service Meeting Policy/Admisssions/Finance committee re-examine their recommendation ratified at the Meeting in October. The 16th World Service Meeting is concluded and the committee no longer deliberates. As you may know, the next World Service Meeting will be held in October 2002.
The information I can add that was not included in my letter dated November 27th are the "Qualifications For World Service Meeting Delegates and Alternate Delegates", and the "Qualifications for Countries Participating in theWorld Service Meeting."
In reading over your letter, there may be a misunderstanding in regard to the trustees' International Committee. Requests for participation in the World Service Meeting do not fall under the purview of the trustees' International Committee. The trustee's International Committee is a part of the General Service Board and Conerence Structure of the U.S./Canada, and entirely separate from the World Service Meeting.
The General Service Office or the Board that includes the trustee's International Committee does not determine how the group conscience of a World Service Meeting will reach a decision, or what the decision may be. It is the delegates of the World Service Meeting that deliberate through World Service Meeting committees and make recommendations. The primary responsibility ofthis office to the World Service Meeting is to coordinate the Meeting every two years.
While I do not speak for the Board or the trustees' International Committee, I do believe that we are all committed to assistin the best possible manner to assure A.A.'s future worldwide, so that the A.A. message of hope and recovery reaches the alcoholic who still suffers. We are grateful for all your service to A.A.'s primary purpose.
In the meantime, we join in sending all good wishes for 2001!
Kindest regards,
Eva S.
International Desk
ES/am
Enclosures: Qualifications for World Service Meeting Delegates and Alternate
Delegates (11/99);
QUALIFICATIONS
For World Service Meeting Delegates and Alternate Delegates
QUALIFICATIONS
For Countries Participating in the World Service Meeting
5.17 NAIGSO-AA Organizatioal News and Comments archives from December 13, 2004 back to March 2, 2001.
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