This is regarding the 12-Step center, a non-profit entity that is the lease holder for what used to be a variety of types of meetings including AA, NA and CODA, until the board of the 12 Step Center, evicted all but AA groups, and now is struggling to pay expenses. Have we not learned that an addiction is an addiction, regardless of the symptom of drink or drug?
Once someone stops their alcohol or drug use and gets on the wagon, then what? The board claims that the decision ? that was made by a select few ? to be exclusively for AA only was under the premise and good intentions of wanting to create a “traditional Alano Club.” This means the building would be open to dues paying AA members only, creating a clean and sober environment to hang out in. By the way this will be the third attempt to create such a “club” in Lakeport. There has been no reasonable retort to this concern.
The problems of alcohol and drug abuse are not going anywhere. Few options are available in this rural county. Yet, the core issues seem to be the same for all addicts regardless of their symptoms. Each of the meetings, wherever held, are autonomous and participation anonymous. There was not a logical reason for NA and CODA to be excluded from using the building. These other groups met their obligations as tenants and are now struggling to make ends meet elsewhere or have had to disband.
I write this on the behalf of those who either are resolved that nothing can be done and others don”t have the wherewithal, stamina or stomach to confront these issues. Some are just fed up with the politics. Regardless, let”s keep our leaders, who claim to be “trusted servants” according to 12-step traditions, accountable as representatives of the community.
These issues impact us all, our families and our kids. Wasn”t it the goal of the creators of the 12-Step center non-profit, to have a hand extended to and door open for the greatest number of people in need of recovery? Is it a slap in the face and disrespect to those who put much effort, time and resources to create a non-profit status, some five years ago? If one is to teach respect of “disease” and the individual recovery rooms, than wouldn”t it be more effective to use an approach of respect, by honoring sister organizations, allowing all to flourish?
Some say just let this run its course. I say, lives are at stake now, and the options aren”t favorable: jails, institutions, and death (including suicide). New bylaws have been drafted to reflect changes that began to be implemented six months ago in 2007 and will be voted on Sunday March 2 at 1218 S. Main St. The public portion of the meeting will be from 10:15-10:30 a.m. All interested parties are urged to speak.
Susanna DeAngelo
Lakeport
