SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information - View Single Post - Money possibly missing from donations basket?

Jfanagle · 08-06-2008, 01:43 PM

Just like Taz's meeting we still use the "put it in or take it out" phrase and sometimes they do "take it out." I was a DCM in a district for 2 years and we had numerous treasurers abscond with a whole meeting's complete treasury amount, including the prudent reserve. As the saying goes, "AA is not a bastion of mental health. It seems after every embezzlement the meetings come back stronger.

I am by no means making light of your situation, it just seems that dishonest folks find their way into meetings and the group usually responds in a better manner than even the group thought that they would. When a particular meeting is in trouble financially other better "heeled" meetings step up to help. Sometimes we pass the basket a second time if the rent is due or other necessities are needed and I never cease to be amazed at the good people in AA, and how they greatly outnumber the bad apples!

I will always remember when I first encountered some theft in AA and I brought up my indignation with my sponsor. He told me, "Jon, a thief will steal your wallet, but an alcoholic thief will steal your wallet and then HELP you LOOK for it!"

Best of luck,

Jon

08-06-2008, 01:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jfanagle Another Day in Paradise Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 702	Just like Taz's meeting we still use the "put it in or take it out" phrase and sometimes they do "take it out." I was a DCM in a district for 2 years and we had numerous treasurers abscond with a whole meeting's complete treasury amount, including the prudent reserve. As the saying goes, "AA is not a bastion of mental health. It seems after every embezzlement the meetings come back stronger. I am by no means making light of your situation, it just seems that dishonest folks find their way into meetings and the group usually responds in a better manner than even the group thought that they would. When a particular meeting is in trouble financially other better "heeled" meetings step up to help. Sometimes we pass the basket a second time if the rent is due or other necessities are needed and I never cease to be amazed at the good people in AA, and how they greatly outnumber the bad apples! I will always remember when I first encountered some theft in AA and I brought up my indignation with my sponsor. He told me, "Jon, a thief will steal your wallet, but an alcoholic thief will steal your wallet and then HELP you LOOK for it!" Best of luck, Jon __________________ Indecision may or may not be my problem!