Defining the term "newcomer"

[Gmoney]

Once again our local convention is approaching and there's a debate going on regarding who should qualify for the free registrations referred to as the "newcomer package." I understand that the convention commitee can set it's guidelines, but there's so much misinformation being spread that it isn't funny. I haven't found anything in NA literature that defines what a newcomer is or is not. Have you?

[Great 2 B Alive]

Garry, I heard about the Newcomer fiasco last year at RACNA. I believe folks show up sometimes with years in this process Jobless, Penniless, and/or homeless, and nobody should be turned away from the registration table due to "Lack of Funds". This is a Honest Program and its also a God Given Program, so if a member doesn't have funds this year, maybe next year that same member just might donate 2 newcomer fees next year or so.

Newcomer isn't defined in our literature as to time limits. At some point we need to stop being the most important in every room though. I hope it stays Spiritual this coming up weekend. I'll be moving into my new house this weekend, so I wont be there.

Have Fun, dont let the polotics take the true Joy away.

Peace,
Todd J.

[Phinneas]

Originally Posted by Great 2 B Alive

Newcomer isn't defined in our literature as to time limits. At some point we need to stop being the most important in every room though. I hope it stays Spiritual this coming up weekend.

Love what you said there, Todd.

Peace.

[Gmoney]

I agree Todd. I've never read anywhere in NA literature where the cut-off mark was time-wise. But what burns my butt is when members take excerpts out of the literature and use them out of context to justify their positions - it just isn't right.

I didn't pay much attention to it last year, but the year before I left after being at RACNA only two hours and never went back, because so much fuss was being made over who qualifies and who didn't. And when they stated that a newcomer was someone with 30 days or less...that did it for me!

You've also got a point about members perpetually being the "most important person" in every meeting, especially those of us who have had some recovery and clean time but went back to using. That's just my stuff and I know that NA says even a person who has relapsed can be a newcomer - but when do we accept that we really aren't "new" to the program? (as opposed to being unwilling or incapable of staying on the path?)

I was fortunate enough to be able to pay my own way to my first convention at 6 months clean, and I've never had to rely on a freebie. For that I'm grateful. But I know that there are those who have the money but are still practicing the dishonesty of having to "get over." I have a couple of ideas to avoid this problem, but they'd probably not fly.

I guess I just needed to vent my frustration. I'm going to try my best to enjoy myself this year and not get caught up in the BS.

Thanks