CAPTAINZING2000

I read that first post again. From what I gather, it was an open meeting to begin with.

This guy shows up to attend the meeting. Hard to say how he got his information it was an open meeting to begin with but, there's no way someone should be running him off.

CAPTAINZING2000

One other comment, who ever was doing the birthdays, didn't they bother to ask if, the guy got a coin yet or not?

Who's to say, the guy wasn't in the hospital for over a month just saying .

We have a few like that in my area that seem to only pop in for their birthday. The rooms are big enough for everyone as far as I'm concerned

Isaiah

Hmm... still don't agree that, among a group of people I've shared: my childhood abuse with, my suicide attempt with, cried in front of, etc.; that I must be "TOO AFRAID" to stand up and take a plastic memento from them.

Sorry I don't need something physical to feel good about my sobriety.

shaun00

hi seek..........sorry to hear to that.

Every now and again....when you put a bunch of alcoholics together...mayhem breaks loose...lol

Imagine how hard that guys life must be...if he can get hurt over something so trivial......sounds to me like the ego got a bit battered..

people like this and ive met a few do nothing for the new comer...
And bear in mind that should be one of his primary purposes..

I hope the new comer comes back.

In fact the group could have decided to waive the closed meeting for the newcomers sake.......dont forget that each group can make decisions for the benefit of that meeting...imo

Ive seen arguments.....fist fights....drunks nicking the pot.......a couple having more than a hug behind the meeting room..lol..(i was redder than them!)..........trucker

CarolD

Hmm...
Who is suggesting running anyone off Zing?
I've left meetings to go outside with a newcomer.
No one had to ask me either.

I did say have another male do a one on one with him.
That is what an experienced chairperson would have done.

Simple and effective.

CAPTAINZING2000

Carol go back and read what it said.

The new commer showed up to what he might have thought was an open meeting. The guy with 23 years tried to run him off

At least that's what was written there.

Take another look at it

CAPTAINZING2000

BTW

our 3rdtradition says the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking.


Tradition Three

"The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking."

This Tradition is packed with meaning. For A.A. is really saying to every serious drinker, "You are an A.A. member if you say so. You can declare yourself in; nobody can keep you out. No matter who you are, no matter how low you've gone, no matter how grave your emotional complications - even your crimes - we still can't deny you A.A. We don't want to keep you out. We aren't a bit afraid you'll harm us, never mind how twisted or violent you may be. We just want to be sure that you get the same great chance for sobriety that we've had. So you're an A.A. member the minute you declare yourself.

AA's 12 Traditions

That new guy was the most important member there that night as far as I see it.

I'd of done a first step meeting, had others share and ask the new guy if, he wanted to share if, I were chairing the meeting

CarolD

You are right Zing...Thanks for corecting me...

I missed the point that the newcomer was
already seated and had shared.

In that case...as a chair...I would have asked
the disruptive member to either be quiet or leave.
It was then too late to do anything else..IMO

CAPTAINZING2000

Hard to go back and forth from the first post to what everyone's added in between.

This is just my personal opinion though, for a new commer walking thru that door, to make that first step, no one should've ran him off for crying out loud. he might never have stepped foot in another meeting again

I AM RESPONSIBLE
Whenever anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that, I am responsible.

God help us all in the program should we lose sight of this message

shaun00

That must be a world wide thing.........we have the birthday boys that only show up on birthdays...
Its normally the same ones that think they are immune to the washing up.

i agree the most important person in the room is ALWAYS the new comer.....Its not the one jumping up and down because he didn't get recognition..for being years sober............trucker

CAPTAINZING2000

Poor old guy must have self esteem issues.

dgtrkt

Wow, sounds like he needs to work the steps?

CAPTAINZING2000

he needs to reread the 12th step again

yeahgr8

wow sounds like the 23rd birthday guy is a mean drunk, sorry i mean a mean drunk who is not drinking anymore!

seekinrecovery

Thank you all for your input. The newcomer to the Thursday nite meeting did come to the meeting last nite (Fri) and gave a lot of background and input. He obviously felt more comfortable b/c he shared his thoughts and feelings - thank goodness. A lot of AAers that had attended the Thursday nite mess of a mtg were there Fri too and talked with him. We were SO glad he came back and didn't let that one person spoil anything for him.

I appreciate all of your responses!

AnthonyV

That's great news, seek. I hope the newcomer finds the peace and sobriety he desires.

CAPTAINZING2000

If, a person wants sobriety bad enough, they're not going to let anyone run them off. Or, a person can use any excuse there is not to stay sober as well

Fubarcdn

When I first read this I felt anger for the 23 yr veteran but now I feel empathy for him. After 23 years he appears to be still bitter. That is really sad.