The Region 9 Service, Traditions and Concepts Committee, as part of its effort to help members become more familiar with the 12 Concepts of service, is beginning an initiative to collect experiences from members related to our Concepts. Specifically, including the 12th Concept, with the 6 Guidelines. We will use these shares during a Concepts workshop, and eventually we may use them as examples to inspire others, only for OA purposes.
Please note the following:
· You may submit a sharing for any Concept or guidelines you wish
· Your sharing may relate to experience within and/or outside the OA program
· Texts may be submitted in your own language (but we would need to translate them into English in line with this being the official language of Region 9).
Please see the example share below relating to the 5th Concept. The first relates to its application within the program, and the second is about its application outside the program.
“5th Concept
The Concepts are a very important part of my recovery. For me, they are just as important as the Steps and the Traditions. They are the third leg of a three-legged stool; without them, I cannot sit and maintain balance. I will fall.
What is important about the Concepts, just like with the Traditions, is that they can also be applied outside the groups. This is something that has helped me greatly in my relationships—personal, social, and professional.
I will share my experience with the 5th Concept below.
In a work group we were 14 people, and we were discussing an issue related to the phone service. A proposal was made by one of the members. When we were called to vote, 13 of us voted in favour of the proposal, which actually seemed like the obvious choice. One person voted against it. By applying the 5th Concept, which asks us to listen to the minority, we invited that member to explain why she disagreed. She explained her perspective on the issue, we listened very carefully, and surprisingly, she convinced all of us. So, we voted again, and her proposal received all 14 votes.
In my personal life, one summer Sunday my friends and I got together and discussed where to go. Everyone was suggesting the beach and different seaside places. One person proposed going to the mountains, to a very beautiful lodge. We were all surprised by the suggestion, but the good thing is that we listened to him. He explained that the place was very popular and in winter it was difficult to access, always crowded, hard to find parking, and even hard to find food. But now in the summer, since everyone would be at the beach, we could go easily, enjoy the wonderful view, walk in the forest, and have a nice meal. We all agreed, and we truly had a beautiful day.
The 5th Concept helps me learn how to listen. To listen actively—meaning to be focused on what the other person is saying rather than spending the whole time trying to find arguments to oppose them. It helps me “step into someone else’s shoes” and see the same thing from a different perspective. And this enriches the way I see things. Additionally, what I have noticed is that in most situations, if I make a small adjustment to the majority’s decision, I can include at least part of the minority’s viewpoint. In this way, I strengthen inclusion in any group I belong to, and everyone can remain satisfied.”