In times of crisis, we have repeatedly put aside our differences and worked for the common good.
Core Text, Chapter 6, "First Delivery"
Collaboration is fundamental to everything we do at NA, starting from the moment the message is first brought to us. “I didn't get clean because of my own First Step,” shared one addict. "I got clean because of someone else's Twelfth Step." Whether we first heard the message from a member, a group, or a piece of literature, getting the message to a still-using addict requires cooperation. We are clean because other members cooperated with each other – and we cooperated by hearing and believing that recovery was possible for us too.
Our collaboration in NA continues after that first moment of willingness to listen and receive a message of hope. As we stay clean and get to know our other members better, we work together and keep the doors open for future addicts. We're bound to see or experience friction at some point, but recovering addicts can surprise us with our ability to come together when it really matters.
"I got clean in a small town and there were only two junkies at my first meeting," one member wrote. “I was given a message that night. I thought they were best friends. Later, I learned that they couldn't stand each other. I never would have known that from the first night I got clean."
Some differences are more extensive than a simple clash of personalities. "Our city was divided into racial/ethnic areas," wrote one group. “We had two regions that overlapped geographically to a large extent and were not doing well. Some members finally couldn't take it anymore and created an annual unity event to bring both areas closer together. It was somewhat controversial at first, but every year it gets bigger and better. Since it started, our regions have started working together both in the N&I service and in public relations”.
Putting principles before personalities means I work together whether I get along with someone or not. I will do my best to put aside differences for the sake of NA unity.
