& responding to the findings from environmental scans carlos h. & pam t. [email protected]...
TRANSCRIPT
Fostering Diversity
& responding to the findings from environmental scans
Carlos H. & Pam [email protected]
Northern California Region of Narcotics Anonymousfor Western Service Learning Days XXVII in Los Angeles
Part of the very foundation of Narcotics Anonymous
Primary Purpose: To carry the message to the addict who still suffers
Regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion or lack of religion
Inclusiveness of language that’s not drug specific
Principle vs. reality Does our membership reflect the larger community?
How can we help that still suffering addict find the commonalties we all share?
Diversity
Here’s the ethnic makeup of members who responded to the 2011 Membership Survey:*
74% Caucasian
11% African-American
8% Hispanic
2% Asian
1% Indigenous
3% multiracial
1% other
NOTE: The Membership Survey tends to reflect the geographic location of the convention, not that of our entire fellowship
*Made available at WCNA in San Diego, in “The NA Way” and at na.org
SOURCE: http://na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/PR/NA_Membership_Survey.pdf
Who’s missing in terms of ethnicity?
Environmental scanning ~ data collection
Observe and record at your home group
Tally demographics at events
Map out meetings
Our responsibility as members to notice the composition of local membership
Do NA’s demographics match those of the larger community?
Who’s Missing?
SF: No Meetings in Chinatown
Why should we do this?
Didn’t I find my own way into NA?
I found a chair, why can’t they do the same?
Isn’t NA for everyone?
Why should we concentrate on those few special interest groups who are not here?
Some may say…
A. What gets in the way of some groups
of people finding us?
B. What gets in the way of identification when someone from an under-represented group does find us?
Brainstorm ~ Report
Barriers (real or perceived)
Very Important - 49%
Important - 14%
Neutral - 17%
Somewhat Important - 11%
Not at All Important - 9%
Importance of First NA Meeting
[We] all have an interest in maintaining the unity that
underlies [NA’s] common welfare…The importance of unity
encourages our groups to look beyond their own little
worlds to the common needs of the worldwide NA
Fellowship…With an attitude of open-mindedness, we seek
to understand other perspectives…When we work to ensure
the vitality of NA, we’re not working just for ourselves but
for those yet to join us. . . Our ability to survive as a
fellowship and to reach others depends on our unity.
From It Works How and Why, Tradition 1
Actions & language that
can make people feel included
Actions & language that may
make people feel shut out
Toward a More Inclusive Environment, Fostering
Diversity, & Building Unity
Annual cycle of scanning and planning led to a
focus on the Vietnamese community
Pre-publication version of translated material distributed
Pointed to under-representation of the Asian community at large
Engaged members of Asian-Pacific Islander descent
Established a common needs home group
Beginning to take on outreach effort
Reaching in, reaching out
Experience, Strength, & Hope
Individual and groups might consider the following:
Consider how you can make your meetings more welcoming
Scan and welcome
Include new/different people the meeting-after-the-meeting
Commit to learning about different cultures
Approach addicts from that community who have stayed
put them to work on outreach
encourage and support Common Needs Meetings
What can I do?
PR Committees might consider the following: Recruit members from diverse backgrounds
Approach a local community-specific newspaper to see if they would do an interview or put a public service announcement in their paper
Create culturally relevant posters and ads
Approach local community resources to see if they would like a presentation from your PR team
Ask for help from people in the helping professions who are from or work with the specific community you are trying to reach
What can I do?
“Diversity and Public Information” by Melissa W., Blue Bonnet
Region, USA and Monika C., BC Region, Canada, published in The NA Way Magazine, Summer 1998. Available at: http://na-pr.org/public-relations-resources/articles-on-narcotics-anonymous/diversity-and-public-information/
“Planning Basics: A Guide to Strategic Thinking, Preparing, and Achieving our Goals” NA World Services, Inc., 2011. Available at: http://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/handbooks/Planning_Basics.pdf
“Membership Survey” ” NA World Services, Inc., 2011. Available at: http://na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/PR/NA_Membership_Survey.pdf
Sources Consulted & for further information