Letter to the Fellowship -
January 1979
Dear Members:
Several NA members and groups around the country have begun the work that we hope will result in the creation of our definitive text. We need an original book combining the basics of our program with 50 to 100 stories of recovery in Narcotics Anonymous. We need a book that tells in detail what we have learned over the years about the problems faced both by new-comers and old-timers. Of course there is a wealth of resource material available from other programs, but it will always be there and we really need some of our own. Articles relating the experience of recovery, how we successfully face our problems in everyday living, and how we actually work our steps will contribute directly to the development of our book. We have only to tell it like it is.
If this sounds like a big deal, it is. Our newcomers and groups in isolated areas just don't know what to do in many cases; and too many have floundered and died out. If we can combine our love and strength in this effort, we can give them many of the answers we have found for ourselves and our groups.
Many addicts are reluctant to write, but in practically every area where there are NA meetings there are some who can help if encouraged to do so by fellow members. Without encouragement they often hold back from fear of ego, or simply because they don't know the need. We want our book to be as complete as possible, and truly representative of NA as a whole. This means we need input from you, and your help encouraging and supporting others.
Those who have begun this work have found that fear of self drops away quickly. We have found that our higher power once more does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We need only offer ourselves and we will be used in this service. We realize that some will be skeptical about this effort, but we're really not doing this for selfish reasons. People who could be helped are dying every day from our disease. A book telling the story of recovery in Narcotics Anonymous would make our program more available to them.
A few or us can't do this alone; we need your help. Please send your stories, articles and other input to:
World Service Office Literature Committee
391 Cranfill Street
Marietta, Georgia 30060
In this way all input can be made available to the various members and groups working on this project. If you also wish to make your name and address available to those working on literature development please notify us by mail. Rest assured that a working manuscript based on your experience and the experience of others who contribute will be circulated within the fellowship prior to publication.
Bo. S.
Atlanta, Georgia
This letter attracted some early input and created interest.