Gratitude in Action - Summer 2016

What is Gratitude in Action?

Gratitude in Action is a free, quarterly email publication of the WSI 12th Step Committee, offering tools and resources within FA to inspire you to do service.

Your Traditions Corner

The Traditions Review Committee (TRC) was contacted by a member asking if earmarking the 7th Tradition donation is in the spirit of the 12 Traditions, as a member had donated money to purchase 1,000 trifolds for their area. Another member thought it may be better to have the generous member put money in the 7th Tradition basket and let the meeting decide if it wanted to use the money to buy trifolds.

The long form of the 7th Tradition states, “acceptance of large gifts from any source or contributions carrying any obligations whatever is unwise.” The TRC suggests contributions should be made to the 7th Tradition without a specific purpose. The final decision of how funds are used is determined by group conscience. A 7th Tradition donation allows members to show gratitude and do service by supporting the overall functioning of FA. According to the pamphlet Your FA Seventh Tradition, meetings use 7th Tradition donations to cover expenses for meeting spaces, literature, public information, etc. Any funds beyond local meeting needs get passed on to a Chapter, Intergroup or WSI. FA members may donate up to $2,000.00 a year directly to WSI.

Spotlight on Service

By now, many FA members have heard the term “Local Service Group,” but may wonder, “what’s that all about?” The short version is that FA used to have three intergroups, five chapters, and several “pre-chapters.” Then, a few years ago, FA consolidated to one chapter (Maine) and two intergroups (EAI and WAI) and simultaneously began to “grow” local service groups (LSGs). To support these more formal organizations, LSGs evolved. LSGs consist of two or more FA members from two or more meeting groups who combine resources to do service for FA in their area. A few members can accomplish a lot of service by brainstorming how to get the FA Book into local libraries and organizing FA tables at local or regional medical conventions or health fairs. Members of LSGs have also coordinated FA information sessions. In southeastern Massachusetts, for example, a few LSGs combined efforts and had write-ups about FA published in four newspapers that led many newcomers to attend three local meetings. In the DC area, FA members worked with the FA WSI Public Information Committee and a Massachusetts LSG to have a booth at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Convention. They gave away FA books, the new brochure for the medical professional, and the pamphlet Are You Having Trouble Controlling the Way You Eat. And in the Western Area Intergroup, due to efforts by several LSGs, members have successfully placed more than 150 books in local libraries. If you’d like to better understand what an LSG is all about or would like to start one in your area, please join the WSI Service Group Support Committee on their monthly call. Details are here: http://www.foodaddicts.org/service-groups

Experience, Strength & Hope through the Years

The tiniest bit of service helps me forget about myself

“Service helped me stay abstinent at this year’s FA Business Convention. I was a greeter, which gave me the opportunity to practice listening, smiling, and giving hugs and high fives to new and old friends as they arrived. I was filled with joy, and reminded of the miraculous wonder of abstinence and the progressive nature of recovery. I still don't understand how it all works, but somehow the tiniest bit of service helps me forget about myself for a little while and sets a fantastic tone for an abstinent weekend. It makes me grateful, which opens up the channel between me and God, and never fails to yield great connections with fellow food addicts.”

-FA member from Indiana

Connection with others brings joy to my life

“I started FA in April 2010 and have lived on the ‘frontier’ most of that time. This year, a fellow encouraged me to attend the Business Convention, and for the first time, I went. I got the opportunity to do service there, which provided instant connection to the fellowship. It also gave me an opportunity to meet many of the people with whom I have participated in phone AWOLs, talked on the phone, and met at meetings while traveling between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Connection with others brings joy to my life, a deep sense of purpose and belonging, and a real freedom to enjoy my life in recovery. Being abstinent in FA has generated an overall feeling of well-being and contentment that has come through service.”

-FA member from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Only in FA

• You mistakenly think your sponsor means call you in the evening when she/he says, “Call me tomorrow at 5:45.”
• You stop and pray before going through security at the airport that they will NOT take your yogurt.
• You go to a dinner party with your own dinner.

Words to Live By

“Your job now is to be at the place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others; so never hesitate to go anywhere if you can be helpful.”

- Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book)