Many of us think of the 12th Step as reaching out to those outside of our fellowship who may need or want the OA way of life. That is certainly an accurate and important way to approach this step. The idea behind the 12th Step Within is that there are many within our fellowship that need outreach as well. That outreach can come in many forms.
Some of us may be in relapse and may need extra support as we begin losing connection to the fellowship, or you may remember someone who used to attend meetings whom you haven’t seen in a while, or others may need just an encouraging phone call from an OA friend. During this time of Covid-19 isolation, many of us may have experienced increased loneliness making 12th step outreach even more important. As the OA responsibility pledge states, “Always to extend the heart and hand of OA to all who share my compulsion. For this I am responsible.”In addition to phone calls or texts, fellowship can be fun! The OA World Service website has a few suggestions on how to celebrate and enrich recovery, increase member retention, and encourage fun and fellowship to maintain recovery, prevent relapse, and live happy, joyous, and free lives!
According to the OA.org website, “We are not saying fun and fellowship equals recovery. Many recovered OA members become and remain abstinent through working the Steps from Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition (Big Book). Working the Steps brings us a spiritual experience, which allows us to live happy, joyous, and free lives. The Fellowship keeps us in the rooms and connects us with each other as we allow the Steps to transform us. Yet, many of us have lost the ability to have fun while in our disease."
Suggestions for including fun and fellowship in your OA journey:
Alone:
-Mindful walking or hiking in nature
-Learning a craft, like crocheting, knitting or painting
-Coloring
-Biking, swimming, yoga or gym classes
-Attending dancing, writing or art classes
-Playing with a pet
-Enjoying a bubble bath
-Volunteering
Fellowship ideas: (Some of these things can be done virtually, some adapted for Covid protocols, or some kept in mind for a later date when person to person contact becomes possible again.)
-OA workshops
-Movie with OA members
-Abstinent picnic
-Karaoke or comedy club outing
-Inviting others for game night
-Bowling
-Roller skating
-Clothing or jewelry exchange
-Visiting members in hospitals
-Include/mentor new OA members in service
Are you willing to commit to doing something fun with another fellow OA member this month?
