1. Putting Our New Traditions Workbook to Work – Tradition 1 Unity
The 2016 World Service Conference overwhelmingly approved our new Traditions workbook, Guiding Principles: The Spirit of Our Traditions. Our hope is that this new resource will improve the understanding and application of the Twelve Traditions throughout Narcotics Anonymous as members study ways to practice these principles in their personal lives and recovery, in NA groups, and in service to NA at all levels. This workshop is designed to introduce members to this new piece of literature and provide an opportunity to participate in the sort of discussion the book aims to inspire.

2. introductory exercises
Each chapter contains
The Traditions workbook has pieces and parts designed to work together or separately
Each chapter…
Begins and ends with short readings on one Tradition
Includes two introductory exercises:
Word by Word encourages a focused look at words and phrases that make up each Tradition.
Spiritual Principles invites us to explore some of the principles associated with each Tradition in writing or discussion.
Contains three main sections, each applying a Tradition to a different area of our lives in recovery:
“For Members” includes an essay on the applications of a Tradition to our personal recovery, followed by questions suitable for writing or discussion.
“For Groups” essays will be most relevant for groups as they seek to understand and apply the Traditions. It includes questions that may be useful for a group inventory.
“In Service” sections look at the Tradition from the perspective of service bodies. The questions in this section are intended to prompt discussion in service workshops.
introduction
introductory exercises
main sections

3. Suggested Ground Rules (inspired by our Primary Purpose)
Stay open-minded Listen and share the time Remember to play well with others Don’t forget why we are here To agree and disagree….. That is the process!

4. Tradition 1 Workshop Questions and Feedback
1: What does NA unity mean to me?
To Belong – feel part of
To communicate with others
To feel connection, equality
Not to be judged
Reminds me to change me
Avoid isolation
Everyone is equal
Same message – same literature all over the world
Everyone works together
Being Together
Not alone
Not feeling less than
How does my personal recovery depend on it?
Inclusive environment
Be welcomed
Guidance from sponsor & group
No unity – no group – no meeting – no recovery
Helps carry the message
Without NA I/We cannot stay clean

5. 2: Do my actions match my beliefs about unity?
Service after the meeting can help continue unity
Attraction rather than promotion
No judgement
Don’t over do it
Don’t be impulsive
Can question programme
Be mindful of others
Respect everyone
How do I contribute to unity or disunity?
Let people do service in group
Give literature to newcomers
Group Conscience = very important
Keep /Stop coming to meetings
Keep doing/stop doing service
Be welcoming
Do Service
Going to meetings

6. 3. How does anonymity contribute to unity?
Trust – whatever is said in the room stays in the room Protect everyone and ensure everyones safety at all times
Attraction rather than promotion
Everyone is equal
All Anonymous
Don’t take things personal
How does practicing unity help me to place principles before personalities?
Provides equal opportunity for all
Helps me to grow up
Become more mature

7. 4. What additional actions might I take to foster unity in personal recovery, in service and in social settings
Not excluding members because of the drugs they used
Using Tradition 1 for a group issue
Don’t leave anyone out
Avoiding sub-groups
Be open & honest
Try interact more
When ego gets in the way – try to lead by example
Principles before personalities
Make sure everyone is included
Be mindful
Practice principles in all our affairs

8. 5. How do I place our common welfare first?
Carry the message not the mess
Principles before personalities
Always remember the groups best interests not your own
Use guidelines
Always remember who’s in charge – GOD.
To except group decisions
Group is very important
How do I demonstrate a commitment to this? Where do I have room to grow?
Be a good member
Be responsible
Listen to people who have experience
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Do suggested things
Room to grow – offer sponsorship
Participate in group
Look for opportunities to carry the message

9. 6. What are my responsibilities as a member of Narcotics Anonymous?
To carry the message
Principles before personalities
If you are in the public arena you are representing NA
Kindness to others
Honest
Non-judgemental
To be honest
Carry a message
Continunity
Openmindedness
Do these responsibilities change over time?
Yes in a positive manner
Yes of course as we grow up and mature in NA

10. 7. How do I show my gratitude?
Take part in meetings
Sharing a positive message
Get down on knees and thanking Higher Power
By giving back by taking up service
Showing up
Connection with other addicts outside meetings
Inviting people to social events
Keeping regular meeting attendance
Sharing the solution
Have I reached out to another addict today?
Yes we are at this workshop
Giving someone a lift
Texting another addict
Sponsorship

11. 8. How can I sense when my heart is open or closed to newcomers?
I spoke to the newcomer before I spoke to my friends after the mtg.
Giving my phone number
Being mindful of the newcomer when I’m sharing
Having empathy
Being open minded
When we listen to new comers
Open & non judgemental
Offer of support
What can I do better to help the still-suffering addict?
Doing some PR work
Reaching out into the community
Passing the programme through sponsorship
Contacting members who have relapsed to let them know we are still here to help and support
Reaching out by calling old timers as well as new comers

12. 9. Do my opinions about fellow members separate me – or them – from the group?
Yes if I get involved in Gossip & carrying stories – this causes disunity and hurt/harm to others.
Keep my opinions to myself – I don’t always have to share everything in my mind – use my sponsor instead of dumping on the meeting or other members.
Yes as opinions are very like judgements
We need to be tolerant and open minded not the opposite
Some opinions should be kept to yourself as they impact the group in a negative way

13. 10. How am I of service to NA?
Showing up
Participating in the group
Staying clean
Sharing our experience
Service positions for everyone
Being warm & welcoming
What types of service work am I most comfortable doing? What service would I like to take on?
Secretary or anything at group level
Would like to do more PR or get more involved in Area