Convention Ideas -- PLEASE !

[jasonaddict]

We are staring to plan for our yearly event here in North Eastern Ohio.(G.L..A.S.C.N.A. AREA)


Over the last 22 years our event has changed a little each year. with new committee members and new ideas we usually have new things to experience new year.

I'm on the programming committee and I thought I would ask for suggestions for our event here at the tribe.

* Do you know of any meeting type formats that were interesting, or new?
* Do you have any suggestions about a weekend in the woods (minimal convinces ) that would help us with our topics for meeting?
*
* Any suggestion for children's activities?
*
* Any idea about what type of things and ways to auction of NA/recovery type stuff?
*
* ideas for workshop topic?

* Ways to include the younger people/non-addicts as well?



* Do you have any ways that you know of to keep our costs down?
*
* Ever came up with way to work with the campgrounds by say renting the grounds for a weekend - rather than campming cost+registration cost?

please offer us anything you can think of. regardless of which fellowship you may be part of - recovery in the woods knows no boundaries !



thanks

Just another addict

[caressa]

Thank you for sharing Jason.

Have come across different formats. As far as meetings are concerned I have see "Just For Today" readings being discussed. There have also been 'Ask it Basket' formats where people put inquiries into a basket and they are drawn and discussed around the room to preserve anonymity. At a convention I have heard of open forums where people just get up and share an open mike. Most conferences I have been to have a theme and people are asked to stick to that theme if possible. Each speaker gets up and shares for 10-20 minutes.

NA here in Ontario have weekend camp outs but this old bod of mine doesn't do camping well. I will try to find out from a friend and get you more information. Not sure if the same rates would apply in USA.

I have seen things sold at a silent auction. A piece of paper is put with each item and people make a bid on each items. The AA conference held in September has a fish fry which is served with salads and the dinners are paid for, not free. In NA they have had Spaghetti Suppers and Pot Luck, but being in the woods, not sure that is feasible. Bring your own bottle/drugs can be substituted for hamburgers and hot dogs. If I am not mistaken they have a brick oven and grill instead of individual ones.

Instead of coolers, I have seen big tubs filled with ice and pop and ice tea kept cold that way.

I have found it was good when they had name tags which just stuck on clothes rather than the cost of string and plastic holders.

Topics that are always good are: Service, Resentments, dealing with anger, workshops on the Steps the Traditions (many ignore this and don't know that it applies to them not just the groups) and their is always sponsorship.

Not up on what kids do in today. To my way of thinking there is always baseball games. If you include people who are not addicts (spouses) your meetings would have to be open. It would help them to understand addiction. Sometimes hearing opens their eyes to their own denial and yet their are others who don't feel comfortable sharing with them there. I would say it would be group conscience.

I will try to add more later.