MAA AWOL Commitments

 

Sobriety - You are asked to work with your sponsor to define what media sobriety looks like for you. Not everyone’s sobriety will look the same, so please do not share your sobriety plan with others. While we are NOT requiring that participants commit to a full media fast for this AWOL, you may still wish to fast from unnecessary media, particularly if 1) you are new to MAA, or 2) have recently had a relapse or a series of slips. Fasting allows media addicts to have greater clarity and focus when working the 12 Steps. If you find yourself struggling with bottom-line media after the AWOL gets underway, it is suggested you bow out of the AWOL. You won't receive the benefits of working the 12 Steps if you are not sober. Even though you may choose not to fast completely from unnecessary media, there are certain aspects of media sobriety which ARE expected during the course of this AWOL. Everyone is expected to be abstinent from all bottom-line and addictive media. Bottom-lines may be easier to see than addictive media, so as we learn and grow, our media sobriety may change over time. Therefore, we ask that participants to regularly review their media sobriety plan with a sponsor, and make any necessary adjustments. As stated above, you need to be media sober to work MAA’s 12 Steps. A good question to ask yourself periodically is, “How sober am I right now?”

 

You may ask, “Does a slip into addictive media disqualify me from participation in the AWOL?” The answer would be: “Not necessarily. If you have a slip which doesn’t become an ongoing pattern of behavior, and are able to learn from it and reconnect to your sobriety in a new way, then you may continue in the AWOL. A slip sometimes awakens one’s awareness to the power of media addiction and your powerlessness over it, and provides motivation to adjust your sobriety plan so that you may continue working the 12 Steps in a meaningful, honest manner with integrity and purpose.” You may want to review with your sponsor steps 1,2 and 3 to get back on track. If, on the other hand, you find yourself more and more drawn to media, or slipping often then we ask that you bow out of the AWOL.

 

Sponsor - You are required to have a sponsor who is a media sober member of MAA and has gone through the 12 Steps of MAA themselves. If you need a sponsor, you are encouraged to attend MAA meetings and ask if anyone is available. You may also ask during the open AWOL sessions if there is anyone with time available to sponsor you. It is your responsibility to find a sponsor. Keep in mind that your sponsor must have sufficient time to hear your 5th Step after you have completed your 4th Step inventory work. Unlike MAA’s Back-to-Basics, you will prepare (and give away to your sponsor) all three written inventories (resentment, fear, sex conduct). Your should ask your sponsor, in advance, whether they will be available to schedule and spend the time required to facilitate your inventory work.

 

Attendance - Attendance at all AWOL meetings is required. We are aware that life events may sometimes make it necessary that you miss a meeting. Please contact your group facilitator in the event you need to be absent. It breaks the integrity of the group when people feel they can come and go. You must make the AWOL a priority. This will be a difficult decision for some of you. Only you can decide what your priority is. If you do miss a meeting, you must call someone in the group, or your sponsor, and share your answers to the Keys & Comments for the day you missed.

 

Meetings - You are required to attend at least one regular MAA meeting weekly. Make this a committed meeting in which you become known to others and participate in service. Reliance on the AWOL sessions alone is not recommended.

Addictive Substances - You must remain sober from all other addictive substances such as alcohol, drugs, food, sex/love, shopping, etc. If you find yourself caught up in these substances, then you will not be fully present for the miracles that happen when working the 12 Steps fully clean, sober and abstinent.

Other Important Information:

 

7th Tradition - Once the AWOL closes, you will be asked to make a voluntary 7th Tradition donation to MAA (mediaaddictsanonymous.org/donate) to help with the cost of the zoom link.

 

Zoom Expectations - Please show up 5 to 10 minutes early for each meeting. The sessions start promptly. You must have your camera on and be seated and clearly visible at all times so you can be present for the meeting. No multitasking. You may attend from a parked car if that is the quietest place for you but you may not be driving.

 

Sharing – We ask that your shares be focused on the Keys and Comments for each day as we work through the Steps. You are encouraged to share your truth as it pertains to recovery from media addiction. Any outside issues should be addressed with either your sponsor or a trusted fellow, but not discussed during the AWOL sessions. We realize that many in recovery deal with issues of trauma and abuse, however, we are here to focus on recovery through working the 12 Steps of MAA. The AWOL facilitators may refocus sharing if it departs from the Keys and Comments.  Please share about your personal experience only, using “I” statements. Our goal is to provide a safe, loving environment for all who attend.

 

We ask that you not engage in crosstalk which we define as interrupting, directly addressing another speaker, commenting on someone else’s share, giving advice, or making suggestions. Please do NOT mention media titles, specific content of your addictive media, or make reference to current events.

 

Anonymity – Anonymity is essential to the success of the AWOL. In order for us to be free and open, we must trust one another. 

 

Literature - You will need the following books when the AWOL closes. The readings will not be shared on the screen.

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• The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, preferably the 4th edition;
  (There is also a free APP called Everything AA which has the Big Book and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions located here.)

• The A.A. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions;

• The Little Red Book - 1986 revised or later edition can be purchased online here;

• Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects, Steps 6 and 7 (2nd edition) by Bill P. Todd W. Sara S.

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If you require assistance in purchasing any of this literature, please contact one of the AWOL group facilitators above.

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We look forward to seeing you!

Open AWOL Meeting Link:
 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82323044321?pwd=bHoVLoGedXr97X2WMUPXDfPP0YYcvk.1

 

Meeting ID: 823 2304 4321

Passcode: 152790