MAA Safety Statement

Safety and Respectful Behavior in MAA

 

General Principles

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• MAA meetings should be safe spaces for those seeking help with media addiction.

 

• Members should not tolerate sexual harassment, threats of violence, bullying, financial coercion, or feel pressured into particular points of view relating to medications and other outside issues.

 

• Discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics is unacceptable.

 

Group Safety

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• Groups may adopt safety statements in their meeting formats (see examples below).

 

• Disruptive behavior that prevents the group from carrying its message may result in asking someone to stop attending.

 

• Anonymity does not protect criminal behavior; proper authorities can be called if necessary.

 

Individual Interactions and Boundaries

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• Phone numbers are shared in confidence for support purposes only.

 

• Members should reflect on their intentions when reaching out to others, prioritizing recovery support over personal interests.

 

• Business ventures, investments, or paid services between members should be clearly separate from MAA activities.

 

Maintaining Focus on Recovery

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• MAA meetings and chat platforms are for fellowship and recovery, not social or romantic pursuits.

 

• Flirtatious behavior can jeopardize another member's sobriety and should be avoided.

 

• Members should prioritize principles over personal desires, always asking, "Does this serve our primary purpose?"

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Addressing Concerns

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• If you feel uncomfortable or that your boundaries have been crossed, reach out to a trusted group member, sponsor, group leader, or tech host.

 

• Members can request the safety statement to be reread at any time during the meeting if the group conscience has adopted this policy.

 

• Groups are encouraged to address safety concerns promptly and with care.

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Suggestions for Groups

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• Discuss safety concerns in group conscience meetings.

 

• Develop group guidelines on safety. 

 

• Consider including safety as a topic for group inventories.

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For Virtual Meetings

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• Follow MAA's Zoom security measures to proactively address potential issues.

 

• Use waiting rooms and require video for introductions to deter disruptive participants.

 

• Disable private messaging and participant renaming, and be prepared to quickly suspend participant activities if disruption occurs.

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Outreach and Support 

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• Respect boundaries when making outreach calls (see protocol below).​

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Remember, the primary purpose of MAA is to help media addicts achieve and maintain sobriety. By working together to create safe, supportive environments, we ensure that our focus remains on recovery from media addiction.

 

Here are three simple safety statements that groups can use or revise:

 

1. Inclusive Environment: Our group strives to create a safe and welcoming space for all members, free from discrimination and harassment. We respect each other's boundaries and focus on supporting recovery from media addiction. If you feel uncomfortable, please reach out to a trusted group member, sponsor, group leader, or tech host.

2. Respectful Interactions: We aim to maintain a respectful environment where all members feel safe and supported. Please refrain from behaviors that could compromise another's welfare or sobriety, such as unwanted advances or disruptions. If concerns arise, speak with a trusted group member, sponsor, group leader, or tech host.

3. Safe Meetings: Our group is committed to providing a safe space for recovery. We encourage respectful interactions and ask that members avoid behaviors that could jeopardize another's sobriety. If you experience any issues, please contact a trusted group member, sponsor, group leader, or tech host.

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The above-suggested statements are intended to help form group conscience. They can be added to meeting formats or shared in the chat during virtual meetings.

 

MAA Outreach Call Protocol

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Purpose and Focus:

• Outreach calls are for mutual support, maintaining sobriety, and fostering connection. They should not be used for social, romantic, or business purposes.

• Calls can include sharing experiences, seeking advice, or "bookending" activities (e.g., stating intentions before and after tasks).

 

Setting Boundaries:

• Agree on a time limit at the start of the call (e.g., 10–15 minutes).

• Respect time zones and personal preferences; some members may prefer a text before calling.

• Always ask if the other person is open to feedback or just needs to share.

 

Safety and Respect:

• ​Avoid flirtation or explicit comments, as these can harm recovery and trust.

• ​If you feel uncomfortable or boundaries are crossed, you may end the call immediately. Communicate concerns to a sponsor or a more experienced group member if needed.

 

Call Etiquette:

• Use a balanced format: both parties share equally (e.g., 3 minutes each) without interruptions unless agreed upon.

• Reflect on your intentions before calling: "Am I reaching out for recovery support?”

• Respect shared contact information; use it only for recovery purposes.

 

Conflict Resolution:

• If an interaction negatively affects your recovery, communicate your boundaries clearly.

• If a conflict does arise, consider doing a 10th Step* and sharing it with another MAA fellow.

• You are free to decline future calls or block contacts if necessary.

 

By following these guidelines, outreach calls can remain a safe and effective tool for mutual support in MAA recovery.

 

*Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.