For Committees and Subcommittees
Information about the Meeting Attendance Card (M.A.C.) System
The purpose of this document is to share information about the MAC system so that:
- Committee + sub-committee members can offer support and guidance to groups who are considering whether to implement the MAC system be that face to face or online.
There is increasing awareness outside NA that 12 Step Recovery can transform the lives of addicts. NA service committee members have worked hard over the years to demonstrate the effectiveness of NA through ‘attraction rather than promotion’ and their communications and collaborations with outside agencies in line with our primary purpose of carrying the message to the addict who still suffers.
Probation Services for example are increasingly seeing the value of 12 Step Recovery Meeting attendance for their clients who might be subject to either a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) or other such sentence. West Midlands and West Yorkshire have plans to pilot a M.A.C. scheme, where staff in Probation refer addicts to NA Meetings with the provision that if they choose to attend they provide evidence of attendance. Local Meetings are discussing this request and groups will decide how best to implement a system where Meeting Attendance is verified. As a Fellowship we are keen to learn from their experience as well as the experience of 12 Step Fellowships in other countries and to invite all groups to consider this in line with Tradition (4).
MAC AND NA TRADITIONS
Given the value we place on our 12 Traditions there has been much debate as to how best to implement a MAC system. The following points set out some suggestions for Groups to consider:
(Tradition 3) The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using… When we first encountered NA, few of us surrendered instantly. It was only through recurring contact with recovery that we gained the desire to stop using. It was crucial that at no stage were we judged on our desire (or lack of it). Our literature states “It is absolutely none of our business to decide who is ready to hear the message of recovery and who is not.(It Works: How and Why, p.120.)
(Tradition 5) Each Group has but one primary purpose is to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. The confirmation of Meeting Attendance cards is part of the welcome we extend to the newcomer. By confirming, we are verifying attendance as a service to addicts, not for the courts or probation.
(Tradition 10) NA has no opinion on outside issues…..Of course, NA service committee members do cooperate closely with outside agencies to reach the still suffering addict eg - through its Hospitals and Institutions (HI) and Public Information (PI) service subcommittees in line with our primary purpose. Neither the courts nor probation service have any influence over our meetings and trusted servants who’s anonymity will remain intact at all times.
(12 Tradition) Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions….. The anonymity of the addict attending via the M.A.C. scheme will be respected in the same way as any other member. Groups willing to offer the MAC system would not be expected to have contact with outside agencies.
ONLINE MEETINGS
NA now offers access to recovery for those who are not able to access face to face meetings. UKNA holds daily meetings at 11am and 7.30pm where meeting attendance can be confirmed. These are accessible to anyone and can be accessed via the UKNA Website.
If anyone with a DRR or other sentence wishes to obtain confirmation of online meeting attendance they can do so by emailing [email protected]. They will then receive an email confirmation of the time they logged in and out of the meeting (including any times during the meeting when they logged out and in again).
It is important to stress that only the previously mentioned meetings available on our website provide this service. It is currently not available from any other types of online meetings which have come into being as a response to Covid 19.
SUGGESTIONS BASED ON FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE:
- Every group is autonomous and groups will find their own way to incorporate the M.A.C. system into their meeting preamble so that disruption is minimal and anonymity is maintained.
- In the event that addicts attend a meeting with a MAC and the meeting is not set up for this it is suggested that the newcomer is made welcome although their MAC won't be confirmed. They would then be directed to M.A.C. meetings in their local area.
- If possible the group should inform their local ASC to ensure that a list is available for all parties.
- M.A.C’s could be signed or stamped at the groups discretion
Groups may assign responsibility to a trusted servant who maintains the MAC system
NEXT STEPS
- If an NA Meeting decides to offer the MAC system please indicate that on the Where to Find and let the ASC know so that the local PI Committee can generate a list of meetings that offer the MAC system to share with outside parties so that professionals can offer addicts they are working with the opportunity to find the rooms.
- PI will make it clear that each group is autonomous and that NA and its members can’t guarantee that cards will be signed or their authenticity.