Cocaine Anonymous'
preamble states that "our primary purpose is to stay free from
cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others
achieve the same freedom." C.A.'s twelwth step tells us that
we, as a Fellowship, have a responsibility to reach out to carry
this message to addicts. The first and fifth traditions remind us
that "our common welfare comes first, that personal recovery
DEPENDS upon C.A. unity" and that "each group has but
one primary purpose -- to carry its message to the addicts who still
suffers."
So just how
does one reach out to the deaf or hard of hearing?
There are many ways! Like
everything else, reaching out to the deaf or hard of hearing addict
requires willingness and open-mindedness. In this pamphlet, we present
some ways to help you get started.
A. Bring
the message of C.A. recovery to the hard of hearing
Start a meeting at
a local school for the Deaf. These schools can be located in your
local phone book and/or by contacting your State Commission on
Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Bring literature and
leave extra copies behind.
Welcome those present
with hugs or handshakes.
Be willing to stay
after the meeting and talk with those present (with the help of
an interpreter).
Bring writing pads
and pens to aid communication.
Invite members and
interpreters out to coffee, if school rules allow. Remember! We
are guests!
Their rules must be
respected.
B. Establish
at least one meeting per month at which an interpreter is present
Include this information
in meeting schedules.
Advise Helpline(s),
local newspapers, concerned agencies and schools, and clergy of
meeting.
Confirm interpreter
one week prior to meeting.
Have special seating
reserved in front of the room.
Welcome newcomers with
hugs or handshakes.
Speak slowly to allow
for lip-reading.
Ask newcomers and interpreters
out to coffee.
Ensure meeting budget
can afford interpreter (approximately $50-$75) and include this
in prudent reserve.
If transportation is
a problem, have members of the meeting volunteer to pick up and
drive new members home.
C. Events/Conventions
Arrange for an interpreter
to be present well in advance. Confirm the date with him/her one
week prior to event/convention.
Distribute flyers announcing
the event/convention to local schools, agencies and social clubs
for the deaf.
Arrange reserved seating
in the front row.
Have all C.A. literature
available.
Remember our first
tradition!
D. General
Ways to Reach Out and Touch Deaf Addicts
Send all current C.A.
literature to schools for the deaf, social agencies that help
this community (via Public Information and Hospitals and Institutions
Committees), and treatment centers in your area.
Establish contact with
local interpreters (via State Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing).
Answer any questions they may have on recovery and C. A. Invite
interpreters to open meetings (advise them of our anonymity statements).
Be WILLING to reach
out your hand in C.A. service and/or on twelve step calls to deaf/hard
of hearing addicts still suffering. (Remember, never go on a 12th
Step call alone!)
Find out if your state
has a telephone relay service (this is often a free service) to
enable communication -- computer modem, fax, TDY.
IDENTIFY
... DON'T COMPARE!
Share your
EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH & HOPE.
That's why we all come to Cocaine Anonymous.
Approved Literature. Cocaine Anonymous
World Services, Inc. Copyright 2000.
