January 12-14, 2018
“There exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful.” – AA Big Book p 17
https://texas12step2018.org/
If you are undecided about whether to come to San Antonio, consider this in-unison, enthusiastic response from two convention veterans when asked if they would recommend taking the plunge.
“Absolutely!”
One of the main benefits of attending a convention is it fosters a greater sense of community among recovering sexaholics, members with a deep sense of gratitude for the convention experience said. “You really get the sense you belong to a world-wide fellowship,” said an SA member who has attended five conventions.
Another member stressed the convention experience underscores the fact that the disease does not discriminate. “It helps to see all the different people who have this disease,” a member who has attended two conventions said. “You see men and women, people of all religious groups, people of color. “It’s one of those things that until you go, you don’t understand the diversity of sexaholism.”
Another benefit of convention attendance is it helps draw sexaholics out of isolation. “The fear diminished while I was at my first convention,” one member said. “I would really recommend attending the meals and listening to the speakers. It’s great to sit around the table with all these other sexaholics.”
One female member said meeting women from all over the country at a convention helped convince her to commit to working the program back at her home group. “I don’t know if I would have come into the rooms here in my town had I not known there was a full collection of women working programs elsewhere,” she said.
That member also noted that she found her sponsor at a convention. She also likened a day at a convention to an “emersion program” of sorts. “You can really maximize your weekend and come back with a daily routine,” she said.
One member with long-term recovery pointed out that attendance at conventions gives one a sense of the “different flavors” of recovery. “It’s like chili,” he said. “Chili is without beans, of course, because that’s how we do it in Texas. But in Cincinnati, they add cinnamon. And in other parts of the country they do add have beans. It’s the same 12 Steps everywhere, but they are done differently in different parts of the country, and it’s good in its own way. That’s what I’ve picked up at conventions.”
Going to a convention, he added, also helps one identify weak spots in a program. “I usually come back from a convention and take a new look at the work I have done,” he said. “It also helps me look for something I have left out of my program. All of sudden it becomes apparent that this is something I need to pick up on or I am going to tip over. “
Bottom line: Attending a convention is an excellent way to energize one’s program.
So should you attend a convention?
Absolutely.
