Resources for Gender-Neutral Readings
Some alternative NA literature excerpts for groups
Since we posted the Issue Discussion Topic on gender-neutral language, it has become clear that many groups are creatively addressing this challenge, while others are seeking resources to support their efforts to welcome all members “regardless of” gender.
The NA Fellowship has not provided NA groups the ability to unilaterally change NA recovery literature. But it is very much within the scope of group autonomy to choose which literature is read in a meeting: The reading cards are a convenience, not a requirement. Many groups choose readings from elsewhere in the Basic Text or other NA literature that does not use gendered language. We have built this resource page so groups can share what is working for them. If your group uses alternative, gender-neutral readings from NA texts that are unaltered, we’d love to know what they are. If your group makes an announcement or addresses the issue in your format, please share that.
Send material you would like to share on the webpage to [email protected]. We won’t post the readings themselves, but will post where in the literature they can be found so other groups can use them as well. We intend for this to be an information hub so that NA groups can share solutions with each other. Don’t forget about the Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Language FAQ that is posted on the Issue Discussion Topic webpage. We want every NA meeting to be attractive, effective, and safe–so that every addict in the world can experience the message in their own language and culture. Open conversations, shared resources, and new service material are all in development to improve our efforts at carrying the message. Your participation is what makes NA happen, and there are more ways than ever to be involved. Thank you!
Sources of readings:
Basic Text, Narcotics Anonymous
It Works: How and Why
Narcotics Anonymous Step Working Guides
IP #7, Am I An Addict?
IP # 11, Sponsorship
Living Clean: The Journey Continues
The Common Welfare Group in Toronto, Ontario, Canada reads the following:
- From “Who Is an Addict” in the Basic Text, third paragraph (“As addicts…we used.”) and most of the last two paragraphs (“The only…do recover.”)
- From “What Is the Narcotics Anonymous Program?” in the Basic Text, paragraphs 5–7 (“Surviving against…to recover.”)
- From “Tradition Three” from the Basic Text, entire section
- From IP #11, Sponsorship, “Who is a Sponsor” (“Sponsorship is…a meeting.”)
The Diversity is Our Strength (FLINTA+) Group in Santa Monica, California, USA reads the following:
- From “Tradition One” in It Works: How and Why, 7th paragraph (“The unity…Narcotics Anonymous.”)
- From “Tradition Five” in the Basic Text, last paragraph
- From “Tradition Twelve” in It Works: How and Why, first four sentences of the 18th paragraph (“We pray…fellowship becomes.”)
The Tuesday Solutions Group in North Hollywood, California reads the following:
- From “Who Is an Addict” in the Basic Text, third paragraph (“As addicts…we used.”) and most of the last two paragraphs (“The only…do recover.”)
- From “What Is the Narcotics Anonymous Program?” in the Basic Text, paragraphs 5–7 (“Surviving against…to recover.”)
- From “How It Works” in the Basic Text, paragraphs 7–9 after the Steps (“When we…recovery possible.”)
- From “Tradition Seven” in It Works: How and Why, the Tradition itself and paragraphs 5-7 (“Many of…the hat.”)
- From “Tradition Twelve” in It Works: How and Why, the Tradition itself and the first 7 sentences of the 18th paragraph (“We pray…have imagined.”)
The Without Prejudice Group in Toronto, Ontario, Canada reads the following:
- From “The Disease of Addiction” paragraph from Step One in the Step Working Guides (“What makes…emotional decay.”)
- “What is the Narcotics Anonymous Program?” in the Basic Text, paragraphs 5 and 6 (“Surviving against…it away.”)
- “A Spiritual, Not Religious Program” from Chapter 3 of Living Clean, first two paragraphs (“Each of…is endorsed.”)
- “Step Eleven” in It Works: How and Why, mid-paragraph 9 beginning with “Although some…” through paragraph 10 (“…and enlightenment.”)
- “Tradition Three,” Basic Text, the Tradition itself and the first paragraph (“This tradition…miracles happen.”)
Another group reads:
- From IP #7, Am I An Addict?, sentences 1–11 (“Only you…our solution.”)
Another group reads the following in their meeting format as a statement on gender neutrality:
- From Step Eleven in the Step Working Guides, paragraph between the 6th and 7th questions (“As we…in NA.”) replacing the words “when working the Eleventh Step” at the end of sentence seven with ellipses.
Another member suggested reading the following as a statement on gender neutrality with respect to a Higher Power:
- From Chapter 3 in Living Clean, “A Spiritual Not Religious Program,” second half of the fourth paragraph (“It can be…in the room.”). Suggested reading title: “Available to Everyone in the Room”
Does your group read alternative excerpts from NA-approved literature in order to make meetings more inclusive? If so, please send them to us: [email protected]!
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