I need the balance of recovery and fellowship to keep me well. I get both when attending a World Service Convention.
I always get excited just thinking about World Service Convention. These are events not to miss! I have attended almost every World Service Convention since 1995, and I’ve attended lots of workshops at them, but it is the connection with other members that keeps me coming back.
My first Convention, in 1995, was themed “Heart of Recovery,” and it was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My intergroup, the St. Louis Bi-State Area Intergroup, provided entertainment, and wow, that was fun! We were a ragtag group who performed a comedy skit and sang recovery-based song parodies. We had a great time preparing. Through it, I learned the value of fellowship and working together to achieve a common goal. A.G. was the keynote speaker, and he complimented us on our performance! I treasure that memory.
In 1997, a committed group from my area determined to attend “Liberty! Celebrate Recovery” in New York City. That year, I met Rozanne and Marvin and got hugs from both. I have a wonderful memory of the excursion out on the river to watch the fireworks. At that Convention, I got more fellowship, more commitment to recovery, and a desire to help others discover what I had been given.
“Recovery Roundup 2000: Y’all Come” was an excuse for a road trip. Six of us piled into a car and drove to Dallas, Texas. A.G. was again there to share his story. I had just recently come out of relapse that year, so knowing I wasn’t the only one who had difficulty in my journey was so encouraging. The meetings were as inspirational as ever.
At each of the subsequent Conventions—New Orleans, Louisiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; Los Angeles, California; and Boston, Massachusetts—I’ve had wonderful experiences.
I need the balance of recovery and fellowship to keep me well. I get both when attending a World Service Convention. From the grand opening until the final dance, soaking in the experience, strength, and hope of others and then sharing my own is an experience I would not trade.
Something I heard in 2000 still sticks with me: “At Convention, we form memories that last a lifetime.” This reminds me that we get well by working together with our fellows and with our HP. We all deserve this experience. I hope to see you at the next World Service Convention.
—Cyndy
Edited from the November 2019 issue of Lifeline magazine.
