5 Jul,2019
Dear Hossein,
Thank you for sharing the photos from the co-guide examinations. I am amazed with the 4500 participants across 43 branches. That is powerful testimony to the service ethic that thrives within Congress 60. I think adding the new comers consultant position will also provide a good entry into service opportunities within Congress 60 and build new leaders for the future.
The NGO in the U.S. that I mentioned was the National Committee for Education on Alcoholism (later the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence--NCADD) founded by Mrs. Marty Mann in 1944. They established state and local chapters across the U.S. and established local alcoholism information and referral centers and encouraged development of local treatment programs but always struggled financially to remain a viable organization. I could not agree more that the financial viability of organizations like NCADD are dependent on having a successful approach to the treatment of addiction. But in addiction to that, you have devised a system of financial sustainability that is enviable. Such financial stability supported by your own membership is a remarkable achievement. NCADD and other NGOs here relied instead on community contributions and government grants both of which can ebb and flow creating a very precarious foundation for any organization. With your system of financial sustainability, the strength of your legions, and your system of preparing people for service and leadership roles, the future of Congress 60 looks very bright—all built on the foundation of your approach to treating addiction. Thank you for the details on how all this works. The members of Congress 60 across its branches stand as living proof of the power of your method of treatment and the strength of Congress 60 as an organization.
Given the creative activities within Congress 60, you might enjoy know that I have begun sketching and will be taking an introductory art class soon on painting with oils, acrylics, and watercolor. I have not done anything of an artistic nature since I was a child and now find I have the time and motivation to pursue this. There is an old saying here that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, but I am hoping to learn a few in the years I have left. I think this will also add a new dimension to my recovery experience. I will let you know how things proceed.
I hope you are enjoying the summer. It is unseasonably hot here in the U.S. and we have had some very destructive storms in parts of the country. The heat and high humidity in Florida keep Rita and I mostly inside this time of year.
Friends and Brothers Forever,
Bill