A+ for group involvement:
Tampa Bay, Florida, has a brand new social service. Its the brainchild of Ellenbeth Wachs, an atheist activist and a very,very busy lady for her state. Take a good look at this:
SOS is an alternative recovery method for those alcoholics or drug addicts who are uncomfortable with the spiritual content of widely available 12-Step programs [like alcoholics anonymous]. SOS takes a reasonable, secular approach to recovery and maintains that sobriety is a separate issue from religion or spirituality. SOS credits the individual for achieving and maintaining his or her own sobriety, without reliance on any "Higher Power."
Its a catchy name, SOS... much better than AA. And you can bet I'll be passing this little gem around to all the group leaders in my home state; I hope they'll all follow Ms. Wachs' lead.
There's very little room for doubt on this issue: secular groups (atheist or otherwise) are good for the future of America and where this particular social service is concerned, it's long overdue for drug and alcohol abusers to be rescued out of the hands of religionists. I look forward to hearing that a new crop of SOS programs across the country gain full recognition and the official nod of approval to receive government financial support and carry on their services - secular style.
Go ahead. Start an SOS group. What are you waiting for...?? help from the gods?
There's very little room for doubt on this issue: secular groups (atheist or otherwise) are good for the future of America and where this particular social service is concerned, it's long overdue for drug and alcohol abusers to be rescued out of the hands of religionists. I look forward to hearing that a new crop of SOS programs across the country gain full recognition and the official nod of approval to receive government financial support and carry on their services - secular style.
Go ahead. Start an SOS group. What are you waiting for...?? help from the gods?
Hurray for you, Ellenbeth. You've climbed way high-up on my personal ladder of citizen heroes.
Addendum message from EllenBeth: "Thanks so much for the publicity and the kudos, Randall! Though I can't take credit for the idea, just the Chapter. SOS has actually been around for 25 years and was founded by James Christopher in CA. Each chapter is, however, its own entity and is run autonomously and has its own personality. "
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Addendum message from EllenBeth: "Thanks so much for the publicity and the kudos, Randall! Though I can't take credit for the idea, just the Chapter. SOS has actually been around for 25 years and was founded by James Christopher in CA. Each chapter is, however, its own entity and is run autonomously and has its own personality. "
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