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Welcome to the September Issue of the CoDA UK Newsletter.
The aim of this newsletter is to keep members informed about CoDA news, events, literature and new meetings.
Subscribe HERE
Every Month will feature the Step, Tradition and Promise of the month.
We would also love to include Experience, Strength & Hope from members who wish to share. If you have a story or writing you wish to share, please send it to communications@codauk.org.
“Co-Dependents Anonymous is a fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships.”
CoDA Preamble
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The Step, Tradition, and Promise
Step 9
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
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Tradition 9
CoDA, as such, ought never be organised; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
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Promise 9
I acknowledge that I am a unique and precious creation.
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The Promises and Me
by Frank
When I first heard the 12 Promises, I thought they were a bit like fairy tales. “I can expect a miraculous change in my life”? Sure, I thought, I’ll just check my mailbox for that package of miracles next week. Spoiler: it didn’t arrive in the mail. But over time, these promises snuck up on me.
For example Promise 2: “I am no longer controlled by my fears. I overcome my fears and act with courage, integrity, and dignity,” I honestly thought, “Yeah, right. Fear is basically my roommate.” For most of my life, fear dictated what I said, who I was with, and even how I breathed. Saying no felt impossible, standing up for myself felt dangerous. But something has shifted. Not in some dramatic Hollywood moment, but in the small, shaky acts. Saying, “I can’t do that right now,” even when my stomach is in knots. Walking away from conversations that used to leave me in pieces. I still feel fear, but it doesn’t own me in the same way anymore. That feels like dignity, even if it comes with trembling hands.
Promise 6: “I learn to see myself as equal to others. My new and renewed relationships are all with equal partners.” This one has been harder to accept. I’ve lived most of my life on one extreme or the other, either putting people on pedestals or knocking myself down. Equality wasn’t even on my radar. But little by little, I’m starting to see it. I don’t have to shrink myself to be loved, and I don’t have to prove myself to be accepted. I can just be… me. It’s awkward, it’s unfamiliar, but it feels a lot better than carrying the weight of inferiority or superiority around all the time.
Then there’s Promise 9: “I am a unique and precious creation.” This one still makes me uncomfortable, if I’m honest. Precious? Unique? For years, I felt replaceable, forgettable, invisible. But now, every once in a while, I catch glimpses of it. The way I can make someone laugh. The way I notice small details others miss. The way my presence matters, even when I don’t realize it. I’m starting to believe that maybe there isn’t another version of me out there, and maybe that’s not a problem but a gift.
I will “gradually experience serenity, strength, and spiritual growth in my daily life,” (Promise 12). The key word here is gradually. It’s not like I woke up one morning radiating enlightenment (I still lose my car keys and snap at the toaster when it burns my bread). But there’s a slow, steady shift. Less panic, more pause. Less people-pleasing, more self-respecting. Serenity shows up like a shy cat, it doesn’t jump on my lap, but it lingers in the room.
So yeah, I’m not “finished” (is anyone ever?), but I can honestly say these promises aren’t just words on a pamphlet anymore. They’re becoming little truths in my life. And for someone who used to live on fear, shame, and overthinking, that feels… pretty precious.
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The CoDA Service Conference
October 5th - October 9th 2025
What is the CoDA Service Conference (CSC)?
The CoDA Service Conference (CSC) is the annual business meeting of Co-Dependents Anonymous. It serves as the fellowship’s decision-making body, where trusted servants and delegates gather to make decisions on behalf of the worldwide fellowship.
Purpose:
- To carry out CoDA’s group conscience on issues that affect the fellowship as a whole.
- To review, approve, or update CoDA literature, policies, and guidelines.
- To provide direction to CoDA World Service and its committees for the coming year.
- To keep CoDA unified while allowing it to grow and serve members worldwide.
Who Meets:
- Delegates elected by their Voting Entities (state, region, or country).
- Trusted servants serving on CoDA World committees and boards.
Who Can Attend:
- All CoDA members are welcome to attend CSC as observers.
- Only delegates have a vote.
Who Votes and What For:
- Each delegate casts votes that represent their Voting Entity’s (CoDA UK has two VEs) group conscience.
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Delegates vote on:
- Approval of new or revised CoDA literature.
- Motions and policies affecting CoDA as a whole.
- Election of CoDA trusted servants to boards and committees.
- Budget and financial matters.
- Other issues brought forward by CoDA service bodies.
Why It Matters:
CSC ensures that decisions guiding CoDA come from the collective group conscience of the fellowship, expressed through the voices of its members via their delegates. It is a vital process that keeps CoDA healthy, transparent, and responsive to members’ needs.
How To Attend:
Registration is free but required. Click HERE for more information.
The Motions For Consideration:
Click HERE for the list.
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CoDA UK National Committee Vacancies
If you would like more information on being of service or have any questions, please reach out to communications@codauk.org
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18th October 2025
Self Love
A Spiritual Practice
(Hosted by Byron CoDA)
11pm – 5:30am UK BST
Most of us came into this Fellowship with a lot of self-doubts. Often what we affirmed was negative, self-destructive and self-defeating. These invalidating thoughts represented what we had come to believe about ourselves, based on messages from the past. CoDA’s 12 Step Program has shown many of us that real change is possible, and that self love is indeed a spiritual practice.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a full day of recovery sharing and listening with Sara J from Tucson, Arizona, USA and continue your journey of self-discovery.
We’re pleased to announce that the convention will be available not only face-to-face in beautiful Byron Bay, but also online as a hybrid, virtual event from 11pm - 5.30am UK Time (9am – 3:30pm AEDT) (please ensure you have the most updated version of zoom). The full day audio recording will be made available after the event.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and have a blast! Get your ticket today. See you there 🙂
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CoDA Mixed Retreat Noddfa
October 31st to November 2nd
The CoDA Noddfa retreat committee are happy to invite you to attend the CoDA Mixed Retreat this May in person at the wonderful location of Noddfa, Penmaenmawr in North Wales. The Retreat runs from Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November 2025.
Noddfa may be able to accommodate additional nights stays either side of the retreat which will need to be arranged directly with them.
TO RESERVE A PLACE
Please contact the retreat committee
Phone number/WhatsApp: 07853865040
Email: codanoddfaretreat@outlook.com
Noddfa committee contacts
Full details available HERE.
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National Service Committee Inventory - Part 1
15th November 2025
Time: 13:00-15:00
CoDA UK is holding the first part of an inventory which is open to members from all the national meetings and representatives of regional groups.
Similar to a group inventory, this will be the National Service Committee examining whether it is functioning healthily or otherwise, guided by CoDA’s Twelve Traditions and spiritual principles. All members are welcome to have their voices heard about how the NSC is running.
There is no requirement to attend the whole meeting – feel free to drop in at any time during the inventory. We ask that you put your name and home group (if you have one) in the chat so we can keep track of how many members attended.
Please join the zoom call just before 1pm.
Click HERE for more details.
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NSC Meeting - September 2025
Following the National Service Committee meeting on the 6th of September, the minutes are available HERE.
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If you wish to contribute your ESH for the newsletter, please write to us at communications@codauk.org. |
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Please share this newsletter with other members.
To subscribe, click HERE.
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