Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum Environmental Scan: A Request for Input (2025)

The Canadian Assembly of Narcotics Anonymous Zonal Forum (CANA/ACNA) has been serving the Canadian Fellowship for over 30 years. During this time there has been continuous growth both in maturity and the services provided. However, the world within NA and outside of NA changes, bringing about both opportunities and challenges. In an effort, to prepare for the future we need to formulate a plan that will help us maximize our opportunities and minimize our challenges.

One of the significant ways we gather information about trends inside and outside the fellowship is through partnerships with Regions, Areas, Groups, Service Bodies and NA members at large in Canada. These extra sets of eyes and experiences help to offer unique perspectives on the needs of our fellowship going forward. It is in this spirit we ask members to offer their input using this document which is a vital part of our strategic planning process.

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As you consider responses to the questions below, please take note of the services the Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum currently offers either as an active Work Group or as ongoing Routine Services

CANA/ACNA Goals

Goal 1: Improve External Recognition and Develop Relationships (Professionals, Government Agencies and Potential Members)
Goal 2: Identify, Coordinate, Assess Resources (Human, Financial)
Goal 3: Build Relationships with Member Communities and foster Unity
Goal 4: Build, Develop and Support NA in Remote Communities

CANA/ACNA Vision Statement

Inspired by the primary purpose of the groups we serve; our Vision provides direction for all the efforts and actions of the Canadian Assembly of Narcotics Anonymous. In our vision is a time:

• When addicts throughout the geographic expanse we serve need no longer suffer and die without having had the opportunity to discover and experience the miracle of recovery offered by Narcotics Anonymous.

• When the NA message of recovery is freely carried in every language and across all boundaries of culture, ethnicity, and geography from coast to coast to coast.

• When the Canadian Assembly is universally recognized as a dynamic and reliable resource for NA services and information.

• When every member, inspired by the gift of recovery, experiences spiritual growth and fulfillment through service.

This vision directs all our service efforts. With the guidance of a loving Higher Power, we strive towards these ideals.

Terms
CANA: Canadian Assembly of Narcotics Anonymous Zonal Forum
ACNA: L'Assemblée Canadienne de Narcotiques Anonymes Forum de Zone
CCNA: Canadian Convention of Narcotics Anonymous

Inspired by the primary purpose of the groups we serve; our Vision provides direction for all the efforts and actions of the Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum of Narcotics Anonymous.
Spiritual Principle: Primary Purpose, Inclusion

1. How do you perceive the primary purpose of our organization, and in what ways do you think it can be better communicated to both current and potential members?
When addicts throughout the geographic expanse we serve need no longer suffer and die without having had the opportunity to discover and experience the miracle of recovery offered by Narcotics Anonymous.

Spiritual principle: Awareness, Compassion
Goal 1: Improve External Recognition and Develop Relationships (Professionals, Government Agencies and Potential Members)

A member shared, "a woman I had never seen came to my home group. I welcomed her and asked how she heard about the group. She said she was at home watching TV when an ad came on about Narcotics Anonymous with an 1-855 number. She called the number, got put through to the AL-SASK region who directed her to the Edmonton Area who gave her the info on our group meeting on a Tuesday night. It warmed my heart to know that through these services, they drive addicts to the doors of our homegroups!"
WORKGROUPS
• PR through social media
• French/English TV PSA
• National Professional Development
• Improve CANA/ACNA Website

2. Are there any barriers that prevent individuals from accessing recovery resources offered by NA in Canada? If so, what do you feel these barriers are?
3. What ideas do you have on how our zone can address these challenges?
When the NA message of recovery is freely carried in every language and across all boundaries of culture, ethnicity, and geography from coast to coast to coast.

Spiritual Principle: Inclusiveness, Unity, Communication
Goal 2: Coordinate, Access Resources both Human & Financial
• Note: Workgroups are available for all NA members to join

A member shared, "although not planned as a hybrid meeting, I was included in many of the meetings, thanks to the group's flexibility. Technology enabled me to see, hear, and actively participate. I'm grateful for their quick thinking and commitment to inclusion, which allowed me to fulfill my service commitment.
WORKGROUPS
•Explore options to become a Hybrid meeting

4. What can CANA/ACNA do to attract and engage more members of the fellowship to participate in CANA/ACNA activities such as workgroups, workshops, and service meetings?
5. What resources (technology, training, mentoring) does CANA/ACNA need that would help attract members to participate in CANA/ACNA activities?
When the Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum is universally recognized as a dynamic and reliable resource for NA services and information.

Spiritual Principle: Accountability, Diligence
Goal 3: Build Relationships with Member Communities and Foster Unity

A member shared, “We asked for CANA/ACNA to come and do a presentation at our annual convention because our Area doesn't know much of the business side of Narcotics Anonymous past the area level. The presentation was very informative. It was exactly what we asked for. Successful for sure. We would recommend this service to every area in our Zone. We would recommend it become regular practice.
WORKGROUPS
• FD Collaboration
• Improve CANA/ACNA Website

6. What resources do you feel are needed in your NA Community and how can we help?
7. How can the Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum (CANA/ACNA) and the Canadian fellowship work together to further our message through our services?
When every member, inspired by the gift of recovery, experiences spiritual growth and fulfillment through service

Spiritual Principle: Serenity, Joy, Reciprocity
Goal 4: Build, Develop and Support NA in Remote Communities

A member shared, “Our rural Indigenous community in Alberta worked in collaboration with CANA/ACNA to develop Blackfoot keytags. The feeling in the meeting room when we came in with Blackfoot NA keytags was amazing. We all hugged, and members wanted to know how to order them for their NA meeting. It was powerful. It was a rewarding day and blessed day to be a member of NA, when you witness 3 people do the action of ‘hand to heart’, so humble!!”
WORKGROUPS
• PR to Remote and Rural Communities
• Indigenous Translations

8. How can we continue to improve the accessibility of our services for members who speak languages other than English or French, especially in Indigenous communities?
9. In what ways can we foster unity among diverse member communities, particularly in remote areas, to ensure everyone feels connected and supported?
Closing Question
10. Reflecting on your journey within Narcotics Anonymous, what other services would you suggest CANA/ACNA provide that could make recovery more positive for our members?
SURVEY SUBMISSION:
Type of Submission

Type of Submission Individual Member Input Group Input

Select only One
Where did you participate in this survey?

Where did you participate in this survey? Regional Workshop Area Workshop Online Other
Region Name
Area Name
Service Position
Member Name
Email Address
Email responses should go to vicechair@canaacna.org no later than August 15, 2025

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Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum Environmental Scan: A Request for Input (2025)

Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum Environmental Scan: A Request for Input (2025)

Inspired by the primary purpose of the groups we serve; our Vision provides direction for all the efforts and actions of the Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum of Narcotics Anonymous.

When addicts throughout the geographic expanse we serve need no longer suffer and die without having had the opportunity to discover and experience the miracle of recovery offered by Narcotics Anonymous.

When the NA message of recovery is freely carried in every language and across all boundaries of culture, ethnicity, and geography from coast to coast to coast.

When the Canadian Assembly Zonal Forum is universally recognized as a dynamic and reliable resource for NA services and information.

When every member, inspired by the gift of recovery, experiences spiritual growth and fulfillment through service

Closing Question

SURVEY SUBMISSION:

Email responses should go to vicechair@canaacna.org no later than August 15, 2025