NA Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CALD)

A Guidance Resource for Inclusion, Access, and Shared Learning

Preamble

This resource is offered as guidance only. It is not a checklist, requirement, or standard to be met.

It has been developed from shared experience gathered at a 2025 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity workshop held at the Australian Regional Service Committee meeting.

Its purpose is to support conversation, reflection, and the sharing of experience among NA groups, Areas, and Regions.

How (or if) this guidance is used is left to the discretion of each service body and group conscience. The ideas below are invitations for awareness, not expectations or mandates.

PURPOSE

Cultural and linguistic diversity awareness in NA service helps ensure that our doors remain open to every addict who seeks recovery, regardless of language, culture, or ability.

This resource offers orientation and reflection points to help service bodies notice barriers, learn from experience, and support inclusion—while respecting the autonomy of groups and local communities.

UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITY

Service bodies may find it helpful to reflect on who lives in their communities and who may not yet be represented in NA meetings.

Points for consideration may include:

• Awareness of the cultural, linguistic, and Indigenous communities present locally
• Familiarity with community, migrant, refugee, or disability support services
• Sensitivity to accessibility needs related to hearing, vision, mobility, or cognition

The focus here is awareness, not comprehensive knowledge.

COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE ACCESS

Clear and welcoming communication can reduce barriers for newcomers and members whose first language is not English.

Shared experience suggests reflecting on:

• Visibility and accessibility of translated NA literature already available through NAWS
• Use of plain, inclusive language in meetings and service communications
• How meeting information (lists, websites) signals openness to language or accessibility needs
• Willingness to be mindful of culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive language

These considerations are meant to support understanding, not to prescribe language or formats.

OUTREACH & PUBLIC INFORMATION

Outreach to culturally and linguistically diverse communities often works best when it is relationship-based and locally informed.

Service bodies may wish to consider:

• Awareness of multicultural, Indigenous, health, or disability-focused community spaces
• Whether existing PR or H&I efforts are visible in services that support diverse populations
• How experience from members of CALD backgrounds can inform outreach efforts

Any outreach activity is guided by the Traditions and remains needs-based rather than directive.

FELLOWSHIP INCLUSION

Inclusion within the Fellowship is expressed not only through outreach, but through how we welcome one another.

Reflection points may include:

• Accessibility considerations at meetings, workshops, and conventions
• How newcomers who speak other languages are welcomed and supported
• Awareness of who may feel unseen or hesitant to participate
• Fellowship-led gatherings that celebrate unity and diversity, where appropriate

These expressions of inclusion often arise naturally at the local level.

SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE

Members frequently identified the following principles as guides when engaging with cultural and linguistic diversity:

• Open-mindedness – learning from experiences different from our own
• Humility – remembering that the message, not the messenger, carries recovery
• Unity – working together across differences to serve our common purpose
• Compassion – recognising that barriers often arise from pain, stigma, or misunderstanding
• Service – carrying the message wherever addicts still suffer

These principles help keep inclusion grounded spiritually rather than procedurally.

REFLECTION & CONTINUING AWARENESS

Rather than formal evaluation, service bodies may choose to engage in periodic reflection, such as:

• What have we learned about inclusion this year?
• Are there voices or communities we are not yet hearing from?
• Where have small efforts made a meaningful difference?
• What awareness might we carry forward, even if no action is taken?

The emphasis remains on learning and willingness, not measurement or performance.

CLOSING THOUGHT

Cultural and linguistic diversity awareness in NA is not a separate initiative—it is part of how we live our commitment to unity and carry the message with love and respect.

This guidance is offered in trust, leaving its use to the conscience of the Fellowship and the care of a loving Higher Power.