Our Symbol

[dalin]

Our Symbol
Simplicity is the key to our symbol; it imitates the simplicity of
our Fellowship. All sorts of occult and esoteric connotations can
be found in its simple outlines, but foremost in the minds of the
Fellowship are easily understood meanings and relationships.
The outer circle denotes a universal and total program that has
room within it for all manifestations of the recovering person.
The square, whose lines are defined, is easily seen and understood,
but there are other unseen parts of the symbol. The
square base denotes Good will, the ground of both the Fellowship
and the members of our society. Good will is best exemplified
in service; proper service is “Doing the right thing for the
right reason.” When Good will supports and motivates both the
individual and the Fellowship, we are fully whole and wholly
free. Probably the last to be lost to freedom will be the stigma of
being an addict.
It is the four pyramid sides that rise from the base in a threedimensional
figure that represent Self, Society, Service, and God.
All rise to the point of Freedom. All parts are closely related to
the needs and aims of the addict who is seeking recovery, and to
the purpose of the Fellowship which is to make recovery available
to all. The greater the base, (as we grow in unity in numbers
and in fellowship) the broader the sides of the pyramid, and the
higher the point of freedom.
xv

[SHELLEY]

This is the original NA logo drawn by Jimmy K. The circles around the logo are in colors corresponding to the key below. The inside of the “A” is left uncolored except for a dot representing God. The rest of the inner circle is yellow, representing strength and courage. The next ring is green, representing friendship. Next is blue, representing peace and serenity. The outer ring is red, representing love.

In Steve's final report{NA HISTORY}, he described a growing awareness of just how important Jimmy K. was, not only to NA of the 1950s and 1960s, but even today. Jimmy's ideas and vision for NA as a worldwide fellowship were clearly reflected in the archival material. For example, Jimmy's original drawing of the stylized NA logo with the circles and four lines projecting from the outer circle, and what eventually happened to those lines, shows how some of his original ideas were misinterpreted years later. When looking at the cardboard poster of the original NA logo, it is clear that the four lines were directional markers depicting the dream of NA spreading in all four directions. However, a later interpretation viewed the four lines as having Christian symbolism, which resulted in a conference motion to have them removed.

[dalin]

Thank you!