This brief sketch of One Step At A Time provides information on how we got started and why we're organized as both a club and an AA group. In its five years of existance, OSAT has developed a rich tradition of annual events including the club's Mount Rainier climbs. In recent years, members have organized major international climbing expeditions . Also recently, OSAT has developed a more formal organization . This page is one of three providing historical information about OSAT. Links are provided here to the other two, which describe more background about our identity traditions and a biographical sketch of our founder.
In 1990 Jim began to formulate the idea of holding an AA meeting on the summit of Mount Rainier in conjunction with the national AA convertion which was held in Seattle that year. The amount of planning and training required conspired to prevent this dream from being realized. The following year, however, Jim brought together a small group of experienced mountaineers with a larger group of people interested in learning about mountain climbing. What these people had in common was a self-acknowledged alcohol dependency and a desire to stop drinking. Some had been sober for years, others for just weeks, but they all sought the mutual support and individual learning provided by AA.
The first organizational meeting for the what was called the "1991 AA Mt. Rainier Expedition" scheduled a conditioning hike up Tiger Mountain near Issaquah Washington on the first Thursday evening of daylight savings time, April 11. By the time the first newsletter was issued, it had been suggested that this Thursday night hike be turned into a regular weekly 12-step meeting. The first Thursday of daylight savings time has, ever since, been celebrated as OSAT's birthday, complete with sheet cakes, sparkling cider, balloons and smiles. The Thursday evening OSAT AA meeting is, thus, the "mother" meeting for OSAT, from which others trace their roots.
The first AA meeting chose the the name One Step At A Time , and at an organizational meeting the following month it was decided that a club would be established with the same name, in respect of AA Tradition Six which states that "secondary aids to AA, such as clubs which require property or administration, ought to be incorporated and so set apart that, if necessary, they can be freely discarded by the groups." The OSAT club was organized because the activities of the group were not limited to 12-step meetings, and involve some inherently dangerous activity, such as mountain climbing, which therefore required a way to insure that only qualified people were allowed to participate in technical activities. This potentially goes far beyond the "desire to stop drinking" membership requirement for AA. The club also owns a small amount of equipment made available to members, particularly those who are new to mountaineering and who therefore do not have their own equipment.
Because the National Park Service limits individual climbing parties to twelve climbers, OSAT has evolved the graduation climb into a series of climbs, including climbs on several different routes attempting to rendezvous on the summit. One unique aspect of OSAT Mt. Rainier climbs is the tradition of "sherpas". Since the climbs are limited to twelve on each route (typically 4 rope leaders and 8 students in each group), fellow OSAT climbers share in carrying group gear to the high camps for the mountaineering course graduation climbs, and then return to the base of the mountain after wishing those making their first attempt on the mountain good luck and safe climbing.
Following the initial Rainier expedition, the club continued to grow and prosper. The club organizes mountain climbs, trail work parties, and outdoor retreats which involve teaching members the benefits of these activities as a part of their recovery. Twenty to thirty such events are organized each year. Most of these activities include 12-step meetings, or other, less formal, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, education, and recovery support. The organization relies on existing members, providing their expertise on a voluntary basis, to teach new members the skills and the linkage between sustaining physical well-being, drug- and alcohol-free living, and the enjoyment of these activities.
Among traditions which have been established over the years are, a fall family car-camp and retreat Thanksgiving Day morning climbs up Mt. Si, Halloween and Christmas parties, a New Years Day climb up some local mountain, and a winter snow cave trip which sets the record for "largest AA meeting in a snow cave", the current record being fifteen! Another cherished memory of many OSAT climbers is their first conditioning climb to Camp Muir, which includes an AA meeting at the 10,000 foot elevation camp, frequently involving nearly fifty members.
Many club activities include 12-step meetings, and a few professionals in the field of substance abuse counseling who are members also provide informal counseling within the context of the club activities. In addition to outdoor activites, OSAT works with treatment centers at their request to introduce their clients to our program within the context of their own treatment programs.
The five-member board, now known as the Board of Trusted Servants (BOTS) is elected for overlapping two-year terms to oversee the operation of the club in accordance with its by-laws. Board members serve without compensation to oversee the well-being of the club. Standing committees were formalized to administer the climbing course, publications, telephone hotline, finances, and equipment loaning.
Jim H presented a proposal to the February 1994 club meeting that included additional organizational responsibilities for the Board of Servants (BOS). The BOS's organizational proposal discussed included, as the first mentioned BOS responsibility, the development and submittal to the full membership for approval a statement on the mission (purpose and objectives) of OSAT. At the April 1994 business meeting the Mission Statement . was adopted as follows:
"To provide a clean and sober environment for members and friends of 12-step recovery groups to participate in outdoor and social events in the spirit of conservation, preservation, and ecology."
The original BOS drafted by-laws which were subsequently adopted in 1994. OSAT was organized as a Washington non-profit corporation in 1995, and was subsequently recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from federal income tax as an organization described in section 501(c)(3).
Thanks for taking the time to learn about the history of One Step At A Time. If you are interested, you can read more history about our organization name, motto, and mission. You are also invited to read more about our founder, Jim H , or return to the OSAT Homepage to check out what else is going on with One Step At A Time.
Several people have expressed interest in starting OSATs in other areas, including New England, British Columbia, and Alaska. If you are likewise inclined, e-mail Rik A. , requesting additional information to help you get going.
Last update: 6/17/96