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Speakers | ARU 2026
ARU Conference speakers represent folks from all different recovery programs, gender identities and sexual orientations. Speaker meetings are open to all in recovery, no conference registration needed.
Raymond S. | AA | Denver, CO
Sobriety Date: 7/23/1988
Raymond has been an active member of AA since first entering the program at the age of 21 while in college in Winston-Salem, NC. He then spent the next 15 years in New York City, followed by 16 years in Dallas. He happily now makes Denver his home where he is also a fellow traveler in ACA. He credits his recovery to a strong commitment to community and the acknowledgment of two simple facts: 1. Selfishness and self-centeredness are the root of all my troubles, and 2. Acceptance is the answer to all my problems.
Lydia C. | Al-Anon | Dallas, TX
Sobriety Date: 11/17/1989
Lydia celebrates both her sobriety and Al-Anon anniversary on November 17th, 1989 - making her a lifelong "double hitter". Working two programs at once has given her a unique perspective, deep compassion, and plenty of stories along the way. Chapter 7, “Working With Others,” page 98 (1st edition wording)
“Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house.”
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Eric B. | NA | Austin, TX
Sobriety Date: 6/7/2006
Erik got sober in Chicago nearly 20 years ago and is grateful for the many 12 Step fellowships that carried him there. He and his husband moved to Austin in 2011, where they found the fellowship they had been seeking. Today, Erik is an active member of CMA and AA. He credits his sobriety to the love, patience, and generosity of those who freely passed it on to him. A work in progress, he strives for spiritual growth through service, surrender, and self-sacrifice, and is truly grateful for a life of “sane and happy usefulness”.
Angel L. | AA |
Sobriety Date: 9/17/1990
Angel found her way to Dallas Lambda in 1990, where her recovery journey began. She is forever grateful to the fellows who showed her love and patience in those early days. She moved to Austin in 2000 and continues to be an active member of the AA fellowship. Service work is at the heart of her recovery, and you will find her showing up wherever she is needed, whether at her home group, conferences, or performing in fundraising drag shows. Her wife likes to joke that she is an AA widow at times, and is a huge support to her and her friends. Angel continues to seek guidance from her Higher Power and the fellows who freely share their experience, strength, and hope. This is a life she is so glad she did not miss.
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