Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2018-2021 Al-Anon and Alateen Digest of Al-Anon and Groups at Work Alateen Policies “Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work” The “Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen provides a framework within which each Policies” reflects policy group can develop and grow. statements that grew It offers basic information to out of questions all group members concerning and experiences the group structure and how from the Al-Anon it relates to other groups and fellowship worldwide. Al-Anon as a whole. They are interpretations of our basic guides, the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Service. Al-Anon's Twelve World Concepts of Service Service “Al-Anon’s Twelve Concepts of Service” Handbook deals with the “why” of our service The “World Service Handbook” structure in such explains how Al-Anon is held a way that the together worldwide, how it valuable experience is structured, and how our of the past and the trusted servants can best function lessons drawn from within our structure. that experience can never be forgotten or lost. 2018-2021 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual This 2018-2021 edition of the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) replaces any previous editions. Every Al‑Anon and Alateen member is encouraged to actively use and study this Manual. It gives a clear and concise picture of the Al‑Anon fellowship, its purpose and functions and how it helps us to resolve group problems and maintain unity. Additional copies may be ordered from the WSO or from your Literature Distribution Center. An electronic version is available at al‑anon.org. Those who wish to translate this Manual for use by Al‑Anon and Alateen groups worldwide may obtain permission by writing to the address on the back of the title page. Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Al‑Anon/Alateen World Service Office Virginia Beach, VA The Al‑Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al‑Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al‑Anon is self‑supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al‑Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by prac‑ ticing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. Suggested Preamble to the Twelve Steps For information and catalog of literature write: Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. World Service Office for Al–Anon and Alateen 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23454‑5617 Phone 757‑563‑1600 Fax 757‑563‑1656 al‑anon.org wso@al‑anon.org AL‑ANON AND ALATEEN GROUPS AT WORK Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., 1964 DIGEST OF AL‑ANON AND ALATEEN POLICIES Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., 1975 WORLD SERVICE HANDBOOK Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., 1973 AL‑ANON’S TWELVE CONCEPTS OF SERVICE Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., 1970 Al‑Anon/Alateen is supported by members’ voluntary contributions and from the sale of our Conference Approved Literature. This Manual is available in Spanish and French. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. © Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., 1992 Revised 2018 Portions Approved by World Service Conference Al‑Anon Family Groups 18‑10 P‑24/27 Printed in the U.S.A. Preface Questions pertaining to the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Service continually arise within our fellowship. Over the years, four booklets were introduced to assist members in resolv‑ ing specific situations. In 1992, the four booklets were combined into one and retitled Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P‑24/27). This Manual reflects the collective experience of our membership in its ongoing effort to interpret the Traditions and Concepts of Service in a spirit of unity and harmony. Members seeking answers to specific questions of special situa‑ tions may well find guidance within these pages. Each section has its own purpose, author and Table of Contents. The Index lists the many topics addressed throughout the Manual. To reflect new information and changing points of view, an on‑ line version of the Manual is updated between printings as changes are made. It can be found on the Members’ menu at al‑anon.org. Al‑Anon/Alateen members may initiate revisions to the Manual at any time by making suggestions to their District Representative (DR), Area Delegate, or the World Service Office (WSO). For this 2018‑2021 edition, the “Al‑Anon and Alateen Groups at Work” section is also being printed as a separate booklet (P‑24) as a tool for groups in the hopes of making this important group infor‑ mation available to more members worldwide. Al-Anon Declaration Let It Begin with Me When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al‑Anon and Alateen always be there, and ‑ Let It Begin with Me. 4 al‑anon.org al‑anon.org 5 Table of Contents Preface Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ...................................................6 Introduction ............................................................................................9 Suggested Meeting Outline ................................................................ 10 Suggested Meeting Readings ............................................................. 11 The Serenity Prayer ................................................................................................. 11 Suggested Al‑Anon/Alateen Welcome ........................................................... 11 Suggested Al‑Anon Preamble to the Twelve Steps .................................... 13 Suggested Alateen Preamble to the Twelve Steps ..................................... 13 Our Three Legacies ................................................................................................. 14 Twelve Steps ............................................................................................................. 14 Twelve Traditions – Al‑Anon................................................................................ 15 Twelve Traditions – Alateen ................................................................................. 16 Twelve Concepts of Service ................................................................................. 17 General Warranties of the Conference ............................................................ 18 Suggested Al‑Anon/Alateen Closing ............................................................... 20 Al‑Anon Declaration .............................................................................................. 20 Optional Readings ............................................................................... 21 Reading on Anonymity ......................................................................................... 21 Four Primary Ideas .................................................................................................. 21 Three Obstacles to Success in Al‑Anon ........................................................... 22 Understanding Alcoholism ................................................................................. 23 Understanding Ourselves .................................................................................... 24 History: Al-Anon and Alateen ............................................................. 26 How to Start a Group ........................................................................... 28 Spiritual Principles behind Starting an Al‑Anon Group ............................ 28 Benefits of WSO Registration .............................................................................. 28 Considerations when Starting an Al-Anon or Alateen Group .......... 29 When to Hold the Meeting .................................................................................. 29 Where to Hold the Meeting................................................................................. 29 Naming the Group .................................................................................................. 29 Open/Closed Meetings ......................................................................................... 30 Beginners’ Meetings ............................................................................................... 31 Multiple Meetings ................................................................................................... 31 Electronic Meetings (Digital, Social Networking, Phone) ......................... 32 Procedures for Starting an Al-Anon Group ....................................... 33 Group Contact Information ................................................................................. 33 Current Mailing Address (CMA) ................................................................... 33 Group Email Address ....................................................................................... 33 Phone Contact for the Public ....................................................................... 34 Communication with the WSO .........................................................................