Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2018-2021 Digest of Al‑Anon and Policies Alateen Al‑Anon and Alateen The “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies” reflects policy Groups at Work statements that grew “Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work” out of questions provides a frameworkgroup can developwithin which and grow. each and experiences

It offers basic information to from the Al‑Anon all group members concerning fellowship worldwide. the group structure and how They are interpretations of our it relates to other groups and basic guides, the Twelve Al‑Anon as a whole. Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Service.

World Service Al‑Anon's Twelve Handbook Concepts of Service The “World Service Handbook” “Al‑Anon’s Twelve Concepts of Service” explains how Al‑Anon is held deals with thestructure “why” ofin suchour service together worldwide, how it a way that the is structured, and how our valuable experience trusted servants can best function of the past and the within our structure. lessons drawn from that experience can never be forgotten or lost.

version two (2) Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ‑ -32). Readings Suggested Meeting Anon” or “Alateen” as applicable) or “Alateen” ‑Anon” “Al (choose Group Family ______Al‑Anon/Alateen the to you welcome We un‑ of alcoholism with the problem lived, or have who live, We try It to of us find you has helped many urge our program. We the Al‑Anon/ apply as we improve bound to is family situation The Chairperson: Will you join me in a moment of silence, followed by by followed of silence, join me in a moment you Will Chairperson: me the serenity God grant the things I cannot change, accept To change the things I can, to Courage know wisdom to And the difference. Most groups open with a moment of silence followed by the Se by followed of silence open with a moment Most groups This format is printed for your convenience. While every not group convenience. your for is printed format This See Is Al‑AnonThis the pamphlet also (P 11 al-anon.org Suggested Al‑Anon/Alateen Suggested Welcome The Serenity Prayer The Serenity Meeting Opening and hope you will find in this fellowship the help and friendship we help and friendship the fellowship will find in this and hope you enjoy. privileged been to have and frus‑ lonely were too, We, others can. derstand as perhaps few is really no situation that discover we but in Al‑Anon/Alateen trated, and even contentment, find us to it is possible for hopeless and that is still drinking alcoholic whether the happiness, or not. ‑ atti So much depends on our own serenity. lead to solutions that in its true perspective, our problem place learn to as we and tudes, lives. and our our thoughts to dominate find it loses its power we is alcoholic an with living spiritualsuch help, Without ideas. Alateen Our thinking most of us. distorted trying becomes much for by too with‑ irritable become and unreasonable and we solutions, force to out knowing it. renity Prayer. renity the Serenity Prayer? chooses to plan its meeting in this way, many find a general outline a general find many in this way, plan its meeting chooses to helpful. Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ready to receive ofserenity. thepriceless gift bers anddailyreading ofAl‑Anon/Alateen literature thusmakeus Prayer.the Serenity The loving interchange ofhelpamongmem‑ one day at atime, to applyto ourlives, alongwithourslogansand (adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous), whichwe try, littleby little, Alateen Conference Approved Literature. closed.** are Members alsotold how theycan and obtainAl‑Anon program, ontheAl‑Anon focus or andclarifiesifthe meeting isopen* of other anonymousmembers fellowships to remain anonymous and discussion group), hasaspecific routine for calling onmembers, asks say ifthegroup format(Step meetinghasaspecial help oneanotherinAl‑Anon/Alateen. feel free to for say what isinourmindsandhearts, thishow we ber gram. that issaidhere, Everything inthegroup meetingandmem‑ 12 al-anon.org welcome. is else’s also See “Open/Closed Meetings.”drinking bysomeone affected been havethey believes Anyone who is **This meeting fora closed only. and prospective Al‑Anon members members as well of Al‑Anon as newcomers and members Al‑Anon, information visitors seeking about meeting; wewelcome is open *Thisan Anonymity is an important principle oftheAl‑Anon/Alateen principle Anonymity pro isanimportant The Al‑Anon/Alateen program isbasedonthe Twelve Steps At inthemeeting, thispoint many groups have theChairperson -to -member, mustbeheldinconfidence. Onlyinthis way can we

‑study, speakers, or

‑ Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ‑ Alateen, part of the Al‑Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of is a fellowship Groups, partAlateen, Family of the Al‑Anon is a family disease because it affects all the alcoholism believe We outside with any involved become or do not discuss religion We grow to begin we ourselves, to Steps Twelve Bythe applying The Al‑Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and relatives of fellowship a are Groups Family Al‑Anon The sect, entity, political denomination, any is not allied with Al‑Anon We help families of alcoholics. has but one purpose: to Al‑Anon 13 al-anon.org Suggested Alateen Preamble to the Twelve Steps to the Twelve Alateen Preamble Suggested Suggested Al‑Anon Preamble to the Twelve Steps Twelve the to Preamble Al‑Anon Suggested young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a in by alcoholism affected been have whose lives people young sharing our by other each help We friend. close or member family and hope. strength, experience, can‑ we Although physically. members emotionally and sometimes their prob can detach from we our parents, not change or control them. love to lems while continuing are We our problems. is the solution of Our sole topic organizations. all of that as well as anonymity each other’s protect to careful always and A.A. members. Al‑Anon to be grateful will always We and spiritually. emotionally, mentally, and by live to program us a wonderful, giving healthy for Alateen enjoy. friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope and strength, experience, their who share friends of alcoholics is a alcoholism believe We problems. their common solve to in order can aid recovery. attitudes changed and that family illness controversy; any not engage in institution; does or organization, no dues for are There cause. nor opposes any neither endorses is self-supporting voluntary Al‑Anon its own through membership. contributions. and giving welcoming by Steps, Twelve practicingdo this by the and understanding giving and by of alcoholics, families comfort to alcoholic. the to encouragement Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work faith orofnone. Note thepower words. ofthevery sent away oflife appealingto allpeopleofgoodwill, ofany religious have beenadopted almostword for word by Al‑Anon. They repre ontheiraffairs inharmony.groups cancarry life for the individual. They are alsoa framework within which the Steps,Twelve TraditionsTwelveService. Concepts and/or of Our ThreeLegacies 14 al-anon.org Twelve Steps 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. THROUGH

Because oftheirprovenBecause power A.A.’s andworth, Twelve Steps The threefold guides of Al‑Anon point theway to anormal, useful Twelvethe or all,of read one member a have to groupschoose Many wrong promptly admitted it. Continued to takepersonalinventory andwhenwe were when to doso would injure themorothers. amendsto direct suchpeoplewhereverMade possible, except to makeamendsto themall. alistofallpersonsweMade hadharmed, andbecamewilling to removeHumbly askedHim ourshortcomings. character. Were entirely ready to have remove God allthesedefectsof naturethe exact of ourwrongs. Admitted to God, to ourselves, andto anotherhumanbeing asearchingMade andfearless moral inventory ofourselves. asweGod Him. understood adecisionto ourwillandlivesMade turn over to thecare of store usto sanity. Came to believe that aPower greater thanourselves could re had become unmanageable. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that ourlives RECOVERY STEPS THE TRADITIONS THROUGH SERVICE UNITY THE CONCEPTS THROUGH THE ‑ ‑ Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ‑ ‑ ‑ , by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic and understanding our alcoholic encouraging , by ourselves For our group purpose there is but one authority—a purpose loving there our group For Our conscience. Himself in our group express God as He may servants—they but trusted leaders are do not govern. ‑ mutu for together when gathered of alcoholics, relatives The provided Group, Family an Al‑Anon call themselves may al aid, require The only no other affiliation. they have as a group, that, Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for first; personal progress should come welfare Our common number depends upon unity. the greatest Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting affecting in matters except autonomous, should be Each group or AA as a whole. or Al‑Anon another group help fam‑ has but one purpose: to Group Family Each Al‑Anon of Steps Twelve practicing do this by the We ilies of alcoholics. AA families of comfort to and giving welcoming and by relatives, alcoholics. or lend our finance endorse, never ought Groups Our Family prop of money, lest problems outside enterprise, any name to ment for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism of alcoholism be a problem there membership is that for ment or friend. in a relative erty divert our primary and prestige us from spiritual‑ aim. Al ‑ our con improve to and meditation prayer Sought through for only understood contactscious , praying Him with God as we carry to knowledge us and the power out. of His that for will of these steps, as the result had a spiritual awakening Having carry tried practice to these to and we others, to this message principles all our affairs. in The Traditions that follow bind us together in unity. They guide guide They in unity. bind us together follow that Traditions The in trygroups of A.A. experience the from evolved Traditions The 2. 3. 1. 4. 5. 6. 11. 12. 15 al-anon.org Twelve Traditions—Al‑Anon Twelve ing to solve their problems of living and working together. Al‑Anon Al‑Anon workingand living of together. problems their solve to ing them has found the years guidelines and over these group adopted uni‑ Al‑Anon’s only suggestions, they are Although sound and wise. to tysurvival its and perhaps on adherence even dependent are these principles. the groups in their relations with other groups, with A.A. and the with A.A. and other groups, with in their relations the groups leadership, toward attitudes group recommend They outside world. and anonymity. relations public property, money, membership, Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work Groups dependsuponouradherence to these Traditions. 16 al-anon.org Twelve Traditions—Alateen 12. 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Our groupOur experienceoftheAlateen suggests that theunity reminding usto place above principles personalities. Anonymity foundation isthespiritual ofallour Traditions, ever cial care theanonymity ofallAAmembers. the level ofpress, radio, films, andTV. We needguard withspe promotion; we needalways maintain personalanonymity at rather isbasedonattraction publicrelations than Our policy hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy. The Al‑Anon Family Groups have noopinion on outsideissues; those theyserve. create boards orcommittees service responsible directly to groups,Our as such, ought never be organized; but we may centerssional, may butourservice employ specialworkers. Al‑Anon Twelfth Step work shouldremain forever non-profes‑ side contributions. groupEvery ought decliningout to befullyself-supporting, Alcoholics Anonymous. though aseparate entity, we should always co bers ofourimmediate families. AA agers of alcoholics. We do this bythe practicing Twelve Steps of Each Alateen Group to hasbutonepurpose: helpotherteen‑ other Alateen andAl‑Anon Family Groups orAA asawhole. Each group shouldbeautonomous, except inmatters affecting have nootheraffiliation. themselves anAlateen Group provided that, asagroup, they of alcoholics, whengathered together for mutualaid, may call lem of alcoholism ina relative orfriend. The teenage relatives The onlyrequirement for membershipisthat there beaprob theydonotgovern.leaders are buttrusted servants; asHemayGod express inourgroup Himself conscience. Our For ourgroup there loving purpose isbutoneauthority—a the greatest numberdependsuponunity. commonOur welfare shouldcome first;personalprogress for ourselves andby encouraging andunderstanding‑ themem - operate with ‑ ‑ ‑ Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ Anon world world Anon . Anon groups Anon Anon Family Groups have delegated complete admin‑ complete delegated have Groups Family Anon The right of decision makes effective leadership possible. leadership possible. right of decision makes effective The harmony. is the key to Participation services- the Al belongs to and its authority their Conference and operational to istrative service arms. - Al and authority responsibility ultimate for The - Al The Alateens, being part of Al‑Anon Family Groups, ought never en‑ never ought Groups, being part Family Al‑Anon of Alateens, lest enterprise, outside any to our name or lend finance dorse, property divert our prestige and from us money, of problems al‑ should we primary entity, spiritual a separate aim. Although Anonymous. with Alcoholics cooperate ways -supporting, be fully self to declining out ought Every group ‑ nonprofes forever should remain work Step Twelfth Alateen special workers. employ but our service may sional, centers may we but organized; be never ought such, as Ourgroups, to directly responsible service or committees boards create those they serve. outside issues; hence no opinion on have Groups Alateen The public controversy. into be drawn never our name ought policyOur than public relations is based on attraction rather at personal anonymity maintain need always we promotion; with spe We need guard TV. and films, radio, of press, the level ever Traditions, of all our is the spiritual foundation Anonymity personalities. principles above place us to reminding side contributions. of all AA members. the anonymity cial care Anything done to help a relative or friend of an alcoholic is ser or friend of an alcoholic help a relative done to Anything Carrying the message, as suggested in the Twelfth Step, is Ser Step, Twelfth Carrying in the as suggested message, the 3. 4. 1. 2. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 17 al-anon.org Twelve Concepts of Service Concepts Twelve vice: a telephone call to a despairing or sponsoring member call to a new a telephone vice: for arranging groups, story forming meetings, at one’s telling comer, financially supporting and distributing literature public outreach, Service Office. World local services and the groups, vice, Al‑Anon’s third legacy. Service, is a vital purpose of Al‑Anon, legacy. third Al‑Anon’s vice, be as to action. do as well to Members strive Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work tion after theirclosing.tion after to thegroupconscience.- Declara Many‑Anon groupssaytheAl at atime. derstanding, love, andpeace oftheprogram grow inyou oneday there ofoneanother. benogossiporcriticism Instead, lettheun‑ way—the sameway we already love you. that though you may not like all of us, you’ll love special us in a very warmth we for have you. inourhearts After awhile, you’ll discover bettered andnounhappinesstoo great to belessened. You willcome to realize that there isnosituation too difficult tobe had them,too. to keep an openmind, you you If try willfindhelp. long: Whatever your problems, there are thoseamonguswhohave the confines of your mind. treated asconfidential. Keepthemwithinthe walls ofthis room and liked andleave therest. were thoseofthepersonwhogave strictly them. Take what you Suggested Al‑Anon/Alateen Closing Suggested Al‑Anon/Alateen 20 al-anon.org Al‑Anon Declaration always bethere, and—Let withMe . Begin It let thehandofAl‑Anon and Alateen When anyone, anywhere, reaches outfor help, Let withMe Begin It issuggestedIt isagreeable that groupscloseinamanner that Will allwhocare to, join meinclosingwiththe______prayer? Talk to eachother, reason thingsoutwithsomeoneelse, butlet We aren’t perfect. The welcome we give you may notshow the A few specialwords to thoseofyou whohaven’t beenwithus The thingsyou heard were spokeninconfidence andshouldbe closing,In Iwould liketo say that theopinionsexpressed here Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work ‑ ‑ ‑ ‑ Optional Readings Optional When When of alcoholism. the problem we over powerless are We release of bringsit truth, this feeling a us accept honestly can our bringing to turn our full attention can now We and hope. to spiritual growth, to forward go can We order. into lives own program. the entire be gained from to the comfort and peace than our- greater a power to over can turn our lives We has the alcoholic aid to -meant our well that Now selves. unmanage become have lives and our own ended in failure able, we realize we cannot deal with our problem objectively, objectively, cannot deal with our problem we realize we able, 1. 2. (From the section “Anonymity” in the “Digest of Al‑Anon and “Digest of Al‑Anon in the “Anonymity” the section (From “Members use their full names within the fellowship when they “Members the fellowship use their full names within the anonymity guard we personal choice, of our “Regardless se feel of us need to All names. mere beyond goes well “Anonymity The selections that follow are offered as suggestions for meeting for as suggestions offered are selectionsThe follow that 21 al-anon.org The Twelve Steps suggest acceptance of four primary Steps suggest acceptance of four primary The Twelve ideas: Four Primary Ideas When newcomers or visitors are present, the group or visitors are present, the When newcomers such as: an explanation of anonymity, may want to read Reading Reading Anonymity on cure in the knowledge that nothing seen or heard at a meeting will be at in the knowledge nothing seen or heard cure that Al‑Anons among our fellow ourselves express to free feel We revealed. will be held in confidence.” say we what that can be sure because we section on of the Service information . More Manual Policies” Alateen in can be found both within and outside the fellowship, anonymity, this section.) wish. The degree of anonymity a member chooses (first name, (first name, a member chooses of anonymity degree The wish. name) is not subject or full criticism. Each member to pseudonym decide. to has the right This and A.A. Al‑Anon/Alateen of everyone else in the fellowship, and oth‑ friends, anyone—even to relatives, to means not revealing a meeting. hear at we see and what we er members—whom topics or as optional readings in the group meeting format, as de format, meeting in the group optional readings or as topics termined by the group conscience. They contain wisdom and infor wisdom and contain They conscience. group the by termined helpful. found have and groups members many mation Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work can lead to dissension and distract usfromcan leadto dissensionanddistract ourgoals. understanding. toward striving In theseideals, we avoid topics that 22 al-anon.org Three ObstaclestoSuccessin Al‑Anon* problems: Family Group Inc., Headquarters, Virginia, 2005. *This isfrom text thepamphlet, Alcoholism, theFamily (P Disease 3. 2. 1. All Al‑Anon discussionsshouldbeconstructive, helpful, loving, and This passagehashelpedmanygroupstoresolvegroup 4. 3. have disastrous consequences for group harmony. own way andpace. Any attempt to islikelyto manageordirect of experience, and rotation of leadership. We progress in our give advice. program Our isbasedon suggestion,interchange or Nomember ofAl‑Anonern. shoulddirect,assumeauthority Dominance: they donot leadersaregov Our trusted servants; fordefeat purposes whichwe thevery are joinedtogether. in Al‑Anon. Careless repeating ofmatters heard at meetingscan alcoholic. dedication Our to anonymity gives people confidence We notthe donotdiscussmembersorothers, andparticularly Al‑Anon philosophy. suchgroups, In gossipcanhave nopart. Gossip: We meetto helpourselves andusethe andotherslearn discussions concerning specific religious beliefs. tion ornone. Let usnotdefeat by ourpurpose entering into form ofreligion. Everyone iswelcome, nomatter what affilia‑ program, isaspiritual denomination. It basedonnoparticular ofreligion:Discussions Al‑Anon isnotalliedwithanyor sect both thegiver andreceiver. other personfrom despairto hopeandlove to comfort brings it is. great Our obligation isto thosestillinneed. Leading an‑ makes Al‑Anonsharing the vital, forward‑reaching fellowship We keep Al-Anon’s by sharingthemwithothers. gifts This attitudes. We to recognize try these faults. andcorrect havesome ofouractions been,how unloving many ofour isdistorted. how muchofourthinking We realize how unwise As we become willing to admit our defects, we begin to see We need to our attitude change both and our actions. us callitGod, aswe understandHim. we grow understanding, andspiritual inknowledge many of channels. At firstthispower may seem to bethe group, butas than ourselves ourlives whichcandirect into quiet, useful notevenperhaps sanely. Al‑Anon In we finda Power greater -4), ©Al‑Anon ‑