Al-Anon/Alateen: Member FAQs

Why the name Al-Anon?

The name Al-Anon is built on two words that are a big part of our program. The "Al" comes from the word Alcoholic. We have all been affected by someone else's drinking. This is what brings us together. The "Anon" comes from the word Anonymous. Our program is Anonymous so it ensures confidentiality, a key ingredient in our recovery. This is why Al-Anon is hyphenated and the letter A's are capitalized.

So what does the term service mean?

Service is defined as: the work performed by one that serves; contribution to the welfare of others. Service in Al-Anon is just that with an additional aspect, service in Al-Anon also contributes to our own recovery. Service can vary from helping set up chairs and coffee for a meeting, to holding the position of Group Representative (GR) or District Representative (DR).

Why does a group need to be involved in service?

A group not active in Al-Anon Service can be compared to someone suffering with the effects of Alcoholism and not attending Al-Anon. Coming to Al-Anon brakes the chains of isolation and gives us the tools to recover. We become part of the Al-Anon Family.

Service ensures that the group remains a healthy, active member of the Al-Anon Family Groups. We grow from supporting each other. Thinking we could do it alone is what brought us to Al-Anon, why would a group decide to "do it alone"? It just isn't healthy.

What is an Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual?

It is a manual designed to answer questions that Al-Anon members have about what is, and is not, appropriate for Al-Anon and Alateen groups. It was introduced in 1992 and is updated every other year. It ensures that the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service are protected. It answers just about any service question you can think of. Each group receives a free copy at every update. It is sometimes held by the Group Representative while others leave it with the group for reference. Individual members (or groups) can purchase additional copies at the Literature Distribution Centre in Calgary at www.Al-AnonLiterature.ab.ca.

Should our Group be receiving mail from World Service Office?

Yes! World Service Office has regular mailings to all active Al-Anon Groups throughout the year. If the mail is returned as undeliverable they remove the group from the mailing list until updated information is received. The group is still considered active.

How do I know if my group's address is correct with World Service Office?

If your group is receiving mail from World Service Office, it is current.

How do I update our group's contact information?

Your Group Representative is asked by their District Representative to verify their contact information each year. The District Representatives relay this information to Area Assembly and they keep the World Service Office advised of any changes.

If you do not have a Group Representative, or a District Representative, you can provide your group's changes to Area Assembly. This can be done at anytime.

How is Al-Anon Structured?

Everything begins with individual Al-Anon members and grows from there. An oversimplified view of our structure is as follows:

Individual Al-Anon Member

↓

Group

↓

District

↓

Area

↓

World Service Office

What is a Group Representative / Group Rep / GR?

It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to represent the group at District and Area Assembly. They are your group's voice when decisions regarding Al-Anon are made. They are elected for a three year term. The three year term is the same for all Al-Anon groups in Canada and the United States. A group is part of a District.

How do I know who the Group Representative is in the group I attend?

Ask the Chairperson if they know who the Group Representative is, or who you can ask. If they don't know, ask a long time member of the group or someone active in service. If no one within the group knows check with your District Representative (DR). If you can't find out who the District Representative (DR) is, contact Al-Anon as outline in the Contact Contact section of this website.

What if there is no Group Representative?

Contact your District Representative and discuss the matter. They will give you the necessary information to assist you. If you can't find out who the District Representative (DR) is, contact Al-Anon as outline in the Contact Contact section of this website.

What is an Alternate Group Representative / Alternate Group Rep / Alt Group Rep / Alt-GR?

It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to represent them at Al-Anon Information Services (AIS). S/He facilitate the exchange of Al-Anon information from the group to the city level and from the city level to the group. This could be announcing Al-Anon events, speaker meetings, anniversary meetings, phone monitoring schedules, etc. The Alternate Group Representative is also responsible to fulfill the Group Representative's (GR's) duties if they are unable to do so.

How do I know who the Alternate Group Representative is in the group I attend?

What if there is no Alternate Group Representative?

What is a Group Treasurer?

It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to handle the group's financial obligations and advise the group on a regular basis of the group's financial situation. The group must authorize all disbursements of money. The Treasurer is responsible to carry out those requests. The term of the position, and election process, is up to the group. This position also exists at District, Al-Anon Information Services (AIS), Area, World Service and special committees created for one time events i.e. workshops, conventions, etc. In areas above the group level the Treasurer is elected and serves a term similar to the Group Representative's position.

What is the 7th Tradition collected at meetings used for?

The group decides how their financial resources are distributed. It is suggested that money is only a problem when there is too much or too little, hence the suggestion that groups should only keep a prudent reserve. Distribution of money is suggested to be prioritized as follows:

Group Expenses

rent
literature
Group Representative attending Assembly expenses
refreshments
reserve fund

District

rent
District Representative travel expenses
public outreach

Al-Anon Information Services

telephone answering service
meeting lists
Literature
public outreach
web site

Area

Assemblies
area world service committee meetings
delegate and area trusted servant expenses

World Service

answer 35,000 toll fee phone calls annually for meeting information
assist lone Al-Anon Members
provide literature in 30 languages
subsidize the cost of The Forum subscriptions
connect isolated groups around the world
create public service announcements - radio and television
encourages professionals to refer individuals to Al-Anon/Alateen
underwrite the World Service Conference and Regional Service Seminars
maintain services to all Al-Anon / Alateen groups

Note: the above break down is predominately taken from the Al-Anon Pamphlet S-21: The Seventh Tradition. Please see it for a more comprehensive explanation of the Seventh Tradition.

© Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. (S-21)
Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA,

Groups can also make donations to any Al-Anon function they want. This could include: workshops, anniversary meetings, city wide Al-Anon events, Literature Distribution Centre (LDC), Alateen, Regional Service Seminar, etc.

Most groups have a Treasurer that collects and distributes the financial resources. It is up to the group to approve all disbursements. The Treasurer is the trusted servant who carries out the group's wishes. The Treasurer is responsible to update the group on a regular basis on its financial situation. Only Al-Anon or Alateen members can contribute to our fellowship. No member contributions cannot be accepted.

What is a Group Secretary?

It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to take minutes or jot down some notes of any business meetings within the group. This provides a record of what decisions where made and why. As membership changes on a regular basis it is healthy to have a record of decisions made. Secretary positions beyond the group level are more structured regarding election, term of position, and responsibilities - similar to the Group Representative.

What are Group Business Meetings?

Group meetings, or time set aside during a group meeting, to deal with administrative issues regarding the group. These could include financial updates, financial distributions, participation in Al-Anon events, meeting structure, group problems, etc. Some groups hold a separate meeting before or after the meeting while others dedicate some time during a regular meeting to deal with these issues. All Al-Anon members are encouraged to participate in these meetings as everything begins with the individual Al-Anon members.

What is a Monitoring Representative / Monitoring Rep (MR)?

It is an Al-Anon member elected by the group to coordinate volunteers within the group to receive Al-Anon calls during the group's scheduled monitoring time. They ask members to volunteer for a specific period of time. They relay this information to the Al-Anon Answering Service in their area. The Monitoring Representative is a coordinating position; they are not responsible for the actual monitoring of the phones. This position usually exists in areas where Al-Anon has a phone number listed in the directory.

What is Monitoring?

Monitoring is the servicing of an Al-Anon/Alateen telephone listing in the local phone directory. Each group within the area is scheduled to receive calls from the public. The format can vary by group from having an answering service that connects callers directly to an Al-Anon member to a messaging service where callers can leave their messages and an Al-Anon member returns their call or a combination of both. Monitoring usually exists in areas where Al-Anon has a phone number listed in the telephone directory.

What is a 12 Step List?

The 12 Step List is a list of Al-Anon members who have volunteered to have their name, phone number, and times available to other Al-Anon members to facilitate answering queries people have about Al-Anon. This list allows Al-Anon members to know who is willing to do this kind of service work. If a request is received (usually from an Al-Anon phone listing), an Al-Anon member will call someone on the list and have them contact the person. Names and numbers from these lists should never be given out to anyone, they are to remain confidential within the fellowship of Al-Anon. It is called a 12 Step list as part of the 12th Step is to "...carry this message to others....". Al-Anon members share their experience, strength, and hope. This is not a counselling service.

Why only use Conference Approved Literature (CAL) within Al-Anon/Alateen?

Al-Anon only uses Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in order to keep the focus on what brings us together: to recover from the effects of living, or having lived with, someone else's drinking. Anything else has the potential of dividing us. The success of our program is rooted in sharing our experience, strength, and hope. It is our common experience of being affected by someone else's drinking that is the foundation upon which this is built.

Individual members may find other very helpful resources to assist them with their recovery. We encourage members to pursue what works for them outside of Al-Anon; but within the fellowship of Al-Anon and Alateen we ask that all members limit our use of literature to Conference Approved Literature (CAL).

What is Conference Approved Literature (CAL)?

It is Al-Anon and Alateen literature that is written by Al-Anon and Alateen members and then reviewed by Al-Anon and Alteen members to ensure that is follows the principles of our program. There is an Al-Anon pamphlet titled " Why Conference Approved Literature?" (p-35) that describes this in more detail. All CAL literature has the following logo on it.

Where can I buy Conference Approved Literature (CAL)?

You can purchase literature on-line at: www.Al-AnonLiterature.ab.ca. We have a store located in Calgary, Alberta which services Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Southeastern section of British Columbia (Kootenay Region). Please view the literature section of this website for complete details regarding store location, hours, and ordering options.

What is a Literature Distribution Centre (LDC)?

It is a centre which distributes Conference Approved Literature (CAL). The format can range from an actual store to an Al-Anon member coordinating bulk literature purchases from their home. Its purpose is to make it easier for Al-Anon members to obtain Conference Approve Literature (CAL). The Literature Distribution Centre (LDC) located in Calgary has the mandate to service all of Area 80 - Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the Southeastern section of British Columbia (Kootenay Region). It reports to Area 80. Please view the literature section of this website for complete details regarding store location, hours, and ordering options.

What is the Al-Anon Central Service Office of Alberta (ACSOA)?

In Alberta it is actually our Area 80 Literature Distribution Centre (LDC). The names are used interchangeably. The name Literature Distribution Centre (LDC) has been introduced recently as it was felt that it better reflects what the office does. Please see "What is a Literature Distribution Centre (LDC)?" for a complete description (previous question). The Al-Anon Central Service Office of Alberta (ACSOA) is the official name registered for our non-profit LDC in the late 1970's. It's website is www.Al-AnonLiterature.ab.ca.

What is the Forum?

The Forum is a monthly Al-Anon magazine published by World Service Office. It contains: sharings of experience from Al-Anon members all over the world; sharings from Alateen members; listings of Al-Anon, or Al-Anon participating, events in Canada and in the United States. It is a subscription based magazine with an annual term. It comes in the mail in a white envelope with the only Al-Anon identification being the initials AFG in the return address. You can request an order form when ordering literature from www.Al-AnonLiterature.ab.ca or you can download a Forum PDF order form to complete and submit to our Al-Anon World Service Office.

What is Al-Anon Information Services / AIS?

Al-Anon Information Services (AIS) usually exist in urban centres where there is a greater number of Al-Anon and Alateen meetings. They meet in order to coordinate public outreach initiatives at the city wide level. One of the biggest tasks is servicing the Al-Anon/Alateen phone number listed in the local telephone directory. All calls are answered by Al-Anon members who volunteer their time.

Do I have to be the Alternate Group Representative to attend Al-Anon Information Services (AIS) meetings?

No. Al-Anon Information Services (AIS) meetings are open to any Al-Anon member who wishes to attend. We encourage members to attend a meeting. You may find some area of interest in which you may want to volunteer your time. Public Outreach is an important part of the Al-Anon and Alateen programs. Without it, people who are suffering from the effects of someone else's drinking may not find the help that Al-Anon and Alateen have to offer.

What is the Al-Anon Newsletter?

Al-Anon newsletters are local newsletters which let people know what is going on in the Al-Anon community. We have a newsletter at the Area 80 level as well as at city levels in Edmonton and Calgary. It is a tool used to get information to members in the Al-Anon and Alateen community.

How can I get a copy of the Al-Anon Newsletter?

Area 80 newsletters are distributed at Area Assembly to those members who have subscriptions. It is quite common that a group will have a subscription. Individuals can subscribe as well. Between Assemblies, and when no representative from a subscriber attends Assembly, newsletters are mailed to the mailing address provided with the subscription.

Most individuals get a copy of the city wide newsletters from their Alternate Group Representative (AGR) at their regular Al-Anon meeting. If your group does not have an Alternate Group Representative (AGR) you can attend the AIS meetings and get one directly. You can also contact the Newsletter Coordinator and discuss alternative arrangements. Due to anonymity you will have to get that contact information from someone who either attends, or is aware of, Al-Anon Information Services (AIS) or Area Assembly.

What is a District Representative/District Rep/DR?

It is an Al-Anon member elected by the Group Representatives within the District. They have the same three year term as Group Representatives. They are a resource to the Group Representatives and groups within their Districts.

What is a District?

A District is a collection of groups within a loosely defined geographical area. All the Group Representatives from the groups within a District attend District Meetings. It can be compared to an Al-Anon meeting for Group Representatives. It allows Group Representatives to openly share their experience, strength, and hope from a Group Representative perspective. Although District Meetings are usually attended by Group Representatives they are open to anyone in the Al-Anon membership who wishes to observe, participate, and grow. Districts can decide to host special events as well i.e. workshops, speaker meetings, etc. Districts belong to an Area.

What District does my Group belong to?

Either your Group Representative (GR) or District Representative (DR) will know, or can get this information. If you are unsure of who your Group Representative (GR) or District Representative (DR) is, ask members within the group and someone should be able to put you into contact with someone. Providing District Numbers assists our World Service Office (WSO) and Area 80 Officers in administering group contact information.

Do I have to be a Group Representative to attend District Meetings?

No. District meetings are open to any Al-Anon member who wishes to attend. Please see "What District does my Group belong too?" for meeting places and times (previous question).

What is Area?

Area is the geographical grouping of Districts. Area 80 encompasses Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and the SE British Columbia (Kootenay Region).

What is Assembly?

Assembly is the meeting of all Group Representatives, District Representatives, and Assembly Elected Officers for a specific Area. Issues affecting Al-Anon at the Area level are discussed. Any issue that requires a change is voted on. There is only one vote per group. It is usually the Group Representative that attends but another individual may represent their group if the Group Representative is not available.

All Al-Anon members are welcome to attend Assembly. Area 80 meets in Central Alberta twice a year; once in the spring and again in the fall.

What is Area World Service Committee?

It is the group of Al-Anon members who meet to create the itinerary for the Area Assembly. Area 80 includes all Area Officers and Coordinators (i.e. Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, etc.), District Representatives, Al-Anon Information Services Chairpersons, and the Literature Distribution Centre Chairperson.

What is an Area Delegate?

It is an Al-Anon member elected at Assembly to represent the Area at World Service Conference. They represent our issues at the World level. Area Delegates from Canada and the United States meet once a year, usually in the spring, to discuss issues affecting Al-Anon at the World Wide level. They meet for about five days with all other delegates. This is a three year term position.

What is World Service Conference?

It is the gathering of all Area Delegates from Canada and USA, World Service Office Officers, and representatives from other Al-Anon Areas throughout the world. They meet every year, usually in the spring, for a period of about five days to discuss issues that affect Al-Anon at the World Wide Level. There is much work that goes on throughout the year by conference members. A summary of each conference is published every year. This is available to any Al-Anon member. It can be purchased in Calgary at our Literature Distribution Centre www.Al-AnonLiterature.ab.ca.

What is a Trustee?

It is an Al-Anon member elected to represent a geographical region that contains multiple Areas. There are also a few elected Trustees that are not attached to a specific geographical region, called Trustees at large. They serve a three year term and there is a formal election process. The Board of Trustees direct the business operations of the World Service Office, look after the welfare of the legal rights of the Al-Anon fellowship, and ensure our Al-Anon principles are protected in the process.

What is World Service Office?

It is Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. It is currently located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Our Executives, Officers, and staff work from this location in providing service and guidance to the fellowship as a whole. More visual aspects of this office are: the publishing of all our Al-Anon Literature, our monthly Al-Anon magazine called the Forum, our world wide web site, servicing our toll free world meeting information, group records, group mailings, public service announcements - radio and TV, etc. You can get a free brochure outlining what our World Service Office is, and does. Ask for it the next time you purchase literature at www.Al-AnonLiterature.ab.ca. It can be found in the Al-Anon (free items) section, look for the title "Our World Service Office" product number S-30.

What are the Concepts?

The Concepts are the Third Legacy (One being the Steps and Two being the Traditions) of Al-Anon. They are the tools of service. They ensure that the principles of the Al-Anon program are upheld in our Service work, which is another tool of recovery.

What are the General Warranties?

The General Warranties are five statements created to guide the decisions made at the World Service Conference level. It ensures that Al-Anon's Traditions are adhered to in the daily operation of our Organization and the servants who make those decisions on behalf of the Al-Anon Fellowship.

Note: Some descriptions may appear vague. This was done to accommodate the varying structures that exist within Area 80. If there is a mistake, or an omission, please advise us and we will do our best to correct it.