Al-Anon, part 2

More on Al-Anon

DOES AL-ANON/ALATEEN HAVE PROFESSIONAL THERAPISTS OR COUNSELORS?

            Al-Anon offers a non-professional mutual support program of recovery.

CAN AL-ANON /ALATEEN RECOMMEND TREATMENT CENTERS?

            Because we are non-professional we do not recommend sources of outside help. Through sharing of our personal experiences, members gain insight into dealing with their own situations.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GROUP?

            We all are. We elect group officers to serve for short periods of time, perhaps three months to a year.  In giving service to Al-Anon, as part of our recovery program, members volunteer to lead meetings, set up the room, display the literature, and fill other group needs.  At an Institutions and beginners group, experienced members lead the meeting.

ARE THERE OTHER GROUPS LIKE THIS?

            Our group is one of many thousands of Al-Anon and Alateen groups in more than 130 countries around the world.  We are tied together through a World Service Office in Virginia Beach, (WSO) which acts as a clearinghouse for ideas and service.  In the U.S. and Canada, each group belongs to a district and an assembly area.  The Group Representatives meet and elect Delegates to the annual World Service Conference.

HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST?

            There are no dues or fees to join an Al-Anon or Alateen group.  Most groups do pass a basket at meetings and we put in what we can afford to contribute on a voluntary pasis. We use the money to pay the rent for the meeting place, to provide Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature for the group, to buy refreshments, and to support our local and world wide service centers.

NOW WHAT DO I DO?

            Look in the yellow pages or internet to find out the schedule for area Al-Anon meetings. Go to meetings. Talk to each other before and after the meetings. Exchange phone numbers. Read Al-Anon and Alateen books, pamphlets, our magazine The Forum, and Al-Anon and Alateen newsletters

            After a while, you may wish to ask a longtime member to be your Sponsor-a special friend, with whom you can continue sharing your personal feelings. If you still have questions, feel free to ask them. We offer you our friendship and our understanding. Please "keep coming back".

  THE SERENITY PRAYER

            God grand me the serenity

            To accept the things I cannot change

            Courage to change the things I can

            And wisdom to know the difference

Reflecting on each thought in the Serenity Prayer can help put situations into a clearer perspective.