Ever heard the acronyms WSC or WSO and wondered what they mean and whether they are different? Well, you are probably not alone! Here’s the scoop.
The World Service Conference (WSC) is Al‑Anon’s annual business meeting, which is attended by representatives, known as Delegates, from each Area in the World Service Conference Structure—which encompasses the United States, including Puerto Rico; Canada; and Bermuda; representatives from other countries; members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee; voting members of the World Service Office (WSO) administrative Staff; and other WSO personnel. The World Service Conference provides guidance to the WSO on service matters brought to its attention. A detailed description of the World Service Conference can be found on pages 164–170 of the 2022–2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) v3.
Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., or the World Service Office, as it is commonly called, initiates and maintains those special services for Al‑Anon as a whole that could not be performed by single groups or Areas. The WSO is accountable to the WSC. It publishes all Al‑Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL), answers member and group questions, and creates national and international public outreach messages. It serves, but it does not control or direct. The relationship of the WSO to the groups is fully explained in “Al‑Anon’s Twelve Concepts of Service,” beginning on page 179 of the Service Manual, and details of its responsibilities and structure can be found on pages 170–174.
The Forum, April 2024
“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.