Connecting around the World
Three years ago, as March 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic roared in with a vengeance, my beloved Al‑Anon meetings were threatened. Soon, I learned about an electronic platform that enabled face-to-face meetings via my computer. I looked up
Taking a Beauty Break
I’ve learned so much about how to apply Al‑Anon’s tools and spiritual principles by listening to members share their experience, strength, and hope at meetings. I’ve also encountered lessons in unexpected places.While hiking through the Grand Canyon a few
Recovery, Unity, Service, and the Circle of Welcome Within
Before coming to work at the World Service Office (WSO), as a local member, I didn’t think much about the Al‑Anon logo or its history. But in my role as Legal Specialist at the WSO, I’ve had the
Learning from Al-Anon’s Example to Grow at My Own Speed
Page 387 of Many Voices, One Journey (B-31) states, “Al‑Anon as we know it today was not born whole and complete. It developed gradually and took shape over many years.” This idea and the numerous examples shown throughout
Grateful for Greater Access
One of the good things that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic is access to many more Al‑Anon meetings. For a long time, I attended one weekly in-person meeting. Sometimes I would attend more if I was having
The Power of Doing Nothing
At my first Al‑Anon meeting, I was introduced to Step One: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” As much as was possible in the beginning, I understood I was powerless over alcohol
Some Thoughts on “Helping”
Al‑Anon saved my life. I truly believe if I had not found this program, I would have died. Yet here I am, able to find happiness and joy, even though my life’s circumstances aren’t perfect. My program really came
Let’s Talk Terms!
What does “conceptually approved” mean? Once the World Service Conference thoroughly discusses an idea for a new piece of literature and the motion carries, it grants approval for the idea to be developed. It then delegates development of
I Always Feel Better
I have been in Alateen regularly for eight years. My dad is in A.A. and my mom is in Al‑Anon. Even though we don’t have active alcoholism in our home, my family thinks it’s important for all of
Balance, Harmony, and Beauty
I never cease to be amazed at the way the spiritual principles embodied in the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service—such as common welfare, unity, participation, right of decision, appeal and petition, autonomy, definition of
Being a Delegate: Appreciating our Trusted Servants’ Commitment
Each April, Area Delegates join with Al‑Anon’s Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, voting members of the World Service Office (WSO) Staff, and other WSO personnel to participate in Al‑Anon’s annual business meeting: the World Service Conference (WSC). Although
Love Replaces Fear
When a doctor diagnosed my daughter with alcoholism, he said it would be a long journey. I had left her father because of alcohol-related family violence when she was very young. I had tried to help and fix