Celebrating 60 Years of Conference Approved Literature
In April 1961, at Al-Anon’s first World Service Conference, our Cofounder Lois W. introduced the idea of Conference Approved Literature (CAL). As Lois explained, it would serve the same purpose as the formation of the Conference—to create unity among
In a Safe Place
I have not missed the irony that the same place where I dropped my daughter off for preschool 14 years ago is now the place where I attend Al-Anon meetings because of her drinking. I remember the first
Still Learning and Growing
I attended my first Al‑Anon meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1979. Since then, the program has sustained me through many crises, including the suicide of my son at age 18 in 1994 and the death of my husband
A Work in Progress
I used to think that any task I thought I could not do well was not worth doing at all. I was taught that practice makes perfect. But no matter how much I practiced, I never got perfect.
Drumroll Please … “Welcome, Newcomer!” eBooklet Is Available!
We are so excited to announce that Welcome, Newcomer! (eK-10) is now available in an electronic format. That’s right, now you can purchase Welcome, Newcomer! wherever you buy your eBooks. You can buy one for yourself or send a gift code or redemption link directly to a newcomer’s email address! Welcome,
Be on the Lookout for the New Al-Anon PSAs!
The World Service Office (WSO) is pleased to announce the release and the YouTube Premiere of the 2021–2022 Al-Anon Public Service Announcements (PSAs). New this year is the Benefits of Al-Anon Recovery PSA. Please join us for the YouTube Premiere that
“Al-Anon Family Groups Mobile App” Celebrates One Year!
In one year, over 50,000 members have joined the app, and approximately 2,700 have subscribed to Premium Content to enjoy exclusive Al‑Anon member sharings and support the efforts of the World Service Office (WSO) to help the families and
Celebrating the Gift of Al-Anon Recovery
I find that recovery from the effects of someone else’s alcoholism, as rewarding as it can be, can also be very hard work. That’s why I think it’s important to regularly acknowledge my accomplishments, focus on my gratitude,
The Best “Me” I Can Be
Growing up in the Midwest, sex and shame went hand-in-hand for me. Growing up gay meant I was wrong every time I got personal with someone. It was better to be an alcoholic than to be gay, and
Comfortable Hearing My Own Voice
Sharing in meetings has always been super hard for me. I tend not to speak up much in meetings. My natural tendency is to isolate—both when things are going well and when I am struggling. As I have
Practicing Personal Safety
After I was sexually assaulted by the man whose drinking brought me to Al-Anon, I spoke up about my experience at a meeting. A couple of respectful Al‑Anon members drew close to me in compassion. I was a
Keeping Al-Anon Safe
When I was a newcomer in Al‑Anon, safety in meetings meant many things to me, including serenity, anonymity, confidentiality, and acceptance. It meant serenity because the only time I experienced peace during the week was when I sat