Attracting and Cooperating: Best Practices for Tradition Eleven
When we serve in public outreach, we share clear information without promotion or pressure, attracting people who are seeking help and cooperating with those who serve them. Even small efforts can help someone find hope and connection. Making
Anonymous Members, Visible Program
One of the first things we learn in Al‑Anon/Alateen is that members are anonymous—but the program is not. If Al‑Anon Family Groups were anonymous, how would newcomers ever find us? Because the program is not anonymous, Al‑Anon can
Tending to My Garden of Grief
This morning, as I grappled once again with the loss of my daughter through estrangement by her choice over the last three years, my Higher Power gave me a perfect metaphor in a quote from the July 5
“Let It Begin with Me”
When I came to Al-Anon—as a friend of mine says, many moons ago—I remember looking at the sayings on the walls. I didn’t understand at first that they were called slogans or how to apply them to my daily life. Some were easier
Why I Stayed
There are many reasons, but I think the initial one was the connection I made with people who opened their hearts by sharing their trials and struggles, past and present. When I first came to Al-Anon, I didn’t
Balancing Legal and Traditional Authority at the Area Level
Have you ever wondered how Tradition Nine, which states, “Our groups, as such, ought never be organized …” applies to your group, Al-Anon Information Service (AIS), District, or Area? What does this mean when your group wants to open
“Le lien” and “Al-Anon y Alateen en acción”: When Recovery Is Found in Translation!
Alongside The Forum, the French and Spanish magazines Le lien and Al‑Anon y Alateen en acción support families and friends of alcoholics as part of Al‑Anon’s worldwide fellowship. As we celebrate 75 years of dedication and contributions, join us
One Message, Many Languages
Al-Anon’s strength lies in the many way members help care for and carry our message. The articles Translating Conference Approved Literature, Part 1 and Part 2 introduce the independent review process that ensures translated Conference Approved Literature (CAL) is
Equals and Partners in a Spiritual Endeavor
Al-Anon’s strength lies in the many way members help care for and carry our message. The articles Translating Conference Approved Literature, Part 1 and Part 2 introduce the independent review process that ensures translated Conference Approved Literature (CAL) is
Staying on My Side of the Court
I hadn't played tennis for many years but took it up again after my marriage to an alcoholic ended. Although I really enjoyed playing, I would often finish a game feeling angry and resentful toward my opponent. During
Caring for the Parent Who Didn’t Care for Me
I didn’t realize I was raised in alcoholism. Mine felt like a typical Gen X childhood—latchkey kid, caring for younger siblings, parents who worked hard and partied harder. Only later did I understand the instability and trauma that
Stepping Off the Merry-Go-Round
Before I came to Al-Anon, there were two merry-go-rounds whirling in my life, like an echo or double vision. One revolved around my older brother, who was also severely affected by alcoholism and who began mimicking our father’s sickness, behaving violently toward our mother and me. I,