It’s all in the “Service Manual”!
“None of us is as smart as all of us.” – Anonymous, AFG, Inc. Archives, 1955
The Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) is a how-to manual that explains how to start a meeting, how to have a group conscience meeting, how to manage contributions, how to maintain unity, and more.
We may hear “Al-Anon has no rules,” but we do have Legacies, policies, a Charter, and more than 60 years of experience, strength, and hope. As is the case with all Al-Anon service work, the Service Manual is not written or revised by any one member; instead, it is approved by vote at the annual World Service Conference—Al-Anon’s largest group conscience.
When we talk things over and reason things out, we are able to keep the message of help and hope clear and consistent and share the program of help and hope with families and friends of alcoholics everywhere.
I was given the Service Manual when I became the GR for Stillwater AFG, OK, in late winter of ’05. I also attended the Monday night group, but the Friday night group was the more organized and larger of the two by a significant margin. We met in a church basement, and despite the group size—nearing the high teens in attendance—each person read a passage on that night’s topic before sharing extemporaneously. Whether the topics were chosen based on the group size to ensure there were sufficient readings to go around, or by some other method of which I’m unaware,… Read more »
I love the Service Manual, I have used it for Topics in the meetings I attend. I have a Service Sponsor we meet and read a section at a time. I ask all my ladies that I sponsor to purchase a Service Manual so they make informed decisions KBDM for group Conscience decisions.
The Sevice Manual is a compendium of astounding insight and knowledge! I never knew so much strength, gratitude, and wisdom was available for the last 60 years. Please take time to read it through, I trust you will be surprised as I have. ✌️👍🙏 Donny