As newcomers and members feel safe to return to in-person meetings to find help and comfort in Al-Anon and Alateen meeting rooms, it is important for groups to verify that the face‑to‑face meeting information on display to the public and in the WSO’s records is still current.
Here are a few things your group can do to help people find your meeting:
- If appropriate, remove the group’s temporary electronic meeting information from local meeting lists, Area listings, and the World Service Office.
- Verify the group’s phone contacts if these have been published for public inquiries and newcomers’ calls.
- Update the group record to include specific location instructions, such as where to park, a room number, a suite or a floor, the description of the building, etc.
- Before every meeting, place signage outside and inside the building to direct newcomers and others to the meeting room.
You can update your Al-Anon group information anytime online. For help with submitting Alateen changes, contact your Area Alateen Process Person (AAPP).
We have had virtual meetings for 2 years. Now we have face to face also, which was the original meeting. There is some pressure from the face to face group and the Area to disband and start our own New Electronic Meeting if we wish, which we may do. But we have virtual members from Canada, Florida, California, New York and other members drop in from other locations who cannot make other days and other times. Starting a new electronic meeting may disrupt this community. There is much to talk about. “Each group should be autonomous…”
I agree. We have one member who is about to move away, and we won’t have to lose her if we can come up with a combination online/in-person meeting. Both have their advantages. When we began the online meetings I looked forward to getting back to the room, but now, after getting used to the Zoom meetings, I don’t know.
I had a Thursday night meeting that resumed face to face but it’s a hybrid meeting at the moment as another one will resume the Sunday after the 4th as the 4th of July is on a Sunday this year
I have mixed feelings about the resumption of in-person meetings. There is something lost when people aren’t in the same physical space but there’s been a lot gained during this virtual period. In both of my regular meetings, the virtual format allowed members who had moved away to come back and reconnect and share. Also, there were a few people who, for one reason or another, are incapable of traveling to a physical location and it was great to see and share with them as well. Still, I share in the hope that we will get back to normal and… Read more »