The introduction to the “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies,” the second section of the 2022–2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) v3, states, “The ‘Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies’ reflects policy statements that grew out of questions and experiences from the Al‑Anon fellowship worldwide. They are interpretations of our basic guides, the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of Service.”
Policies offer consistency when members or groups seek clarification on matters relating to the Al‑Anon fellowship. Before a policy is adopted or changed, it goes through a thorough review process, with final approval given by the World Service Conference, Al‑Anon’s largest representative group conscience.
When fellowship questions arise, consider:
- Looking at the experience expressed in the policies
- Referencing the “Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies” during group business meetings
- Sharing the information with other members
- Including the source of the information so members can know where to look
- Hosting a workshop on the “Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies”
Finding ways to share the policies helps support the consistent message of help and hope that has been carried for more than 70 years. Every member of Al‑Anon is a guardian of the Twelve Traditions—no permission is needed!
The Forum, April 2024
“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.
I love the last statement – no permission is needed! Over the years I’ve felt self-conscious about raising my concerns when I’m in a group, especially when I’m new or a visitor to a meeting, about an aspect of a meeting that conflicts with the Twelve Traditions. I can have terrible internal backlash later as I wonder what others will think of me, this is an effect of growing up in a home affected by problem drinking – people pleasing for fear of being disapproved of at the risk of my own well-being or values/ethics I abide by. So I… Read more »