Here are some interesting facts about one of the first Al-Anon pamphlets published as Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in 1961 . . .
- The pamphlet was originally a booklet developed by Harold Black, a non-member, with the participation of members of the Prestonsburg, Kentucky Al‑Anon group in 1953.
- The Clearing House (Al-Anon’s first World Service Office) distributed this pre-CAL version until 1961.
- In July 1961, when groups received a summary of the first World Service Conference, they also received copies of the first two pieces designated as Conference Approved Literature: Alcoholism, the Family Disease (P-4) and The Twelve Steps and Traditions (P-17).
- The new version of Alcoholism, the Family Disease (P-4) was “a happy merger from the Literature Committee” that combined new material developed by the Literature Committee with the title and some sections from the Kentucky group, and additional content from the Triple A Family Groups booklet from Arizona.
- When first printed, the “Three Obstacles to Success in Al‑Anon” was titled, “Three Enemies of Al‑Anon.”
- The pamphlet was revised in 2005 to include an adult child’s story that had been removed from Al-Anon Sharings from Adult Children (P-47) when that pamphlet was revised.
Liked the information shared. As a member of Al-Anon, am interested to know the details when & how it developed, like it is so interesting how our kids grow.
Interesting article. Literature was not CAL until 1961 before being named The Word Service Office then it was the Clearing House. The first CAL approved literature was “Alcoholism, the Family Disease” and the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions. Before revision The Three Obstacles To Success were Three Enemies To Success. Unusual to see the word enemies listed in any of our literature. We have learned a lot. I am grateful to my Higher Power for our pioneers bringing us their wisdom.