What does the saying, “When I Got Busy, I Got Better” mean to you? For me, this statement rings true. I remember the feeling I experienced when I had been in Al-Anon for about a year and my home group elected me to serve as the Group Treasurer. First of all, I could hardly believe that the members trusted me with the group’s treasury. Second, I was honored to assist with this important task. I handled my position with great care, and as I experienced the joy of service, I encountered growth in my recovery as well!
I remember being drawn to the members in my home group who had smiles on their faces and were cheerful despite what they shared about their personal lives during meetings. These members were applying the Al‑Anon principles in all their affairs. And guess what? They were involved in Al‑Anon service! I gravitated toward those people in service because I sensed that it would benefit my recovery. And it did!
Would you like to experience more growth in your recovery and encounter the joy of service?
Yes? That’s a great answer because it is election time for multiple Areas, and there are many opportunities to serve. Standing for a position, whether it is for your group’s Treasurer, a District Representative, or the Area Delegate can bring about the joy of service. Maybe you are eligible for a position at the Area level, or perhaps you are fairly new and can agree to serve as your group’s literature person or the CMA (Current Mailing Address). There are quite a few service opportunities from which to choose.
Are you wondering where to find more information about elections?
I encourage you to consider reading “Elections” in the “World Service Handbook” section of the Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27). The “Handbook” explains how Al‑Anon is held together worldwide, how it is structured, and how our trusted servants can best function within our structure. Specifically, “Elections” describes elections “At the Group Level,” “At the District Level,” and “At the Assembly Level.” There are also pages that describe the typical Election Assembly Procedure.
Raise your hand if you want to experience the joy of service and catapult your recovery to the next level!
I invite you to click on Free Downloadable Items and take a look at Al‑Anon’s Joy of Service (S-57) leaflet as you consider stepping up to serve.
By Suzanne M., Associate Director—World Service Events & History
The Forum, August 2025
“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.