When I started attending Al-Anon, I certainly had no idea about the value of our Service Manual. I did not know I could consult it when I had questions about the basics of group meetings, needed clarification about an Al-Anon policy, wanted to know our Delegate’s role in the World Service Conference, or desired to better understand one of our Concepts of Service. Who knew all that information is contained in our Service Manual? I sure didn’t!

As I continued attending meetings and became involved in service as part of my recovery, I discovered that the Service Manual is a great resource for me as well as for every Al-Anon and Alateen member. “It gives a clear and concise picture of the Al-Anon fellowship, its purpose and functions, and how it helps us to resolve group problems and maintain unity” (p. 1).

My home group kept a copy to reference when needed.

The Service Manual contains four distinct sections, formerly published as separate books:

  • “Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work”—provides a framework within which each group can develop and grow.
  • “Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies”—reflects policy statements that grew out of questions and experiences from the Al-Anon fellowship worldwide.
  • “World Service Handbook”—explains how Al-Anon is held together worldwide, how it is structured, and how our trusted servants can best function within our structure.
  • “Al-Anon’s Twelve Concepts of Service”—deals with the “why” of our service structure so that the valuable experience of the past, and the lessons drawn from that experience, can never be forgotten or lost.

Two other excellent resources are also contained in the Service Manual:

  • The “Al-Anon World Service Conference Charter”—a body of principles and relationships through which Al-Anon as a whole can function.
  • An Appendix with the 2003 Alateen Motion from the Board of Trustees—a resource for all Al‑Anon members that provides a deeper understanding of the Alateen Policy, including the safeguards that apply to both in-person and online meetings.

What does the Service Manual mean to us? To our groups? To our Areas? To Al-Anon worldwide? I invite you to explore for yourself!

The 2026–2029 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual is available for purchase in print and as an ebook. It is also available under the Resources tab in the Al-Anon Family Groups Mobile App and as a flip book or free downloadable PDF.

By Suzanne M., Associate Director—World Service Events & History

The Forum, May 2026

 

“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.