It is not unusual to see new faces in Al-Anon meetings after the holidays have passed, as many individuals who are suffering from the family disease of alcoholism seek comfort and hope in the rooms of Al-Anon. Is your group set to welcome new members in the New Year? Here is some food for thought …
- Is your meeting information up to date on the local meeting list, local and Area websites, and at the WSO?
- Can newcomers easily find your meeting in the building? Have you considered placing signs in easy-to-spot places to direct people to the meeting room?
- Does your group have an ample supply of local meeting lists and Newcomer Packets (K-10) to distribute?
- Do you have a member to greet anyone new to the meeting?
Adding specific location instructions on your group record can be helpful as well. You can submit Al-Anon group changes online throughout the year at al-anon.org.
Our Thursday night meeting has welcomed a few new faces. We have made updates to our phone list. The information in a local news paper is updated. All of our Al-Anon approved literature is updated.
I am pleased to say that at our group we can say yes to all the points above. I like the idea of meeting a new member before the meeting and that’s why we have members at our meeting 30 minutes before our meeting starts to set up and be ready to welcome.
Our Wednesday morning group had two newcomers – as outgoing GR and incoming DR- I saw the need for several improvements in our approach. We had a newcomer package for each and several members shared their experiences as newcomers and why they keep coming back. I think we made a good impression and will be seeing them again. The meeting schedules in the district and the membership list are vital outreach tools.
Our Group had a newcomer she called me and I met her fifteen minutes before the meeting to answer her most personal questions We had a packet ready and she was welcomed by our members. She said that she will be back.