I felt comfortable in my early days of attending Al‑Anon, but I noticed some members had what seemed to be “official” roles. Someone received information and shared it with the group, another member collected our contributions, and a secretary recorded our business meeting notes. I didn’t know how these positions were assigned until our group held elections. During our quarterly business meeting, the trusted servants took the time to describe their roles. The simplicity intrigued me, as well as the group members’ assurance that I would not be alone in any service journey. At the time, I relied on other members doing most of the work, allowing myself to help only with projects requiring little commitment. Help was always just a question away.
When I began to feel comfortable with the positive changes recovery was bringing to my life, I decided to branch out into service to support my group. The Group Representative (GR) position became available, and I was the only group member interested. I thought this meant a guaranteed position, but I learned that members act with care when making the informed decision of electing a GR. We still held the election, and I was voted in.
With the election came the fear: What am I supposed to know? Who can I ask for help, and how do I connect with them? I remembered that help was always just a question away. Members wanted me to succeed. This level of support was something I hadn’t experienced much outside of the program. I was encouraged to ask the previous GR questions, always refer to the current Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) and the Group Representatives Guideline (G-11), lean on a Service Sponsor, and take it “One Day at a Time.” My Service Sponsor encouraged me to be myself in the position, reminding me that we are not all the same.
My service as a GR allowed me to meet members throughout my District. When my GR term ended, my Service Sponsor encouraged me to stand for District Representative (DR). Once elected as the DR, I felt the same fear I had experienced before. Representing a District was a bit different than representing a group. I remembered the tools I used to become an informed GR and applied them to my new position. The growth I experienced paved the way for more service roles, including World Service Delegate for my Area.
As I rotated out of these service positions at the end of each three-year term, I made sure that I was available to share my experience, strength, and hope, along with other available resources if needed, with the next person stepping in. I wanted to follow the loving example that had been set for me.
By Christa A., Senior Group Services Specialist
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.