Alongside The Forum, the French and Spanish magazines Le lien and Al‑Anon y Alateen en acción support families and friends of alcoholics as part of Al‑Anon’s worldwide fellowship. As we celebrate 75 years of dedication and contributions, join us in this special look into their history.

Fun Facts

  • Prior to 2023, the magazines only included translated excerpts from The Forum—today, they also feature original French and Spanish sharings.
  • Printed bimonthly, each issue contains approximately 8,000 translated words drawn from The Forum.
  • The publication schedule expanded over time. Through 2008, four issues were published annually, increasing to five issues in 2009. Beginning in 2012, publication increased to six issues per year, which remains the current frequency.
  • In 2018, a redesign introduced a full‑color upgrade to improve readability and visual appeal. The former newsletters were reclassified as magazines, and over time, pages were added, allowing for more stories, quotes, and photos.
  • In 2022, all writing and submission guidelines were translated, along with the online submission forms and related webpages, strengthening inclusivity and preserving rich cultural perspectives.
  • The publication schedule expanded over time. Through 2008, four issues were published annually, increasing to five issues in 2009. Beginning in 2012, publication increased to six issues per year, which remains the current frequency.
  • Selected content from the magazines is shared across languages in Le Messager and En Contacto, the French and Spanish electronic newsletter editions of In The Loop.

Their Impact

The magazines allow French- and Spanish-speaking members to stay connected to the fellowship in their own language. Since 2021, all three magazines—The Forum, Le lien, and Al‑Anon y Alateen en acción—feature the Legacies corresponding to the same publication month, helping groups learn together across languages. Members will find stories, service updates, World Service Office news, and articles labeled “Feel free to reprint” for use on service arm websites or in newsletters. The current issue is available as a free download at al‑anon.org/abonnement-le-lien for French and al-anon.org/suscribir-en-accion for Spanish.

Simple Ways to Contribute

  • Support members and groups by helping them understand the value of the magazines, encouraging submissions, and offering individual, group, or gift subscriptions through Coordinators or local representatives.
  • Submit a bilingual sharing at al-anon.org/sharing
  • Encourage your group to explore the magazines as a tool for recovery during and between meetings and to support French- or Spanish-speaking members or newcomers. Visit al-anon.org/abonnement-le-lien for French and al‑anon.org/suscribir-en-accion for Spanish.

The Forum, August 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.