Across the Al-Anon fellowship, archives play a vital role in preserving our shared history, wisdom, and growth. Whether meeting flyers, newsletters, or personal reflections, these materials tell the story of how members around the world have found healing and hope. As technology evolves, so do the ways we access and care for these treasured resources.
Digitization helps service arms and groups scan and store documents, making them easier to share and use, especially for members who may not be near a physical archive. This includes newsletters, group histories, and audio recordings of speakers and events.
Recent advances in digital preservation tools support long-term storage and help ensure that digital files such as emails, websites, and scanned documents remain readable and secure for future generations.
The World Service Office (WSO) Archives holds a rich collection of written records, photographs, and audio materials that reflect Al-Anon’s journey since its founding. Many local Areas also maintain archives—sometimes in their Literature Distribution Centers or Information Services, other times in members’ homes or off-site storage units.
Together, these efforts preserve the spiritual legacy of Al-Anon so that anyone, anywhere, can connect with our shared experience and find hope.
The Forum, June 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.