As we gratefully practice Step Twelve and “carry this message to others” through our Conference Approved Literature (CAL), we are encouraged to remember that CAL is protected by copyright. Buying CAL supports Al‑Anon world services (Tradition Seven). Throughout our efforts to share the Al‑Anon message, it is important to keep these legal and traditional guideposts in mind.

In general, because copyright protection extends to excerpts of CAL as well as entire books, submission of a “Request Permission to Reprint” form is needed to ensure that the text is reprinted accurately.

Please note that sharing or posting CAL online, including on any social media or public-facing websites, violates Al‑Anon’s copyright.

However, a narrow exception exists in the context of a group meeting. A registered group—which includes a hybrid group or a registered electronic group meeting—has permission to share or display an excerpt of CAL during a meeting under the following conditions:

  • The excerpt should be limited to the content to be discussed in the meeting (typically no more than one page from a daily reader, for example).
  • The excerpt must be accompanied by the following acknowledgment: “From [name of publication], copyright 19/20__, by Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Reprinted for one-time use on [date] by permission of Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.”
  • The excerpt must be removed at the end of the meeting by deleting digital images, ending screen sharing, and/or collecting and destroying all copied materials.

Additionally, articles from the “Inside Al‑Anon Family Groups” section of The Forum and those marked “Feel Free” may be reprinted in their entirety in service arm newsletters and on service arm websites with the proper credit line.

We each play a part in sharing CAL responsibly. Please reach out to the World Service Office with any questions.

 

The Forum, October 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.