We are all messengers of Al-Anon’s purpose and have the responsibility to accurately communicate it to avoid confusion, misperception, or dilution of our program.
The 2018 Membership Survey states “35% of the members came specifically because of someone’s use of drugs.” The survey also showed that 78% of these members eventually came to realize that someone else’s drinking also affected their lives.
When developing and implementing Public Outreach activities, members are urged to keep Al‑Anon’s Twelve Traditions in mind, this includes reviewing the words of the Traditions in their entirety. This summary of applicable Traditions may assist your communication efforts with members, newcomers, professionals, and the media.
- Tradition Three states “The only requirement for Al-Anon Membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.”
- Tradition Four tells us that “Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al‑Anon or AA as a whole.”
- Tradition Five defines that our singleness of purpose is to help families of alcoholics.
- Tradition Ten tells us that “The Al-Anon Family Groups has no opinion on outside issues…”
According to a statement on page 131 in Al-Anon’s Conference Approved Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policy “… our responsibility is to ensure Al-Anon’s survival as a resource for families and friends of alcoholics. By focusing on these drug-related problems, we risk being diverted from Al‑Anon’s primary aim.”
Therefore, conveying that Al-Anon is for families and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts in local or Area produced Public Outreach materials is an expansion and misrepresentation of Al‑Anon’s purpose (see Tradition Five). This includes but is not limited to posters, flyers, websites, etc.
We appreciate your efforts supporting the families and friends of alcoholics and maintaining our Traditions and primary purpose.
With gratitude,
Vali F.
Executive Director
Al-Anon materials for further reference:
Dear Friends, Thank you for your patience as we completed our review of your comments on the above topic. This posting garnered responses from over 50 people and we wanted to take the time to read through each before formulating a response. While we are excited this article generated many comments and opinions, we realized in the process that the website was not the appropriate forum to invite feedback on a policy topic. Group conscience forums, such as the World Service Conference (WSC) and Policy Committee, are appropriate places to invite debate on approved policies. At the World Service Office… Read more »
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