AFG, Inc. Strategic Plan & Bylaws
Working within the framework of Al‑Anon’s Legacies, the Board, Executive Committee, and Senior World Service Office Staff have developed the AFG, Inc. Vision, Mission Statement, and Strategic Goals to assist the World Service Office in the work it carries out on behalf of Al‑Anon Family Groups.
As a non-profit organization, AFG, Inc. operates in accordance with its Bylaws, which represent the Board’s legal agreement with our members.
Letters from the Chairperson of the Board
The purpose of this Chairperson of the Board (COB) letter is to share with you some highlights from the most recent Board week. You will also find updates from our Policy Committee Chairperson, a Finance Committee update from our Treasurer, and a Conference Leadership Team (CLT) update.
Chairperson of the Board Letter – Section View
Dear Al‑Anon and Alateen Members,
The purpose of this Chairperson of the Board (COB) letter is to share highlights from the January 2026 Board Week. As in past years, you will also find updates from the Policy Committee Chairperson, a Finance Committee update from our Treasurer, and a Conference Leadership Team (CLT) update, which together provide a fuller picture of the work being done on behalf of our worldwide fellowship.
While Board service requires significant time and energy, these meetings continue to be deeply spiritual and fulfilling experiences, including two Al‑Anon meetings. I am continually grateful to be part of a Board that shows up with willingness, openness, and commitment to serve Al‑Anon as a whole.
The Board continued its practice of conducting Trustee interviews virtually. Following careful consideration, the following nominees will be presented to the World Service Conference for affirmation:
Regional Trustees
- Robert “Bob” C., Southeast Region, first term as Trustee, fulfilling remaining two‑year term
- Miriam B., North Central Region, first term as Trustee, fulfilling remaining two‑year term
- Noah P., Northeast Region, first term as Trustee, fulfilling remaining two‑year term
- D. DeLynn H., South Central Region, first three‑year term
- Thomas “Tom” B., Southwest Region, first three‑year term
Trustees at Large
- Jayme C., second three‑year term
- Jeffrey “Jeff” F., first three‑year term
- Clara C., first three‑year term
Board Officers
- Katherine “Kathi” M., Chairperson of the Board, third one‑year term
- Debbie P., Vice‑Chairperson of the Board, first one‑year term
- David B., Treasurer, second one‑year term
Executive Committee for Real Property Management (ECRPM)
- Brianna M., three‑year term
Following traditional approval, the Board of Trustees may elect the nominees at its annual meeting following the WSC.
The following resumes will be presented to all Conference members for their information:
Executive Committee
- Angela A., third one‑year term
- Kari O., second one‑year term
- Cindy B., first one‑year term
Chairperson of the Executive Committee
- Kari O., first one‑year term
Chairperson of the Executive Committee for Real Property Management
- Lori H., second one‑year term
The Board of Trustees offers heartfelt gratitude to all candidates and nominees. Our service structure depends on the dedication and ability of an ever‑new generation of leaders, and we are thankful to everyone who was willing to stand for service.
The Board also reached a consensus to direct Staff, in collaboration with experienced WSO Volunteers, to evaluate and revise the WSO Committee At Large member resume, with particular attention to the Requirements and Criteria sections. A revised application and appointment timeline will be brought forward by the Executive Committee for Board consideration at the July 2026 meeting.
The Board approved the 2026 Preliminary Operating Budget as recommended by the Finance Committee. In addition, a motion was approved to:
- Publish the 2026‑2029 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P‑24/27) in ebook format, consistent with the previously approved eBooks Globally Strategy.
The Board also began discussion on questions related to investment income, stemming from a member appeal. This conversation will continue at a future Board meeting.
The Board approved the 2026 WSO Projects Landscape as the priority framework guiding WSO planning, resource allocation, and execution. Strategies carried forward from 2025 include:
- WSO Core Systems – Both CRM/AMS and Accounting systems
- Electronic Alateen Validation and Implementation Planning
- eBooks Globally
- 2026‑2029 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual
- CAL Globally
- Refresh of Al‑Anon Faces Alcoholism
- 2028 Al‑Anon International Convention with A.A. Participation
- Passing It On
- AFG, Inc. Branding Guidelines for Trusted Servants
- al‑anon.org Website Redesign
- 75th Anniversary Event and Public Outreach Campaign
The Board took time to acknowledge the enormous effort invested on these Strategies in 2025 and congratulated all involved on successfully completing the WSO Risk Mitigation Strategy, the Public Outreach to Professionals – Young People campaign, and the 2025 A.A. International Convention with Al‑Anon Participation.
Given resource capacity and the significant effort required to complete carryover strategies, only one new Strategy was approved:
- SharePoint Implementation Feasibility
The Board is excited about the upcoming 75th Anniversary celebration which includes the WSO Open House and Gala Banquet. While the Gala Banquet is already sold out, a waitlist is being established—an inspiring reminder of our fellowship’s enthusiasm and gratitude.
With an eye toward connection and effectiveness, the Board reached consensus to make incremental updates to the Road Trip! You and Your Board Connect agenda, focusing on increased interaction, personal sharing, and engagement, while preserving the heart of the experience. The 2026 October Board Week and Road Trip! event will be held in Chicago, Illinois, October 19‑24, 2026.
The Board thoughtfully considered several member requests to introduce a hybrid component to the Road Trip! event. In its deliberations, the Board drew upon best‑practice insights from experienced event planners, who informed the Trustees that creating a truly engaging hybrid experience would, in effect, require developing two nearly independent programs. Such an approach would significantly increase workload and would detract from the spirit of in‑person connection that Road Trip! was envisioned to foster.
While affirming its commitment to maintain Road Trip! as an in‑person event, the Board also expressed openness to exploring additional virtual opportunities to strengthen connection with the WSC Structure fellowship in the future.
Thank you for your continued service and support of Al‑Anon, which includes Alateen. May we each continue to remember our purpose these 75 years later as we carry our message to families and friends of alcoholics, wherever they may be.
With gratitude and in service,
Katherine “Kathi” M.
Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.