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
The purpose of this Chairperson of the Board (COB) letter is to share highlights from the 66th World Service Conference (WSC), along with updates from the Board of Trustees’ quarterly and annual meetings. Included are also updates from our Policy Chairperson, Treasurer, and the Conference Leadership Team Chairperson.
The Board reviewed an updated Letter of Agreement between Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. (AFG, Inc.) and the Executive Committee for Real Property Management (ECRPM). The original agreement between AFG, Inc. as owner and ECRPM as property manager dated back to 1997, with revisions considered but not finalized in 2011. A newly updated agreement reflecting current legal and operational realities was reviewed, revised, and approved by both the Board of Trustees and the ECRPM.
The Board reviewed the 2025 Auditor’s Report and authorized submission of annual IRS Form 990 for tax‑exempt organizations.
The Board began exploring ways to reduce the intensity of the January Board meeting, which spans two weeks and includes Trustee candidate interviews alongside Board business. The conversation explored both the value and necessity of addressing all agenda items and the risk that the compressed schedule may limit thoughtful deliberation. This discussion will continue at the July meeting.
The 66th World Service Conference (WSC) was held April 20‑25, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia. The theme, “75 Years, One Purpose,” guided the Conference, reminding us of our shared commitment to help families and friends of alcoholics. Members engaged in thoughtful discussion, addressing challenging topics with unity, respect, and spiritual grounding.
Once every three years, the Board holds an Open Board Meeting during Conference. During the meeting, the March 31, 2026 Financial Statement was presented. Delegate Trustee assignments were shared aloud, allowing Delegates to both hear their assignments and visually connect with their Trustees when their names were called. The Board also engaged in a generative discussion reflecting on its ongoing self‑evaluation process and the value of this work to Al‑Anon Family Groups as a whole.
Following several years of Conference discussion about the Regional Trustee process, the Conference reviewed feedback gathered from Areas on the idea, value, and concerns with creating a single Trustee selection process. The goal all along has been to define a process that could improve the likelihood of having a fully staffed Board representative of our diverse regional perspectives. After a thoughtful conversation, a refined proposal for a Single Trustee Selection Process—incorporating both Area and regional input—was presented and approved, with an implementation date starting in 2029.
The Conference held two sessions on this topic, engaging in thoughtful discussion and arriving at a decision intended to benefit Al‑Anon Family Groups as a whole. Members are encouraged to review the April Policy Committee Update for details.
Encouraged by positive Area feedback and questions, the Conference agreed that the time had come for Al‑Anon Family Groups to recognize electronic Alateen meetings as Al‑Anon Family Groups, with the same rights and responsibilities as in‑person Alateen groups. This decision, along with extensive implementation details shared by WSO Staff, paved the way for approval of the World Service Conference Electronic Alateen Safety & Behavioral Requirements (WSC EASBR), which will guide how electronic Alateen groups are registered and how Al‑Anon members involved in Alateen Service electronically (AMIAS‑E) are certified.
Recognizing its responsibility as the senior Conference for Al‑Anon Family Groups, the WSC voted to recognize the Global Electronic Alateen Safety Minimums (EASM). The EASM sets minimums for Al‑Anon international structures to meet when creating their own electronic Alateen safety and behavioral requirements.
These three historic steps support safety and accessibility for Alateen members worldwide.
The 2026 World Service Office (WSO) budget was presented and approved. Members are encouraged to review the Finance Committee Update for details.
The ICC shared highlights of its global outreach, including participation in international Zonal meetings and visits to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Ecuador. Short video clips of trusted servants from those countries were shared with Conference during the presentation. Those videos expressed how the visits meaningfully impacted their recovery and lives and increased enthusiasm and knowledge within their structures. These connections continue to strengthen Al‑Anon’s worldwide fellowship.
This initiative, envisioned in 2024 and refined in 2025, continues to elicit excitement and enthusiasm from WSC members and trusted servants internationally. Staff shared progress since the 2025 Conference along with details of the next steps. Delegates were invited and encouraged to alert members to upcoming opportunities to participate in content development. Immediate next steps include defining an outline of key topics and knowledge that current Delegates, Volunteers, and Staff believe are important to “pass on” to future generations of trusted servants.
The Conference began a new tradition of reading the full WSC Charter at its opening. Additionally, the Delegate‑led WSC Charter Task Force brought the Charter and its service concepts to life through an engaging presentation. The Delegate‑led Applying Step Four to Encourage Area Inventory Task Force did an excellent job of encouraging Areas to consider conducting inventories through their presentation and skit.
The Conference gave traditional approval, and during its annual meeting, the Board of Trustees, in their legal capacity, elected the following trusted servants:
Regional Trustees:
- Miriam B. (NC) Remaining two years of first three‑year term
- Noah P. (NE) Remaining two years of first three‑year term
- Robert (Bob) C. (SE) Remaining two years of first three‑year term
- DeLynn H. (SC) First three‑year term
- Thomas (Tom) B. (SW) First three‑year term
Trustees at Large:
- Jayme C. Second three‑year term
- Clara C. First three‑year term
- Jeffrey (Jeff) F. First three‑year term
Board Officers for 2026‑2027:
- Katherine (Kathi) M. Chairperson of the Board
- Debbie P. Vice‑Chairperson of the Board
- David B. Treasurer
Executive Committee for Real Property Management:
- Brianna M. Three‑year term
The Board of Trustees, in its legal capacity, also elected the following:
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
WSO Volunteers, Staff and members participated in a special 75th Anniversary celebration held on April 25, 2026, which included a special WSO tour and gala banquet event. Members were particularly appreciative of the opportunity to interact directly with Staff and Volunteers during the scheduled tours, which took place between 10 am and 3 pm. The evening gala banquet included video clips of our pioneers, two amazing longtime members sharing their stories, and the presentation of Alcoholics Anonymous’ (A.A.) proclamation to Al‑Anon Family Groups celebrating our 75 years. In addition, Al‑Anon Family Groups expressed its deep gratitude to A.A. for sharing their program with us 75 years ago with a custom plaque of appreciation.
Mark your calendars for October 24, 2026, when the Road Trip! You and Your Board Connect event will take place in Chicago, Illinois. This event offers members a unique opportunity to connect with the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. Registration will open in September, and space is limited. Be on the lookout for more information.
If your Area has never hosted a Road Trip! event, you are encouraged to apply to host the October 2027 Road Trip! by September 20, 2026.
While there will not be a virtual presentation of this April letter, Trustees will contact Delegates within two weeks of its release to answer questions and provide clarification.
Future COB Letter presentation dates in 2026 include:
- August 8, 2026
- November 7, 2026
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, and the WSO Staff, thank you for your continued dedication to service. Your commitment ensures that Al‑Anon remains available to all who seek help and hope.
Together, we continue to honor our shared purpose—helping families and friends of alcoholics.
Kathi M.
Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.