Season’s Greetings!
When I came to my first Al‑Anon meeting, I was desperate. My life had become completely unmanageable and, at least at that moment, I had no idea why. I felt hopeless, and I despaired of ever finding a solution. I suspected the problem had something to do with my childhood, growing up with the disease of alcoholism, but I had yet to identify the real cause. Recognition of the true nature of my powerlessness would only come after some time in the program attending meetings, finding a Sponsor, working the Twelve Steps, and getting involved in service.
In 2023, I experienced several similar moments of powerlessness. When a longtime Staff member was hospitalized and later passed away due to complications related to COVID, I despaired. When the North American travel system imploded during the week of our eagerly anticipated Seventh Al‑Anon International Convention with A.A. Participation, stranding hundreds of members mid‑travel and preventing others from even beginning their journey, I felt hopeless. Yet I had learned in the program that all I needed was a willingness to surrender, and hope could be restored. So, I practiced the spiritual principles of the Al‑Anon program as contained in our Three Legacies (Al‑Anon’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service). I surrendered to my Higher Power and was restored to sanity.
As the holidays draw near and gatherings of family and friends abound, I recognize I will likely have many more opportunities “to practice these principles in all my affairs.” Thankfully, I am encouraged by the message from March 8 of our newest daily reader, A Little Time for Myself (B‑34), that “I don’t have to worry about the future, which is in His hands, or regret the past, which He has promised to make good out of.”
I wish everyone a peaceful holiday and wonderful 2024!
Vali F., Executive Director
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Don’t Miss the Holiday Bundle!
Available for a limited time, the Al‑Anon Family Groups Relationship Bundle (K‑73) includes Discovering Choices—Recovery in Relationships (B‑30), Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships (B‑33), and Living with Sobriety (P‑49)—all for just $25 US plus free shipping in the US, Canada, and Bermuda.
This special set is available only in the Al‑Anon Online Bookstore through January 2, 2024.
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What Are Chosen Agenda Items?
Chosen Agenda Items are topics and issues of concern affecting Al‑Anon groups and members worldwide that have been submitted for possible discussion at the World Service Conference (WSC).
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The 2023 World Service Conference Summary Captures Important Conference Discussions
- What changes were talked about during the Policy discussion on “Announcing Events”?
- What did Conference members learn during the “Copyright & Trademark” presentation?
- What did Conference members share during the Literature discussion on the recommendation for a “Sponsorship and Service Sponsorship” piece?
The 2023 World Service Conference Summary (P-46) covers these conversations and more.
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Accepting the Gift of Desperation
“My husband and I had been to family counseling as well as spiritual counseling and were told I needed to go to Al‑Anon and he needed A.A. Of course, I thought it was all his problem and if he would just stop drinking, we would not be in this situation…”
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Practicing the Seventh Tradition at Year’s End
Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. (AFG, Inc.) is self‑supporting and does not accept funds from outside sources or non‑members. As we come to the close of the year, please remember AFG, Inc. when planning your year‑end Seventh Tradition contribution.
There are several ways to give:
- Visit the Contributions page on our website and contribute via PayPal or by credit card.
- Use the Contribution tab on the Al‑Anon Family Groups Mobile App to contribute electronically via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Mail your contribution to Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. at 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454, USA.
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Top Five Reasons for a Personal Subscription to The Forum
5. With sharings representing all types of members, The Forum offers something for everyone.
4. News from the World Service Office keeps you connected with the worldwide fellowship of Al‑Anon.
3. The Forum is a “meeting in your pocket” and provides encouragement between meetings.
2. At just $11 per year in the US and $23 in other countries, The Forum is a great value.
1. Experience, strength, and hope from other members on topics from Acceptance to Willingness—and everything in between—will boost your personal recovery!
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Ways International Members and Structures Participate in Seventh Tradition Contributions to the WSO
Al‑Anon members across the globe practice the Seventh Tradition in some very special ways—in addition to financial contributions. Yes, the World Service Office (WSO) regularly receives Seventh Tradition contributions from throughout our worldwide fellowship of Al‑Anon and Alateen!
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New Topic for the Member Blog
December’s topic is, “What does ‘having had a spiritual awakening’ mean to you?” As always, you can also write about Al‑Anon’s three Legacies. This month features Step Twelve, Tradition Twelve, and Concept Twelve.
Sharings on the Member Blog may be used in future Al‑Anon publications.
New topics are being added each month!
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Recovery Stories
Service Stories
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