email : Webview : Al-Anon Family Groups January 2024 Newsletter

Red and white graphic to announce the opening of the annual Alateen recertification on January 11, 2024. Top right corner of the image, the url to the Alateen web page, al-anon.org/for-alateen

The Annual Alateen Recertification Window Opens January 11, 2024!

Every year, each Area in the World Service Conference Structure is required to take part in the Annual Alateen Recertification process in order to continue to use the Alateen name. Learn more about the process and its significance in ensuring that Alateen is always available to teens in need.

2003 Alateen Motion – Read all about it!

Graphic with the word “Welcome” in white against a blue backdrop. Below, in black font “to Al-Anon Family Groups! Looking for a meeting?” Below, boxed in lime green, “Find a meeting at: al-anon.org/mtgen” the url directing to the meeting information web page.

Welcoming Newcomers in the New Year!

Although the family disease of alcoholism never takes a vacation, the post‑holiday season is a time when many individuals suffering from the family disease of alcoholism seek comfort in Al‑Anon. Click "Read More" to see a list of things to consider as your group prepares to welcome newcomers in the new year.

Update your Group Information

Download Welcoming Checklist

Image of a young man and woman peeking through a torn hole in a white canvas. To the right, boxed in blue, “Coming Soon!” Below in black font, “A glance into the daily operations of WSO Staff as they support Al-Anon Family Groups globally.” To announce the upcoming article series exploring the WSO staff roles

New Series: Explore Your World Service Office!

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand‑new series to provide a glimpse into the day‑to‑day work of the World Service Office (WSO) Staff as they support the worldwide fellowship of Al‑Anon.

The WSO now employs 45 people across four key departments: Programs, Communications & Community Awareness, Finance & Operations, and Volunteer Governance. Each of these is then organized into several teams. Each month throughout 2024, one team will be highlighted, giving you a closer look at how they help the WSO in its role as the clearinghouse for the Al‑Anon fellowship.

Look for the first team highlight in the February issue of In The Loop!

Learn More About the WSO

Image of three shot glasses on a table: one empty and on its side, another full of liquor, and a third one with a sip of liquid still in the glass. In the background, two bottles of liquor with one almost half empty. Text on image: “We were on a family vacation with our son recently, and I found myself counting his drinks.” Excerpted from the January 2024 Forum magazine story “Why I go to Al-Anon”.

Why I Go to Al‑Anon

“People sometimes ask me why I still go to Al‑Anon since most of the alcoholics and addicts in my life are either in recovery or have died…”

Read a Selection from the January Forum

The Forum Celebrates 70 Years of Recovery

“Dear Friends, ..." So began the early Al‑Anon Clearing House (the original name of the World Service Office) newsletters that adopted the name Family Group Forum in 1954. This monthly dispatch eventually became a magazine with the shortened title The Forum. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Forum in 2024, look for a few reprints in each issue throughout this year.

Check Out The Forum Magazine

Are You a Newly Elected

Area Delegate or Assembly Officer?

Did you know?

"Once the Delegate has been elected, he is no longer either a DR or a GR, so his group would elect a new GR, and his District would elect a new DR." (2022‑2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual [P‑24/27] v3, p. 144).

"A member may not hold an Area Assembly officer position in multiple Areas at the same time" (Service Manual, p. 161).

Although it may be difficult to let go and allow others to serve in our previous positions, Concept Four reminds us that “participation is the key to harmony.” All of us deeply desire to belong.

New Topic for the Member Blog

January’s topic is, “In what ways does your group welcome newcomers?” As always, you can also write about Al‑Anon’s three Legacies. This month features Step One, Tradition One, and Concept One.

Sharings on the Member Blog may be used in future Al‑Anon publications. 

New topics are being added each month!

Share Online Now

Image of the Al-Anon monthly magazine The Forum

Recovery Stories

No Longer Feathering the Nest

Why I Go to Al‑Anon

My First Meeting

Service Stories

Will the Hand of Al‑Anon Be There?

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