The Al-Anon/Alateen Group
The foundation of the Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) structure is the membership. The basic unit is the Al-Anon or Alateen group, which may consist of any two or more individuals coming together for mutual help. The group membership may elect officers, who are considered “trusted servants” and have responsibilities towards the operations of the group, but no authority over the group. Officers are usually rotated periodically, to provide everyone with an opportunity to serve the group.. These service positions and responsibilities vary depending on the size of the group but may include:
Chairperson/Leader-Opens the meeting by reading Suggested Welcome; introduces speaker.
Secretary-Handles group correspondence; keeps an up-to-date list of members and their phone numbers.
Literature Chairperson-Orders Conference Approved Literature in sufficient quantities to supply the group’s needs.
Treasurer-Maintains the group’s financial records in a manner that reflects the group conscience; reads the Quarterly Appeal letter.
CMA (Current Mailing Address)-Receives postal and electronic group mail; brings the mail to the group.
Group Phone Contact for the Public-Receives calls from newcomers seeking Al-Anon’s help or other seeing directions or additional information about the meeting.
Information Service Representative (ISR)-Acts as a liaison between the group and the AIS; reports AIS activities to the group.
Greeter-Welcomes all attendees and gives literature and meeting schedules to all newcomers.
Hospitality-Sets up refreshments if the group provides them.
Business or Steering Committee-Deals with questions of policy and local public outreach or any internal problems that arise between the group’s regular business meetings.
The Group Representative (GR) is a vital link in the continuing function, growth, and unity of worldwide Al-Anon. GRs should be members with experience, stability, and an understanding of the Traditions and how they work. Any Al-Anon or Alateen member with a willingness to represent the group at the district meeting and Area Assembly in order to carry the message of Al-Anon’s/Alateen’s group conscience, and who is not also a member of A.A., is eligible to serve as GR. A GR should have a basic knowledge of Al-Anon and Alateen Traditions and Concepts of Service and how they are applied in our groups. GRs are elected by the group, generally for a three-year term.
“You don’t have to have all the answers, but you can help the group look at the Traditions, the Concepts of Service, and the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual for guidance.”
from the Group Representative guideline (G-11)
Some of the service responsibilities of the GR:
- Attends District meetings
- Attends Area Assembly meetings
- Maintains an up-to-date current mailing address for his/her group with the World Service Office
- Represents the group’s views to the District Representative and at district meetings, and keeps the group informed of district news
- Assists with local public outreach
- Reminds the group of the seventh Tradition and encourages group-level support of the World Services Office
- Encourages use of Conference-Approved Literature at meetings
- Encourages subscriptions to the Forum (Al-Anon’s monthly magazine)
Alternate Group Representative/Information Service Rep
The Alternate Group Representative and/or the Information Service Rep attends the local AIS meetings and is a substitute for the Group Representative when they cannot attend the District meeting, Area Assembly, or other events.