AL-ANON
GUIDELINES The
Shared Experiences of Al-Anon and Alateen Members MEMBERS
INTERESTED IN SPEAKING (G-1) When you are asked as a member of
Al-Anon or Alateen to speak before an audience for the first time, you may
experience a momentary sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, wobbly knees,
clammy hands, and an overall sensation of terror. But after these perfectly normal reactions pass and you have heard
yourself saying, “Yes,” when you really meant, “No,” you will find that
a wonderfully enlightening adventure is in store for you. With a little encouragement, and a reliance on a Higher Power, everyone
can speak. The only ingredient
needed is the willingness to try. Members
report that speaking before a group adds another dimension of growth to their
Al-Anon experience. It’s an
opportunity to discover a new side of yourself, one you may not have realized
existed. WHEN ASKED
TO SPEAK, FIND OUT  | If
the meeting is open to those who are not members of Al-Anon Family Groups, so
you can decide in advance how best to direct your talk; | | How long you will be expected to talk; | | If you will be expected to participate in a question and answer or open
discussion session after your talk is concluded; | | If you are expected to tell your personal recovery story or to discuss a
particular topic of the Al-Anon program; | | If you are expected to explain some of the Al-Anon/Alateen history. |
PLAN WHAT
TO SAY | Bear in mind that the purpose of
your talk is to carry the Al-Anon/Alateen message of recovery by sharing your
experience, strength, and hope. | | Give a brief description of yourself before you came to Al-Anon/Alateen,
concentrating on your behavior and not that of the alcoholic or
others. | | Describe how you have changed your life by using the tools of the
program. | | Share on a particular Step, slogan, Al-Anon or Alateen book, or pamphlet
that was especially helpful. | | Tell how you are applying the Al-Anon program to your life and attitudes. | | Focus on your recovery. | | If asked to lead a closed meeting on a particular subject such as a Step,
a slogan, or a topic from any of the hardcover books, it helps to express your
views on the topic as it relates to your own experience. | | If you are asked to choose a subject, the Guideline, Suggested Programs
for Meetings (G-13), will be helpful. | | It helps for Alateen speakers at Al-Anon groups to stress the need for
and role of Alateen Sponsors. |
TIPS ON
TALKING IN GENERAL | Some members find that preparing a brief outline
helps | | Others use an index card with an opening sentence, some key phrases they
can call upon in case they get lost somewhere in the middle, and a closing
statement for a graceful conclusion. | | If facing an audience is a problem, try using the technique of looking at
a few individuals in different parts of the room. | | Speak so you can be heard. |
SPEAKING
BEFORE A NON-AL-ANON AUDIENCE | Make it clear that you are expressing your own views and not necessarily
those of Al-Anon and Alateen as a whole. | | Keep in mind the public image of Al-Anon is gained in part from your
appearance. Try to give a good
account of what Al-Anon and Alateen are, what they do, and the services they
offer to the community. | | Remember to mention Alateen. | | Preserve anonymity by protecting the identity of all Al-Anon, Alateen and
AA members. | | Tell the inviting organization and the press that only first
names should
be used in public and from the platform. | | Emphasize the importance of attending Al-Anon and Alateen regularly. |
KEEP IN
MIND | You are interesting – so be yourself and speak from the heart; don’t
be afraid to let others know you. | | You have an important message. Al-Anon
Family Groups has brought you some peace of mind; let everyone know it. | | If your talk helps just one person, it has been successful. Remember, wherever you go, most people are friendly and receptive. | | You’re there to carry the message that Al-Anon Family Groups
offers a new way of life to those suffering because of a loved one’s
alcoholism. |
FOR
MEMBERS WITH OTHER AFFILIATIONS There are no separate
instructions for Al-Anon and Alateen members who belong to other anonymous
groups (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, etc.) or who are
professionals in the alcoholism field. When
you speak as an Al-Anon member, whether before a fellowship or professional
audience, keep the focus of your talk on: | Al-Anon | | Yourself | | Your interpretation of the Twelve
Steps |
It
is confusing both to potential Al-Anon or Alateen members and professionals to
hear our message diluted by referring to other programs. SHARE
JOYFULLY | Describe the effect Al-Anon or Alateen has had on your life. Concentrate on your growth and not that of the alcoholic or others. | | Take some literature along for reference and perhaps some extra pieces to
hand out. | | Take the time to talk to potential newcomers on a one-to-one basis. Be sure to have names and phone numbers for referrals. |
For further
ideas and suggestions on speaking, see our hardcover books. Particularly helpful are the chapters on speaking at meetings in Forum
Favorites (B-9). Reprinted
with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA. |