Alateen Update
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Photo by Clif H
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The in-person Alateen meetings have ceased during the pandemic. From January to December, our local AIS funded a Zoom meeting for Alateens. Although a few Alateens did attend, the group did not continue to grow, so that Zoom meeting stopped at the end of the year.
Purpose of Alateen:
Alateen Members learn:
The District 20 Al-Anon group agreed to fund a Zoom meeting to provide service to our Alateens during this difficult time. The Zoom Meeting will continue on Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30. We have two certified AMIAS and will follow the regular Alateen format. This format includes:
We hope we can build a group and move, when it is safe, to an in-person format. It is important to get this information out to our AA and Al-Anon groups to inform our Alateens. Please pass this information along to any groups you attend and let members know they can email alateen@seattle-al-anon.org to get the Zoom ID number and passcode.
We are also continuing to communicate with Seattle Schools to see where there is interest in starting Alateen meetings in the schools. This has been an ongoing project since before the pandemic, and we will continue contact with the schools to introduce Alateen meetings in the schools.
Purpose of Alateen:
- Share experience, strength, and hope with each other
- Discuss their difficulties
- Learn effective ways to cope with their problems
- Encourage one another
- Help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program
Alateen Members learn:
- Compulsive drinking is a disease
- They can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person
- They are not the cause of anyone else’s drinking or behavior
- They cannot change or control anyone but themselves
- They have spiritual and intellectual resources with which to develop their own potential, no matter what happens at home
- They can build satisfying and rewarding life experiences for themselves
The District 20 Al-Anon group agreed to fund a Zoom meeting to provide service to our Alateens during this difficult time. The Zoom Meeting will continue on Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30. We have two certified AMIAS and will follow the regular Alateen format. This format includes:
- The Alateen script
- Readings from Alateen CAL literature
- Introductions to members
- Rating our week and sharing our thoughts
- Choosing a topic of the week and sharing our experience, strength, and hope
- Gratitude Circle
- Closing the Meeting
We hope we can build a group and move, when it is safe, to an in-person format. It is important to get this information out to our AA and Al-Anon groups to inform our Alateens. Please pass this information along to any groups you attend and let members know they can email alateen@seattle-al-anon.org to get the Zoom ID number and passcode.
We are also continuing to communicate with Seattle Schools to see where there is interest in starting Alateen meetings in the schools. This has been an ongoing project since before the pandemic, and we will continue contact with the schools to introduce Alateen meetings in the schools.
Please click image for the zoom link
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Step Two
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 
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Need a Free Newcomer Packet?Anyone local to Seattle who is a newcomer and wants an individual newcomer packet (or in Spanish too!), please send an email to LDC@seattle-al-anon.org with the name and mailing address. |
Muscle Memory
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Several weeks ago, I was relating my week’s experiences to my sponsor, and he said that’s a great method of building muscle memory. I was confused by his statement, as the story of my week had nothing to do with anything physical. He was, of course, talking about the brain muscle, specifically as it deals with the application of the Al-Anon principles to my daily life.
Over the course of the week, several incidences happened that in the past would have sent me launching into savior mode or control mode, or spinning into internal emotional collapse. In each case, the principles of the Program rushed from my unconscious mind to my active mind. I took steps that allowed me to keep calm and maintain my serenity; without making other people’s lives more uncomfortable or downright miserable as I would have done in the past.
In the process of digesting the situations, we discovered that when rated against my personal scale of alcohol-related experiences, each rated in the range of 2 or 3 on a scale of 10. In short, they were the easy ones that allowed me to practice my Program, in essence, to build mental muscle memory.
As my sponsor explained, there is value in each of those practice experiences. Much like training muscles to stand and then to walk as a child, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. At first, a couple of steps across the floor, eventually being able to walk long distances over difficult terrain. Similarly, by applying the principles in easy (ok, not easy, but less difficult) situations, the brain evolves to apply them almost automatically to more and more difficult situations.
One of the greatest things in my experiences working with a sponsor is their ability to help me understand my personal growth. When I arrived at the doors of Al-Anon, I could barely walk, now I recognize my ability to walk steep grades over rough terrain.
Over the course of the week, several incidences happened that in the past would have sent me launching into savior mode or control mode, or spinning into internal emotional collapse. In each case, the principles of the Program rushed from my unconscious mind to my active mind. I took steps that allowed me to keep calm and maintain my serenity; without making other people’s lives more uncomfortable or downright miserable as I would have done in the past.
In the process of digesting the situations, we discovered that when rated against my personal scale of alcohol-related experiences, each rated in the range of 2 or 3 on a scale of 10. In short, they were the easy ones that allowed me to practice my Program, in essence, to build mental muscle memory.
As my sponsor explained, there is value in each of those practice experiences. Much like training muscles to stand and then to walk as a child, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. At first, a couple of steps across the floor, eventually being able to walk long distances over difficult terrain. Similarly, by applying the principles in easy (ok, not easy, but less difficult) situations, the brain evolves to apply them almost automatically to more and more difficult situations.
One of the greatest things in my experiences working with a sponsor is their ability to help me understand my personal growth. When I arrived at the doors of Al-Anon, I could barely walk, now I recognize my ability to walk steep grades over rough terrain.
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Al-Anon Information Service (AIS)
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What Is an Al-Anon Information Service (AIS)?
Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) organizations exist “to aid the groups it serves in the common purpose of carrying the Al-Anon message to the families and friends of alcoholics” (Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, p. 74). When multiple districts are in one city or major geographical area, it is often more effective and economical to implement an AIS as a defined service arm. It would be very difficult for new members to find meetings or know how to get Al-Anon information if each of the Districts in an area had separate websites, separate telephone numbers, and separate meeting directories. It would also require many volunteer resources and funds to support multiple entities trying to provide these services. Likewise, it is more effective for an AIS to coordinate the public outreach for an area as compared to the resources available to any one District or Group. It is also more efficient for outside organizations (e.g., local treatment centers and AA groups) to make referrals or request information when there is a central AIS organization. In Washington Area, there are two AIS’: Seattle and Pierce County.
Tell me more about Seattle AIS.
GREATER SEATTLE AL-ANON INTERGROUP COUNCIL (our legal name) is a service body only. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our Bylaws state the objectives are to:
Our website (www.seattle-al-anon.org) is a clearinghouse for Groups and Districts with its updated Meeting Directory. Our website includes Group and District event flyers. Our newsletter (the BITS) highlights upcoming events, covers local topics, and includes articles by our Seattle area members sharing their experience, strength, and hope. Our Literature Distribution Center has a local inventory of every published Al-Anon/Alateen Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in English AND Spanish. This means when you email your order to LDC@seattle-al-anon.org, you receive your purchase usually in 3-8 days.
Every Al-Anon member is invited to attend the February 10th Council meeting to hear the 2021 Outreach Digital Campaign Report that AIS coordinated and funded. You will hear a firsthand example of a campaign that was possible because of the AIS structure.
Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) organizations exist “to aid the groups it serves in the common purpose of carrying the Al-Anon message to the families and friends of alcoholics” (Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, p. 74). When multiple districts are in one city or major geographical area, it is often more effective and economical to implement an AIS as a defined service arm. It would be very difficult for new members to find meetings or know how to get Al-Anon information if each of the Districts in an area had separate websites, separate telephone numbers, and separate meeting directories. It would also require many volunteer resources and funds to support multiple entities trying to provide these services. Likewise, it is more effective for an AIS to coordinate the public outreach for an area as compared to the resources available to any one District or Group. It is also more efficient for outside organizations (e.g., local treatment centers and AA groups) to make referrals or request information when there is a central AIS organization. In Washington Area, there are two AIS’: Seattle and Pierce County.
Tell me more about Seattle AIS.
GREATER SEATTLE AL-ANON INTERGROUP COUNCIL (our legal name) is a service body only. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our Bylaws state the objectives are to:
- “Cooperate with member Groups and Districts in their effort to make the public aware that Al-Anon and Alateen are for relatives and friends of alcoholics.
- Act as a point of contact with Al-Anon and Alateen for the general public.
- Serve as a “clearinghouse” for member Groups and Districts’ activities and information.
- Serve as a communication center for member Groups and Districts with respect to matters of local policy, publicity, and interest.
- Serve as a literature distribution center.”
Our website (www.seattle-al-anon.org) is a clearinghouse for Groups and Districts with its updated Meeting Directory. Our website includes Group and District event flyers. Our newsletter (the BITS) highlights upcoming events, covers local topics, and includes articles by our Seattle area members sharing their experience, strength, and hope. Our Literature Distribution Center has a local inventory of every published Al-Anon/Alateen Conference Approved Literature (CAL) in English AND Spanish. This means when you email your order to LDC@seattle-al-anon.org, you receive your purchase usually in 3-8 days.
Every Al-Anon member is invited to attend the February 10th Council meeting to hear the 2021 Outreach Digital Campaign Report that AIS coordinated and funded. You will hear a firsthand example of a campaign that was possible because of the AIS structure.
Al-Anon Mailbag
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In the greater Seattle area, there are about 100 Al-Anon Family Groups. Each Group belongs to one of the nine Washington Area Districts (#14-22), which together roughly match King County’s boundaries. The next service arm level is the Washington Area (www.wa-al-anon.org) which matches the state’s borders. (See pp. 64-68 and 171 in the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual for more Al-Anon structure information.)
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Tradition Two
For our group purpose there is but one authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants -- they do not govern. 
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Step Two Poem
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Letting Go of The Obsession
It feels like my life has been abducted into the convoluted world of alcoholism. My mind slips effortlessly into the well-worn groove of familiarity, like the needle on a vinyl record album. I find myself automatically worrying about what will set the alcoholic off and how to avoid their wrath. The fear that I try to stifle when my loved one hasn’t made it home. I agonize over making the call to check on them. I will either get biting sarcasm or mocking laughter over why I would be concerned.
As I pull myself away from the vortex of chaos and insanity, a painful reality sets in. A great deal of time has passed while fighting these fires that I didn’t ignite. The arsonist is cunning, baffling, and powerful. As soon as one blaze seems to be snuffed out, the smoldering embers flare into yet another wildfire. How many more days, months, and years am I willing to sacrifice to this compulsive futility?
I have often felt hopelessly ensnared in the endless black nights of winter. Add the restrictions of COVID and a volatile alcoholic. I believe my Higher Power is gently lifting the veil of confusion and denial that tends to envelop my mind when things get too painful. Crises after crises. The pipes froze and burst. The alcoholic shirked all responsibility and took off to do what they wanted to do. I was snowed in and forced to deal with the fallout. I didn’t want to accept that this person could be so irresponsible and selfish.
For so long, it seemed that surviving my circumstances was the best I could do. However, after a particularly rough year, I am beginning to gain some clarity. I have felt obligated to try to “save” my loved ones and ended up losing myself. The more I give, the more entitled they become. I have been terrified that if I moved on with my life, the alcoholic would die. Ironically, being present, I have not been able to diminish any of the risky behaviors the alcoholic engages in! In fact, in their dogged belligerence, my presence may inadvertently create more rebellion!
I am struggling with that line between helping and enabling. I have ended up with a daunting amount of the alcoholic’s responsibilities. I am praying for guidance and the ability to let go. To allow the natural consequences to occur.
“In Al-Anon we learn individuals are not responsible for another person's disease or recovery from it. We let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights; lives guided by a Power greater than ourselves.” Al-Anon Detachment Materials
As I pull myself away from the vortex of chaos and insanity, a painful reality sets in. A great deal of time has passed while fighting these fires that I didn’t ignite. The arsonist is cunning, baffling, and powerful. As soon as one blaze seems to be snuffed out, the smoldering embers flare into yet another wildfire. How many more days, months, and years am I willing to sacrifice to this compulsive futility?
I have often felt hopelessly ensnared in the endless black nights of winter. Add the restrictions of COVID and a volatile alcoholic. I believe my Higher Power is gently lifting the veil of confusion and denial that tends to envelop my mind when things get too painful. Crises after crises. The pipes froze and burst. The alcoholic shirked all responsibility and took off to do what they wanted to do. I was snowed in and forced to deal with the fallout. I didn’t want to accept that this person could be so irresponsible and selfish.
For so long, it seemed that surviving my circumstances was the best I could do. However, after a particularly rough year, I am beginning to gain some clarity. I have felt obligated to try to “save” my loved ones and ended up losing myself. The more I give, the more entitled they become. I have been terrified that if I moved on with my life, the alcoholic would die. Ironically, being present, I have not been able to diminish any of the risky behaviors the alcoholic engages in! In fact, in their dogged belligerence, my presence may inadvertently create more rebellion!
I am struggling with that line between helping and enabling. I have ended up with a daunting amount of the alcoholic’s responsibilities. I am praying for guidance and the ability to let go. To allow the natural consequences to occur.
“In Al-Anon we learn individuals are not responsible for another person's disease or recovery from it. We let go of our obsession with another's behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives, lives with dignity and rights; lives guided by a Power greater than ourselves.” Al-Anon Detachment Materials
AIS Needs You!
Current Service Opportunities Web Editor Office Volunteers Phone Volunteers Outreach Coordinator If you are interested in a particular area of service, please contact chair@seattle-al-anon.org |
Al-Anon Joke of the Month
How can you tell that an alcoholic is lying to you? Their lips are moving. 
Do you have a funny or not-so-funny Al-Anon joke? Please send it to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
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Concept Two
The Al-Anon Family Groups have delegated complete administrative and operational authority to their Conference and its service arms. 
Do you journal? Have you ever wanted to be a published author?
Expand your journaling into an article representing your experience, strength, and hope. As you've seen, the BITS accepts articles, poems, and historical perspectives — just about anything recovery-related. Write something for the newsletter, send it to us, and we'll get it published. newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org Pen Names Accepted 
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Volunteer Opportunities at the Seattle Al-Anon Literature Distribution Center (LDC)Office Volunteers
Email: LDC@seattle-al-anon.org Subject: LDC Volunteer Information Volunteering with the LDC is a wonderful opportunity to become more familiar with all of Al-Anon’s literature and help make it available to our members. Literature SalesFree Shipping Extended (again) We are excited to help our members (within Districts 14-22) during this difficult time. We are continuing our sale until MARCH 31st, 2022. Free shipping and no WSO surcharge for orders that are placed and paid online. We will strive to ship orders by the Thursday after payment is received. Literature order forms are available at https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/literature.html. For easy processing, follow the instructions on the literature order forms and email LDC@seattle-al-anon.org. The office will remain closed until further notice. |
The 1980 February Bits
(from the archives)
by Eric G
(Click each picture to enlarge)
While browsing our archives, I found an older Bits issue that I find a little fascinating. First, I like that the title is a handwritten "Bits of Al-Anon/Alateen," as it adds more character and shows a lack of technology. Who wrote it, I wonder, and why didn't they use the typewriter, like everything else?
While reading this issue over and over, I noticed at first that bad news caught my eye. Meetings were canceled because of snow, the office "heat is turned off on weekends" ... and ... "The office is now closed on Saturdays."
However, there are also secret gems that sound equal parts grouchy and funny:
"Richard asks, What happened to the questionnaires? The responses have been poor."
"The Treasurer asks, What happened to the contributions? They are way down."
While reading this issue over and over, I noticed at first that bad news caught my eye. Meetings were canceled because of snow, the office "heat is turned off on weekends" ... and ... "The office is now closed on Saturdays."
However, there are also secret gems that sound equal parts grouchy and funny:
"Richard asks, What happened to the questionnaires? The responses have been poor."
"The Treasurer asks, What happened to the contributions? They are way down."
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My favorite part is the section titled "The Sage Says" on page one, which states, "Growth is painful; after all, if fleas did not bite, how would the dog know he had them." I don't know how to think about this or what it means. What is the dog in this analogy? What is the flea? I tried looking for this pearl of wisdom online, but all I found were sites asking me if my dog has fleas. If anyone knows more about this adage, please email me, and I'll share the explanation next month. Also, if you want me to feature the Bits month/year of your choice, let me know, and I can dig it up.
Also, according to this issue, the Seattle Al-Anon office was located at 618 2nd Ave downtown (the Alaska Building, not to be confused with The Arctic Club Building one block away on 3rd). Please scroll down to the Just for Today section; I'm not so confident in my Al-Anon history, but in that section, it mentions that "the landlord decided to sell our house," and at first, I thought Sylvester was talking about his own house. The Alaska Building was built in 1914 and later finished renovations in 1984, so we may have been kicked out because the landlord needed to make these renovations. We moved into the Vance Building in the early 1980’s.
As the Archives Coordinator, I both want to know and feel like I should know more about Seattle Al-Anon's history, and I will use this space in the Bits to explore not only our past literature but to learn and share more about our history as well and have fun doing it.
BTW, this issue is also interesting to me because it is oddly shaped compared to our modern era. The size of each page is about 7" x 8.5". Perhaps this size paper (14" x 8.5") was a common size back then. It seems easy to fold in half.
Also, according to this issue, the Seattle Al-Anon office was located at 618 2nd Ave downtown (the Alaska Building, not to be confused with The Arctic Club Building one block away on 3rd). Please scroll down to the Just for Today section; I'm not so confident in my Al-Anon history, but in that section, it mentions that "the landlord decided to sell our house," and at first, I thought Sylvester was talking about his own house. The Alaska Building was built in 1914 and later finished renovations in 1984, so we may have been kicked out because the landlord needed to make these renovations. We moved into the Vance Building in the early 1980’s.
As the Archives Coordinator, I both want to know and feel like I should know more about Seattle Al-Anon's history, and I will use this space in the Bits to explore not only our past literature but to learn and share more about our history as well and have fun doing it.
BTW, this issue is also interesting to me because it is oddly shaped compared to our modern era. The size of each page is about 7" x 8.5". Perhaps this size paper (14" x 8.5") was a common size back then. It seems easy to fold in half.
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January 2021 AIS Council Meeting Minutes (Summary)
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Seattle AIS Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2022
Opened 7:30 with Serenity Prayer
Opened 7:30 with Serenity Prayer
- Attendees: 29
- Chair Report-Karen L: AIS Do’s and Don’ts Helpful readings: Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual: pages 66, 174 AIS Guidelines G-4
- Meeting Minutes: Dec 9th Minutes accepted unanimously
- Treasurer’s Report-Mariann: No issues with finances
- Vice Chair-Helen V: Insurance coverage for Officers and Coordinators done. Waiting on word from attorney in re: By-Laws and Standing Rules and Procedures Manual (SRPM)
- Coordinators Reports:
- Communications-Cheré F: Send Meeting changes and Events in good time for publication
- LDC-Julie and Doug: Running low on How Al-Anon Works due to shortage at WSO. Newcomer’s packages still available for free
- Phones-Dave: 82 calls received for month of Dec. 130 shifts filled out of 186
- Tech-Doug: Available for tech issues
- Alateen-Mary-Ann: Welcome!
- Outreach-OPEN: past coordinator Teresa had stupendous results with digital outreach via Spotify and YouTube using WSO Public Service Announcements (PSA)s 7th Tradition link
- Old Business:
- Volunteers needed for LDC and Phones
- New Business: Change of meeting time poll given. Voting summary: 6:00 PM start time eliminated as option No clear winner between 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30 start Zoom link will be open 15 minutes before and after meeting for fellowship.
- Meeting closed at 9PM with Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration
Thank you for your donations and for your support of AIS!
Our funding now comes primarily from:
*Donations by Members, Groups, and Districts
*Literature Sales
Please send all AIS mail, including checks for literature orders and donations to:
Seattle AIS
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
Donate Now
Our funding now comes primarily from:
*Donations by Members, Groups, and Districts
*Literature Sales
Please send all AIS mail, including checks for literature orders and donations to:
Seattle AIS
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
Donate Now
And More ...
Please visit our Members section for the most up-to-date information on: