An Outreach Workshop Primer
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Public Outreach in Al-Anon is very underrated. It took me nine years of living with an active alcoholic even to know what Al-Anon was. When I learned that Al-Anon Outreach works to reach people like my former ignorant self, I thought, “I wish I had found Al-Anon five years earlier." In a simplified definition, I think of Outreach as an advertising campaign, with Al-Anon rules, and it is an area of service that I support 100%. I sat with Outreach Coordinator Teresa H to inquire about an upcoming Outreach Workshop.
What will this workshop focus on, in a nutshell?
The October 17 workshop will focus on Public Outreach. We will explain what it is and, hopefully, remove obstacles to members actively participating in outreach.
What exactly is Public Outreach?
Public Outreach informs the general public about who we are, what we do, and how to get in touch with Al-Anon and Alateen through outreach to the media; outreach to professionals such as therapists, counselors, and social workers; outreach to institutions such as recovery centers and corrections facilities; and outreach to organizations such as other non-profits who are also involved in helping those affected by the disease of alcoholism.
So Outreach is not about what to say to a friend who has someone in their life who drinks too much?
No. Public Outreach is about efforts to reach a group of people rather than reaching out to one person at a time. For example, in the case of a therapist, each therapist has the option to refer any client who has been affected by someone else’s drinking.
You have mentioned before that you wish you had found Al-Anon sooner. Do you think you are trying to help others in outreach because of that?
Yes, that is a big part of why I am so passionate about outreach. Despite having attended the occasional open AA meeting with a loved one over the years, I did not know that Al-Anon even existed until they ended up at a 30-day recovery program. The people at the recovery center recommended Al-Anon in their packet to the family. That was over 25 years after I might have started if I had known about it. As our AIS Outreach flyer for members says, “They won’t reach out to Al-Anon if they don’t know we exist.” Outreach is all about public awareness.
Do you think most professionals might already be familiar with Al-Anon?
One might think so, but some Seattle area professionals asked to participate in a focus group, responded that they have never heard of Al-Anon, and asked for information about what we do. Our members have an opportunity to spread the word. WSO now has a LinkedIn page with the sole purpose of bringing awareness and knowledge of Al-Anon to professionals.
Aren’t things like LinkedIn pages, ads on the internet, and signs on buses promotion that we are cautioned against in Tradition Eleven?
Promotion in Al-Anon is not like we might commonly think of promotion. This is clearly explained in The Best of Public Outreach, p. 4. Attraction is "sharing information.” “Al-Anon members promote when they go beyond sharing information and modeling their own healthy behavior and start telling people what they should do. They make promises about what Al-Anon will do for alcoholics and themselves. They adopt a selling mode that may lead the audience to resist the message, rather than allowing them to make up their own minds.” We will go into more detail about both attraction and promotion in the workshop. And, we will address what can be done while there are still restrictions in place related to COVID-19.
It seems like there is a lot to cover in only 3 hours.
There definitely is. And 3 hours seems like a long Zoom meeting, but there will be 10-minute breaks along the way. We are also trying new ways of presenting via Zoom that I have not seen used in Al-Anon workshops. As soon as we get the schedule of topics completed, we will post a link on the Events page. Members then have the option of attending all or part of the workshop.
Why would people want to come?
The basis of Public Outreach can be found in Step 12. “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” That is sure true for me. I became aware of how many people are suffering from the family disease of alcoholism. As our Al-Anon declaration says: “Let It Begin with Me. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and—Let It Begin with Me.” If they don’t know we exist, they won’t reach out to us. They won’t walk through our doors (virtual or physical). The Outreach workshop is a good way to learn more about both “carrying the message” and “letting it begin with me."
What will this workshop focus on, in a nutshell?
The October 17 workshop will focus on Public Outreach. We will explain what it is and, hopefully, remove obstacles to members actively participating in outreach.
What exactly is Public Outreach?
Public Outreach informs the general public about who we are, what we do, and how to get in touch with Al-Anon and Alateen through outreach to the media; outreach to professionals such as therapists, counselors, and social workers; outreach to institutions such as recovery centers and corrections facilities; and outreach to organizations such as other non-profits who are also involved in helping those affected by the disease of alcoholism.
So Outreach is not about what to say to a friend who has someone in their life who drinks too much?
No. Public Outreach is about efforts to reach a group of people rather than reaching out to one person at a time. For example, in the case of a therapist, each therapist has the option to refer any client who has been affected by someone else’s drinking.
You have mentioned before that you wish you had found Al-Anon sooner. Do you think you are trying to help others in outreach because of that?
Yes, that is a big part of why I am so passionate about outreach. Despite having attended the occasional open AA meeting with a loved one over the years, I did not know that Al-Anon even existed until they ended up at a 30-day recovery program. The people at the recovery center recommended Al-Anon in their packet to the family. That was over 25 years after I might have started if I had known about it. As our AIS Outreach flyer for members says, “They won’t reach out to Al-Anon if they don’t know we exist.” Outreach is all about public awareness.
Do you think most professionals might already be familiar with Al-Anon?
One might think so, but some Seattle area professionals asked to participate in a focus group, responded that they have never heard of Al-Anon, and asked for information about what we do. Our members have an opportunity to spread the word. WSO now has a LinkedIn page with the sole purpose of bringing awareness and knowledge of Al-Anon to professionals.
Aren’t things like LinkedIn pages, ads on the internet, and signs on buses promotion that we are cautioned against in Tradition Eleven?
Promotion in Al-Anon is not like we might commonly think of promotion. This is clearly explained in The Best of Public Outreach, p. 4. Attraction is "sharing information.” “Al-Anon members promote when they go beyond sharing information and modeling their own healthy behavior and start telling people what they should do. They make promises about what Al-Anon will do for alcoholics and themselves. They adopt a selling mode that may lead the audience to resist the message, rather than allowing them to make up their own minds.” We will go into more detail about both attraction and promotion in the workshop. And, we will address what can be done while there are still restrictions in place related to COVID-19.
It seems like there is a lot to cover in only 3 hours.
There definitely is. And 3 hours seems like a long Zoom meeting, but there will be 10-minute breaks along the way. We are also trying new ways of presenting via Zoom that I have not seen used in Al-Anon workshops. As soon as we get the schedule of topics completed, we will post a link on the Events page. Members then have the option of attending all or part of the workshop.
Why would people want to come?
The basis of Public Outreach can be found in Step 12. “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” That is sure true for me. I became aware of how many people are suffering from the family disease of alcoholism. As our Al-Anon declaration says: “Let It Begin with Me. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and—Let It Begin with Me.” If they don’t know we exist, they won’t reach out to us. They won’t walk through our doors (virtual or physical). The Outreach workshop is a good way to learn more about both “carrying the message” and “letting it begin with me."
Reaching Out to the Deaf Families and Friends of Alcoholics
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Let It Begin with Me.
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,
let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and
— Let It Begin with Me.
I attended an Al-Anon meeting in 2010. The meeting was large, but there was a separate room for a smaller group. I attended for a few weeks, relying on lipreading, which was difficult. I missed a lot, and afterward, I was exhausted. I prefer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation because I get more of the information. Additionally, the facial and body language conveys the emotions and what we term the “language of the heart.” I asked a couple to advocate for me at a future business meeting, during which the group voted yes and that the group would pay for 2 meetings a month. For several years until Zoom, I had only 2 accessible Al-Anon meetings a month. In 2019, I asked the WSO board (visiting Seattle, WA) host committee for an interpreter, and the answer was a flat no. I received a similar response with the Washington Area Convention that was held in Vancouver, WA. The Speaker meeting was accessible, but not the rest of the convention.
Are you reaching out to the Deaf community? Tradition 5 states: Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics. Yet many Deaf have faced barriers at Al-Anon meetings.
Instead of “Welcome to Al-Anon,” our request for interpreters was met with:
As a Deaf member in Al-Anon, advocating for my access needs robs me of the important energy needed for my recovery. All Al-Anon entities can collaborate so that a Deaf member can attend any meeting they choose, become a home Group member, participate in service, and get a sponsor. Collaboration might mean a service position such as a Language Coordinator, a budget, and readiness before a Deaf member asks for help. The access coordinator (Hearing or Deaf) would be kept abreast of all access needs, including interpreters, captioners, physical building, parking, and transportation access.
I ask you to consider how AIS can extend Al-Anon and Alateen’s welcoming hand to the Deaf relatives and friends of alcoholics. I ask you to set up a central fund account to pay for interpreters for any Al-Anon meeting. The cost of interpretation is less expensive than the price of saving a life. Please attend the next Council meeting and show your support.
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,
let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and
— Let It Begin with Me.
I attended an Al-Anon meeting in 2010. The meeting was large, but there was a separate room for a smaller group. I attended for a few weeks, relying on lipreading, which was difficult. I missed a lot, and afterward, I was exhausted. I prefer American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation because I get more of the information. Additionally, the facial and body language conveys the emotions and what we term the “language of the heart.” I asked a couple to advocate for me at a future business meeting, during which the group voted yes and that the group would pay for 2 meetings a month. For several years until Zoom, I had only 2 accessible Al-Anon meetings a month. In 2019, I asked the WSO board (visiting Seattle, WA) host committee for an interpreter, and the answer was a flat no. I received a similar response with the Washington Area Convention that was held in Vancouver, WA. The Speaker meeting was accessible, but not the rest of the convention.
Are you reaching out to the Deaf community? Tradition 5 states: Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics. Yet many Deaf have faced barriers at Al-Anon meetings.
Instead of “Welcome to Al-Anon,” our request for interpreters was met with:
- “Sorry, We can’t afford this.”
- “Why not find other Deaf members to attend with you so that it’s “cost-effective”?
- “Is there a ‘signer’ that can do it for free? Bring that person with you.”
- “We will have to discuss this in our business meeting.” The unstated portion being: “We will make the decision without your input and let you know.” This violates our Concepts and usually results in a 3-month wait. Maybe the answer is “no” or perhaps “just once a month.”
- “Come to our business meeting and explain why we need an interpreter and why it costs so much, and no, we can’t pay the interpreter for you to come.”
- Why does it cost so much?
As a Deaf member in Al-Anon, advocating for my access needs robs me of the important energy needed for my recovery. All Al-Anon entities can collaborate so that a Deaf member can attend any meeting they choose, become a home Group member, participate in service, and get a sponsor. Collaboration might mean a service position such as a Language Coordinator, a budget, and readiness before a Deaf member asks for help. The access coordinator (Hearing or Deaf) would be kept abreast of all access needs, including interpreters, captioners, physical building, parking, and transportation access.
I ask you to consider how AIS can extend Al-Anon and Alateen’s welcoming hand to the Deaf relatives and friends of alcoholics. I ask you to set up a central fund account to pay for interpreters for any Al-Anon meeting. The cost of interpretation is less expensive than the price of saving a life. Please attend the next Council meeting and show your support.
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AIS Council Meeting Thursday, October 8th, 730p - 9p Electronic Meeting Join Zoom Meeting: Click Here Meeting ID: 839 6957 0120 Password: 001086 The AIS Council Meeting is the business meeting for the Greater Seattle Al-Anon Information Service. Each Group has a vote and is encouraged to send a representative. All Al-Anon members are invited to attend. |
The Importance of Daily Attention to Step Ten
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I am working the Steps again. Since it has been 8 years since I did Step Ten, I refreshed my memory on taking personal inventory and promptly admitting it when we were wrong. I was merrily reading along when I noticed several references to the idea of a daily inventory. I was somewhat shocked to see the word daily repeated so often. On p. 61 in How Al-Anon Works, it says straight up, “Step Ten is a daily commitment.”
Once my selective memory was jogged, I vaguely remembered the whole daily business from the first time I worked the Steps. I looked back at my Step Ten notes from Blueprints for Progress. Sure enough, it asked, “what means of daily inventory is comfortable for me?” I am not shocked that a decade ago, I did not have a good answer. I promptly dismissed the idea. No wonder we’re encouraged to repeat the steps periodically.
Do not get me wrong; I have not neglected this Step altogether. I have repeatedly done sincere spot-checks. A couple of weeks ago, I reflected on a recent visit to my doctor’s office, where I was short-tempered and demanding. It was a difficult day from the start. My dad was in critical care. My cat was in the animal ER. I was fear-ridden about the tests I needed and about the pandemic. When I was made to wait over an hour after my appointment time, I grew more irritable. My internal pot boiled over and out onto the staff. Over the next few days, I admitted to myself how unkind I had been. As soon as I realized my part, I made amends. But what if I had been doing a daily inventory? Instead of letting days pass, perhaps I might have made amends right then. Or better yet, I might have been more aware of the fear I was feeling and not let it spill onto others. I may have even been gentle with myself.
Daily inventory is speaking to me right now. It reminds me of a lesson I learned several decades ago. When I was a young woman, I let chores pile up. Dirty dishes gathered odors. Dreadful sights replaced white porcelain. Overflowing hampers dashed hopes of clean clothes. Duties left unattended for that long became almost unbearable. In exasperation, I would tackle my neglected chores with Herculean effort and irritability. It took many years of riding the cycles of neglect and force before I realized how much easier it was and how much better it felt to maintain small, daily tasks. I now realize the same truth applies to a daily personal inventory.
Making a daily commitment to my personal inventory means I am less likely to boil over, let small fears gather momentum, or ignore the obvious. Like it says on p. 329 in Courage To Change, “When I keep track of my inventory on a daily basis, I no longer have to fear that I will fall into that vague, hazy state in which denial so easily takes root.”
Once my selective memory was jogged, I vaguely remembered the whole daily business from the first time I worked the Steps. I looked back at my Step Ten notes from Blueprints for Progress. Sure enough, it asked, “what means of daily inventory is comfortable for me?” I am not shocked that a decade ago, I did not have a good answer. I promptly dismissed the idea. No wonder we’re encouraged to repeat the steps periodically.
Do not get me wrong; I have not neglected this Step altogether. I have repeatedly done sincere spot-checks. A couple of weeks ago, I reflected on a recent visit to my doctor’s office, where I was short-tempered and demanding. It was a difficult day from the start. My dad was in critical care. My cat was in the animal ER. I was fear-ridden about the tests I needed and about the pandemic. When I was made to wait over an hour after my appointment time, I grew more irritable. My internal pot boiled over and out onto the staff. Over the next few days, I admitted to myself how unkind I had been. As soon as I realized my part, I made amends. But what if I had been doing a daily inventory? Instead of letting days pass, perhaps I might have made amends right then. Or better yet, I might have been more aware of the fear I was feeling and not let it spill onto others. I may have even been gentle with myself.
Daily inventory is speaking to me right now. It reminds me of a lesson I learned several decades ago. When I was a young woman, I let chores pile up. Dirty dishes gathered odors. Dreadful sights replaced white porcelain. Overflowing hampers dashed hopes of clean clothes. Duties left unattended for that long became almost unbearable. In exasperation, I would tackle my neglected chores with Herculean effort and irritability. It took many years of riding the cycles of neglect and force before I realized how much easier it was and how much better it felt to maintain small, daily tasks. I now realize the same truth applies to a daily personal inventory.
Making a daily commitment to my personal inventory means I am less likely to boil over, let small fears gather momentum, or ignore the obvious. Like it says on p. 329 in Courage To Change, “When I keep track of my inventory on a daily basis, I no longer have to fear that I will fall into that vague, hazy state in which denial so easily takes root.”
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Step Ten
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 
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Free Shipping Extended We are excited to help our members during this difficult time. We are continuing our sale until December 31st. 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 back to LDC@seattle-al-anon.org. The office will remain closed until further notice. |
Read the 60th Annual World Service Conference Summary If you are interested in Al-Anon motions, financial reports, business, changes, and other important stuff, please find a free copy here. A lot of the information is hard for me to get excited about, but I did find page 21 of the document (pg 23 of the .pdf) to be incredibly interesting: How to attract younger members. Please give it a look under the header Discussion Segment. You may also purchase a bound copy for $5 here. |
Al-Anon Slogan Crossword
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Fully Self-Supporting
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The September 7th reading in Courage to Change expands the idea of a meeting being fully self-supporting beyond simply "paying the rent."
“There's more to maintaining a fully self-supporting Al-Anon group than just paying the rent. Continuity of service is important to our common welfare. Today I will think about the contribution I am making to my home group. ‘I can support my group in a number of ways. When the basket is passed, I can give what I can. Just as important, I can give my time and moral support to help make ours the kind of group I want to belong to.’”
Before the pandemic, I noticed that members do not seem to be stepping up to fill the service positions as quickly and that this is getting worse since we shifted to online meetings. I suspect that there is an insidious thing at work. Most of the members at my home group have significant time in Al-Anon, and there are only a few members with less than a few years. I was not taking service positions for a while because I made a conscious effort to allow others to make their contribution.
The problem was that most members at the meetings I am attending have already taken a turn at those service positions. They were also trying to avoid dominance or controlling behavior. But, if we do not step up and take another turn, the work will not get done.
I have challenged myself to take on more service positions to ensure that I am contributing. To satisfy your curiosity, I am approaching the end of a 2-year service position at my home group, approaching the end of my first year in a 3-year position at a 2nd meeting I regularly attend, plus I am taking my turn as the chairperson for one month at a 3rd meeting.
Since COVID-19 is a challenging time for all of us, here is another challenge for you: Take on a service position to keep your groups healthy and available to newcomers and long-time members alike. Not only will it keep your group “fully self-supporting," but it will also renew and refresh your program.
“There's more to maintaining a fully self-supporting Al-Anon group than just paying the rent. Continuity of service is important to our common welfare. Today I will think about the contribution I am making to my home group. ‘I can support my group in a number of ways. When the basket is passed, I can give what I can. Just as important, I can give my time and moral support to help make ours the kind of group I want to belong to.’”
Before the pandemic, I noticed that members do not seem to be stepping up to fill the service positions as quickly and that this is getting worse since we shifted to online meetings. I suspect that there is an insidious thing at work. Most of the members at my home group have significant time in Al-Anon, and there are only a few members with less than a few years. I was not taking service positions for a while because I made a conscious effort to allow others to make their contribution.
The problem was that most members at the meetings I am attending have already taken a turn at those service positions. They were also trying to avoid dominance or controlling behavior. But, if we do not step up and take another turn, the work will not get done.
I have challenged myself to take on more service positions to ensure that I am contributing. To satisfy your curiosity, I am approaching the end of a 2-year service position at my home group, approaching the end of my first year in a 3-year position at a 2nd meeting I regularly attend, plus I am taking my turn as the chairperson for one month at a 3rd meeting.
Since COVID-19 is a challenging time for all of us, here is another challenge for you: Take on a service position to keep your groups healthy and available to newcomers and long-time members alike. Not only will it keep your group “fully self-supporting," but it will also renew and refresh your program.
Seattle Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) Is Looking for Help
DO YOU ENJOY TALKING ON THE PHONE OR SLEEPING ON THE JOB?
Early birds, night owls, those at home, or those on the go…
PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING AS AN AIS PHONE VOLUNTEER
You can work from your home or while you are out and about.
Shifts are available 7 days a week in 3-hour intervals starting at 7am during the day, and at night there is one shift starting at 10:30pm, which goes until 7am.
The focus is to answer questions about Al-Anon and Alateen’s meeting times and Zoom availability, to give hope to people whose lives may be affected by someone else’s drinking and to help others reach the appropriate source of help.
A manual is provided with resource numbers and helpful suggestions on maintaining anonymity and talking to people in distress.
Phone volunteers are a resource for information. Support is there for phone volunteers. We have 12-Step volunteers who make their number available to return calls to callers seeking a more detailed conversation.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
phones@seattle-al-anon.org
DO YOU ENJOY TALKING ON THE PHONE OR SLEEPING ON THE JOB?
Early birds, night owls, those at home, or those on the go…
PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING AS AN AIS PHONE VOLUNTEER
You can work from your home or while you are out and about.
Shifts are available 7 days a week in 3-hour intervals starting at 7am during the day, and at night there is one shift starting at 10:30pm, which goes until 7am.
The focus is to answer questions about Al-Anon and Alateen’s meeting times and Zoom availability, to give hope to people whose lives may be affected by someone else’s drinking and to help others reach the appropriate source of help.
A manual is provided with resource numbers and helpful suggestions on maintaining anonymity and talking to people in distress.
Phone volunteers are a resource for information. Support is there for phone volunteers. We have 12-Step volunteers who make their number available to return calls to callers seeking a more detailed conversation.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
phones@seattle-al-anon.org
Alcoholism Is a Family Disease |
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I grew up in a home full of inconsistencies and emotional reactiveness. My parents could express all their emotions to the fullest while I was punished for showing any sign of anger or pain. There was a lot of cruel teasing, which made for extra difficult adolescence. I was often responsible for younger siblings while parents partied and participated in fun social engagements. I was eventually groomed to put their wants and needs above my own and to accept crumbs of kindness and attention. I was sometimes slapped across the face and then hugged. This is a snapshot of growing up in the insidious family dysfunction affected by the disease of alcoholism.
It was quite bewildering to witness the denial and enabling of alcoholism within my family as a teenager. If I questioned or expressed concern regarding crazy or dangerous behavior occurring in our home, I was dismissed or punished. I have regularly felt this horrible burden to rescue everyone in my family, and for a long time, I thought it was my responsibility. It is heartbreaking to witness the progression of the disease in loved ones. It is just as painful to experience the effects of alcoholism on myself and the rest of my family.
Today, I am more acutely aware of the broad reach of denial and unfortunate enabling in my loved ones’ lives. With denial comes deception and rationalization to keep a skewed perception alive. I have had my dance with denial with dysfunctional patterns, where I consistently found myself in destructive relationships. I was emotionally intoxicated and addicted to excitement. I chased after “love” and accepted the crumbs of a relationship. I was mistreated, abandoned, and suffered a great many episodes of pain to hit bottom finally.
I have noticed a ripple effect within the family tree; as the disease replicates, only interrupted by those courageous enough to forge a new path. It can be exhausting swimming against the tide of engrained familial patterns. I struggle with knowing where my responsibility ends and where loving detachment begins. It has taken me several years to avoid the alcoholic when they are drinking at night, as they tend to be critical and reactive.
As an active participant in Al-Anon, I know that I am not alone. I have cried with others and shared in the laughter of understanding. God has been with me throughout my journey and was my comfort during my teen years as well. I also find relief in Step One, admitting that I am powerless over alcohol and that my life has become unmanageable.
It was quite bewildering to witness the denial and enabling of alcoholism within my family as a teenager. If I questioned or expressed concern regarding crazy or dangerous behavior occurring in our home, I was dismissed or punished. I have regularly felt this horrible burden to rescue everyone in my family, and for a long time, I thought it was my responsibility. It is heartbreaking to witness the progression of the disease in loved ones. It is just as painful to experience the effects of alcoholism on myself and the rest of my family.
Today, I am more acutely aware of the broad reach of denial and unfortunate enabling in my loved ones’ lives. With denial comes deception and rationalization to keep a skewed perception alive. I have had my dance with denial with dysfunctional patterns, where I consistently found myself in destructive relationships. I was emotionally intoxicated and addicted to excitement. I chased after “love” and accepted the crumbs of a relationship. I was mistreated, abandoned, and suffered a great many episodes of pain to hit bottom finally.
I have noticed a ripple effect within the family tree; as the disease replicates, only interrupted by those courageous enough to forge a new path. It can be exhausting swimming against the tide of engrained familial patterns. I struggle with knowing where my responsibility ends and where loving detachment begins. It has taken me several years to avoid the alcoholic when they are drinking at night, as they tend to be critical and reactive.
As an active participant in Al-Anon, I know that I am not alone. I have cried with others and shared in the laughter of understanding. God has been with me throughout my journey and was my comfort during my teen years as well. I also find relief in Step One, admitting that I am powerless over alcohol and that my life has become unmanageable.
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Tradition Ten
The Al-Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy. |
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The Most Interesting VHS Tape at the Seattle AIS Office
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There are about 10 VHS tapes in the archives at the Seattle AIS basement office, trying not to deteriorate away into oblivion. As an avid VHS fan, I’m happy that there are even this many. Some tapes include commercials that our organization made in the late 1990s and aired on local TV. They aren’t funny like other bad 1990s commercials are; the message of those ads still rings true today. One tape focused on Alateen issues (Alateen Tells It Like It Is, 1987), while another was a 1986 look at Al-Anon (Al-Anon Speaks For Itself, 1986).
I have watched all of the tapes, but one that caught my attention was called Walk This Path of Hope (1989). It introduced a way of having meetings that I had never considered before: in correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers, and other institutions. Clocking in at a brisk 11 minutes, this short video is a collection of old and new members who share praise for the meetings they created or began attending. No guidance is given for how to conduct your own meeting in your own city or area. It was a fascinating watch, and I had to watch it again.
The cassette box included a quick guide and a letter from WSO encouraging members to consider trying to start a meeting of their own [pictured above].
I looked for this video online but have found nothing yet. My email to WSO inquiring about this tape has so far gone unanswered 3 months later.
Starting a meeting in an institution feels like a massive undertaking, especially in these times. Holding a meeting in these locations never occurred to me, and feels like it would be extremely helpful. If anyone has any experience with this, please contact me, I would like to interview you.
I would also love to share some of these old videos with everyone. Some of these videos are on the WSO YouTube page, while many are not. If any member has a DVD/VCR recording device, this would be very helpful to preserve these treasures, as videotape normally deteriorates after 25 years. Please email me if you can help!
newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
I have watched all of the tapes, but one that caught my attention was called Walk This Path of Hope (1989). It introduced a way of having meetings that I had never considered before: in correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers, and other institutions. Clocking in at a brisk 11 minutes, this short video is a collection of old and new members who share praise for the meetings they created or began attending. No guidance is given for how to conduct your own meeting in your own city or area. It was a fascinating watch, and I had to watch it again.
The cassette box included a quick guide and a letter from WSO encouraging members to consider trying to start a meeting of their own [pictured above].
I looked for this video online but have found nothing yet. My email to WSO inquiring about this tape has so far gone unanswered 3 months later.
Starting a meeting in an institution feels like a massive undertaking, especially in these times. Holding a meeting in these locations never occurred to me, and feels like it would be extremely helpful. If anyone has any experience with this, please contact me, I would like to interview you.
I would also love to share some of these old videos with everyone. Some of these videos are on the WSO YouTube page, while many are not. If any member has a DVD/VCR recording device, this would be very helpful to preserve these treasures, as videotape normally deteriorates after 25 years. Please email me if you can help!
newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
Al-Anon Mailbag
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Q: Paul F from Ballard writes, "Why does Al-Anon have a hyphen, but Alateen does not?"
A: Great question Paul. I have always wondered this myself, and I had to ask Al-Anon's World Service Office (WSO). They said they have no information on why Al-Anon uses a hyphen and Alateen does not. But they did share that on page 176 of the book Lois Remembers, she states, “The word ‘Al‑Anon’ is simply a derivative of Alcoholics Anonymous, combining the first syllables of each word.” I'm afraid that's all the info we have, Paul. Thanks for writing. |
Going Through the Fall Assembly Motions Again, In Case You Missed Them
by Eric G
Each year, the Washington (WA) Area hosts 3 different assemblies, Pre-Con, Summer Seminar Assembly (SSA), and Fall Assembly. This year, Fall Assembly (October 2-4), will be held virtually and is a voting Assembly. Each group in the state has one vote for each motion presented.
The four motions this year are below, in no particular order. Please click each motion to learn more!
Motion: Clarify Lodging Reimbursements
Motion: Washington Area pay the Full Amount for our Delegate to attend the World Service Conference (WSC) annually.
Motion: End the Three-Year 2017 Trial Period motion and make permanent- Washington Area AFG will pay expenses for Al-Anon Member(s) Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) who accompanies the Washington Area Alateen Conference (WAAC) Chair or alternate; to report and to participate in the Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meetings and the Washington Area Assemblies. The expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the (Guidelines for Expenses) in Section 2 of the Washington Area Handbook.
Motion: Eliminate the line item in the WA Area Al-Anon Family Group budget that provides funding or reimbursement for past WA Area Delegates or past Trustees from WA Area to attend any Assembly, AWSC, or Al-Anon/Alateen event.
The four motions this year are below, in no particular order. Please click each motion to learn more!
Motion: Clarify Lodging Reimbursements
- Reimbursement for up to two night’s lodging will be made for actual expenses incurred, based on the double-occupancy rate at the host hotel. Whenever possible, Officers and/or Coordinators shall lodge with another Al-Anon member. Reimbursement will be for a maximum of one half the room cost.
- Area Officers and/or Coordinators with a recognized disability as defined by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) who require a caregiver, to lodge with them are not required to lodge with another Area Officer and/or Coordinator. The Officer/Coordinator will be reimbursed in full for lodging and other costs incurred by the caregiver in assisting the Officer/Coordinator.
- Any upgrade in accommodations shall be the responsibility of the person choosing to upgrade.
Motion: Washington Area pay the Full Amount for our Delegate to attend the World Service Conference (WSC) annually.
Motion: End the Three-Year 2017 Trial Period motion and make permanent- Washington Area AFG will pay expenses for Al-Anon Member(s) Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) who accompanies the Washington Area Alateen Conference (WAAC) Chair or alternate; to report and to participate in the Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meetings and the Washington Area Assemblies. The expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the (Guidelines for Expenses) in Section 2 of the Washington Area Handbook.
Motion: Eliminate the line item in the WA Area Al-Anon Family Group budget that provides funding or reimbursement for past WA Area Delegates or past Trustees from WA Area to attend any Assembly, AWSC, or Al-Anon/Alateen event.
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Concept Ten
Service responsibility is balanced by carefully defined service authority and double-headed management is avoided. 
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AIS Needs You! Current Service Opportunities *Events Editor* *Archivist Coordinator* *Tech Co-Coordinator* *Office Volunteers* *Phone Volunteers* If you are interested in a particular area of service, please contact chair@seattle-al-anon.org |
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Outdated Al-Anon Joke Found on the Internet That May or May Not Be Funny If an alcoholic says something in the forest and there's no Al-Anon there to hear them, are they still wrong? 
Do you have a funny or not so funny Al-Anon joke? Please send it along to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org |
Would You Like to Write for the Newsletter? Let us know at newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org Pen Names Accepted 
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It Was 20 Years Ago Today...
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September 2020 AIS Council Meeting Summary
by Roxanne T
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Linda H gave an overview of the current financial status. We are approximately $4,000 in the black for the year. Linda H noted we had received fewer contributions from groups and more contributions from individuals this year.
Continuing Discussion on Possible Outreach Projects: Teresa H gave an overview of possible outreach projects, including:
Billboards: Have a limited reach and cost approx. $6,000 each for a month.
Bus Signs (exterior): This is much more visible, and as a non-profit, we would receive a good discount. The cost is $400-$600 per bus for 4 weeks, and as a non-profit, we would get either 4 additional weeks per bus or twice as many buses for 4 weeks.
Omni Channel: This would allow us to outreach approx. 2,300 mental health professionals.
Google: One additional possibility is to do Google ads. It may also be possible to get some free advertising from Google.
Training: There will be an Outreach Workshop on October 17 from noon to 3 pm.
There was also a suggestion to look for ways to communicate more effectively with the younger generation through social media.
The group discussed the options and agreed to start with the Omni Channel outreach to take advantage of the upcoming holiday season. Kathy B moved that AIS allocate up to $3,500 to begin the outreach programs presented to the committee. Mary R seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Thought Force on the Needs of Al-Anon Members from the Deaf Community: Dara K reported that the Thought Force has not met yet but will have a meeting next week. The group will have a report for the next Council meeting.
Alateen Coordinator: Kathy B has been in touch with the head counselor. Online school has begun, and counselors are getting to know the kids. They are planning for online meetings using the platform the school district uses.
Communications Coordinator: Cheré F reported they are making changes to the website. There is a separate page for donations, and they have simplified the meetings list. Eric G and Susan C-H are great committee members.
LDC Co-Coordinator: Doug L reported that the summer sale is on, and sales are picking up. Doug L moved that we extend the summer sale to the end of the year with free shipping and no WSO surcharge as before. Josh S seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. Communications will do a blast email about this.
Doug L also mentioned that the computers at the LDC could use updating, and this would be one option for spending down some of the excess reserve funds.
Phone Volunteer Coordinator: Helen V reported there were 44 calls, and one-quarter of the calls come on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. There will be another phone volunteer virtual tea and training coming soon.
The next AIS Council meeting is Thursday, October 8.
Attendance: 23 members
Continuing Discussion on Possible Outreach Projects: Teresa H gave an overview of possible outreach projects, including:
Billboards: Have a limited reach and cost approx. $6,000 each for a month.
Bus Signs (exterior): This is much more visible, and as a non-profit, we would receive a good discount. The cost is $400-$600 per bus for 4 weeks, and as a non-profit, we would get either 4 additional weeks per bus or twice as many buses for 4 weeks.
Omni Channel: This would allow us to outreach approx. 2,300 mental health professionals.
Google: One additional possibility is to do Google ads. It may also be possible to get some free advertising from Google.
Training: There will be an Outreach Workshop on October 17 from noon to 3 pm.
There was also a suggestion to look for ways to communicate more effectively with the younger generation through social media.
The group discussed the options and agreed to start with the Omni Channel outreach to take advantage of the upcoming holiday season. Kathy B moved that AIS allocate up to $3,500 to begin the outreach programs presented to the committee. Mary R seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Thought Force on the Needs of Al-Anon Members from the Deaf Community: Dara K reported that the Thought Force has not met yet but will have a meeting next week. The group will have a report for the next Council meeting.
Alateen Coordinator: Kathy B has been in touch with the head counselor. Online school has begun, and counselors are getting to know the kids. They are planning for online meetings using the platform the school district uses.
Communications Coordinator: Cheré F reported they are making changes to the website. There is a separate page for donations, and they have simplified the meetings list. Eric G and Susan C-H are great committee members.
LDC Co-Coordinator: Doug L reported that the summer sale is on, and sales are picking up. Doug L moved that we extend the summer sale to the end of the year with free shipping and no WSO surcharge as before. Josh S seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. Communications will do a blast email about this.
Doug L also mentioned that the computers at the LDC could use updating, and this would be one option for spending down some of the excess reserve funds.
Phone Volunteer Coordinator: Helen V reported there were 44 calls, and one-quarter of the calls come on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. There will be another phone volunteer virtual tea and training coming soon.
The next AIS Council meeting is Thursday, October 8.
Attendance: 23 members
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:
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
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:
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023