75 Years, One Purpose – Hand in Hand with My Journey
Irene F., TN Delegate, Panel 64
In Service We Soar
Al-Anon’s one purpose is to help friends and families of alcoholics, which means me.
I am so fortunate to have found Al-Anon and its life-giving vision and support structure. It has sustained me throughout my recovery journey. I have had several “single purposes” in finding my way through life’s challenges and its graces.
So many single purposes:
➢ The ever-popular “How to cure my alcoholic”,
➢ “how to cure everybody else” after that comes the,
➢ “how to work my way through my recovery”,
➢ and laughingly, “when do I get to graduate?”
So many single purposes to follow in my journey. Could just one purpose be the answer to my prayers and hope for a better life?
Once I had a little relief in my life, it was my responsibility to share it with others. I was taught to give back in equal measure to whatever I was involved in. Since Al-Anon is a loosely defined entity that encourages obedience to the unenforceable, it needs my support even more. Who would believe an organization could survive and thrive without “have tos”, with only suggestions and gentle guidance? And there’s more: to be self-supporting. We are an unbelievable structure.
Other organizations can only look on in amazement at our slogans and practices, such as “assume goodwill.” In the corporate world, that concept is laughable. Yet here we are promoting love and goodwill toward one another and giving our alcoholic “motivator” the love and respect they deserve. How can that be? We lift each other up and encourage one another to become more than we ever believed we could be.
I never imagined I would be the Area Delegate, but it has been a privilege and an honor to be a part of the World Service Conference. It has opened new paths in my recovery journey. My Higher Power had new lessons for me to learn and experience.
Only by the grace of my Higher Power do I stand here as a humble servant of my Group, Area, and the Al-Anon organization. I am “In Love” with the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts. They guide me in how to live my life. It’s rich, wonderful, and serene, all thanks to this Awesome program.
It is my privilege to serve. Thank you!
Irene F., TN Delegate Panel 64
Full Delegate Report – 2026 Spring Assembly – PDF
Full Delegate Report – 2026 Spring Assembly – PowerPoint