Articles
What Is “Equalized Expense”?
The term “Equalized Expense” first appeared in a 1960 letter from Sue L., Chairperson of the Conference Committee. Sue’s letter described how Delegate expenses to the first World Service Conference (WSC) in 1961 would be funded. Because the Conference would benefit...
“Beyond the Group Level”—Clarifying Our World Service Application Language
Members know that in Al-Anon we love our phrases and acronyms. One of the most familiar—the “Three Cs”—offers hope to newcomers as they learn, “We didn’t cause the disease of alcoholism, we cannot control it, and we can’t cure it.” Those of us fortunate to have an...
I Found My Voice
Growing up, the alcoholism in my family was kept a secret. Both my parents were alcoholics, though that's not to say they weren't great parents. I have many memories of snuggling up with them after coming in from playing in the snow and having dance parties in the...
I Put Myself First
When I first came to Al-Anon, I never realized how deeply I was affected by growing up in an alcoholic family. However, attending Al-Anon meetings slowly but surely taught me how to take care of myself. For a long time, I never put myself first, but in Al-Anon, I...
From Worry to Wonder
I have been a worrier since childhood, and I had reason to be. My mother developed rheumatoid arthritis at 35 and spent years in a wheelchair. My father drank too much beer and had mood swings that ranged from depression to rage. When I was 12, I somehow decided that...
When Resentment Is a Signal
I have heard in the program that if I am full of resentment, it's time to look at myself. I became tired of feeling angry and victimized. I sat with my anger long enough to realize that it was grief. Grief feels like many life situations are happening at once, and I...
If I Am Aware, I Am Responsible
Years ago, I decided to branch out and find an additional meeting to attend in the town where I lived. There were limited choices in this relatively small community, including a local meeting I attended occasionally. What I experienced was a meeting that had one...
2026 Spring Assembly Delegate Report
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...
Preserving Our Shared Journey: Archives and Digital Innovation in Al-Anon
Across the Al-Anon fellowship, archives play a vital role in preserving our shared history, wisdom, and growth. Whether meeting flyers, newsletters, or personal reflections, these materials tell the story of how members around the world have found healing and hope. As...
From Letters to Logins: WSO’s Role in Our Mobile App
As we celebrate 75 years of Al-Anon Family Groups, we honor the vision of Lois W. and Anne B. who founded the Clearing House in 1951 to share the collective wisdom of members with members. Through letters, newsletters, and the development of Conference Approved...