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...

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...

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...