Whether we use social media to connect with friends and family or follow our favorite interests, it has become a large part of our lives. Social media is one way we can carry the Al-Anon message, but it can be tricky.
The Social Media Policy found in the Public Outreach section of the “Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies” in the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) provides guidance about using social media to spread our message of help and hope to those suffering as a result another person’s alcoholism.
The Policy provides carefully defined service authority, such as who can create Al-Anon or Alateen social media pages/profiles and what roles groups and members can take on, so that each member and service arm can understand the role they play in using this avenue for carrying the message.
While sharing the message of help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics on social media, members are encouraged to practice obedience to the unenforceable by adhering to Al-Anon Traditions. Tradition Eleven states, in part, “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV.” This applies to our online presence as well, as does Tradition Twelve, which states, “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.”
Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.