When computers, and all that came with them—email, chat, web conferencing systems—first started entering the mainstream back in the 1990s, the World Service Office began registering electronic meetings as a method of public outreach. This was a way to offer the experience of an Al‑Anon meeting until a new member could attend a meeting in person.
I remember being surprised and suspicious when I learned about electronic Al‑Anon meetings. Since I lived in snow country, I recognized the convenience of attending an electronic meeting once in a while, but I doubted the effectiveness. I was curious about how they compared to face-to-face meetings but never took the time to attend one. I put the idea in the back of my mind as an option for members who had absolutely no way to attend a meeting, but that was not me because I would always find a way to get to a meeting.
And then came the worldwide pandemic. My first thought was that I could miss a couple of weeks of meetings while the infectious period passed. Little did I realize that those couple of weeks would turn into months and even years! Surely this program that restores me to sanity would crumble away as a result of not being able to meet in person.
While I was willing to miss a few meetings, others were not and stepped right up to ensure that members would be able to continue to recover from the family disease of alcoholism by establishing meetings on electronic platforms. Trusted servants kept meeting information up to date on al-anon.org so newcomers could find a welcoming and comforting place to share.
I was awestruck by the way the Twelve Traditions steadfastly directed our groups as we shifted how and where we met. Principles such as unity, the group conscience, and our primary purpose stood above the confusion to guide us. Other principles began to emerge as we overcame stumbling blocks, such as preserving our Conference Approved Literature (CAL) copyrights while carrying the message and collecting Seventh Tradition contributions through electronic methods.
As the introduction to the Twelve Traditions in the “Groups at Work” section of the 2022-2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) says, “Although they are only suggestions, Al‑Anon’s unity and perhaps even its survival are dependent on adherence to these principles.” As the world healed and began to reopen, groups found ways to practice self-care and anonymity.
Meetings I once found so suspect are now ones that I frequently attend, and they are so rich in recovery and the possibility of new friendships. Today, I can find lots of ways to attend meetings. Groups are urged to regularly view their meeting information on al-anon.org and submit corrections whenever needed, so that anyone, anywhere can find the help and hope that Al‑Anon offers.
By Christa A., Senior Group Services Specialist
“Inside Al‑Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Reprinted with permission of Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.