Service & Contributions

Service in Al-Anon & AIS

Service in Al-Anon allows us to stretch ourselves and to practice the Al-Anon principles while connecting with others. There are many ways to perform service in Al-Anon. Every contribution has value for the group and Al-Anon as a whole, and enables us to grow as individuals. Helping to set up a meeting, speaking at a convention, making a donation, receiving outreach calls, and sharing are just some of the many ways to serve in Al-Anon. We are welcome to contribute to the wellbeing of our fellowship as a whole, but it is not required. In this way, members are free to give only what they wish, knowing that they do so for their own growth.

Over time you may also wish to sign up for longer term group service positions like treasurer or secretary. Groups also have representatives to wider areas providing service within the Al-Anon structure. These positions include the members doing service at our Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) and the group representatives that share their perspectives during our AIS assemblies, which are held every quarter. If you are curious, you are welcome to join our meetings, all members are welcome. Send a mail to alanonnetherlands@gmail.com to receive information about our next online meeting. 

Resources for service

Service keeps our fellowship available for all people who might need it today and in the future. Service provides a wonderful opportunity to practice Al-Anon principles in a safe space, which can enhance our self-esteem.  

• Service in Al-Anon is based on our Twelve Concepts, which summarize the principles that help Al-Anon’s service organizations function effectively together.  While the our Twelve Traditions summarize the Al-Anon principles that have proven to help Al-Anon groups function effectively. 

• Al-Anon's service structure provides the focus it needs, as an organization, to keep the fellowship running and to help the families and friends of alcoholics anywhere. It combines the efforts of each group with the work of the World Service Office (WSO). Click here for a graphical representation of how Al-Anon works as an organization. 

• The WSO provides guidelines to guide members and the groups while performing service at all levels, such as the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual. You can find them here.