I was just reading, and one of the important ways to work the program is by having a sponsor.
I'm very isolated here and don't have access to Al-anon meetings. Working full time with kids makes is impossible to travel the 6-hr round trip it would be to the closest Al-anon meeting. Or ACoA, as I should probably be doing.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
When I look around on this board, and see the wisdom that pours out of the people who have been doing this program for a while, I think to myself... I'll have what they're having ;)
I was thinking of starting my own meeting, but how would I get people to come? Write an article for the newspaper? Make an ad?
Bah humbug. Country livin ain't all it's cracked up to be.
Iamhere said
Oct 7, 2016
I am one who believes that face-to-face meetings and face-to-face sponsorship is best. I have tried to sponsor folks online, and it's not worked out well. The fellowship and togetherness are key elements for success in the program. Having said that, I do realize some are in places that have no Al-Anon. I would call the toll-free number at the Al-Anon official website to check there is nothing closer. If you have grocery stores, gas stations, banks, etc. - the place you 'come in from' - there is most likely recovery meetings.
Not all are published on the web but almost all register with the CO. If you do not find any convenient, they would also be the best resource to start your own. (((Hugs)))
hiraeth said
Oct 7, 2016
Thank you, beautiful one x
Doingmybest said
Oct 7, 2016
Hi, there is reference to Loan Member Services in the book Hope for Today. It is on page 250, September 6. Hopefully that will help.
hotrod said
Oct 7, 2016
I have been an online sponsor and although it is difficult, it does work. Look around join the on line meetings and ask if anyone it available.
As for starting your meeting I started one 30 years ago which is still going strong.
I went to the local hospital asked for a room- Gave them detalsls of the principles of alanon and pointed out that their patients and family members could benefit and attend and we were granted a room at no rent
The next step is to contact the World Service office or your InterGroup Office and get the material for the meeting,choose a name, set up a time and day and then your meeting would be posted on the web site and if any one called asking for help they would be directed to your meeting. You could also bring out material to Dr's offices or post meeting information on super market bulentin boards
Good Luck
DavidG said
Oct 7, 2016
Hiraeth...
Sponsorship-It can work... online...
starting a group... I have been involved twice... it would be challenging to do it all alone, but not impossible.
The first 18 months two years are the hardest... one person meetings at times... especially in a smaller community.
if I did it again I would wait until I had at least on ether person at my elbow, in my own community...
Reaching out and asking these questions is a really good start.
Sometimes the answers do come in unexpected ways. ...
DavidG.
DavidG said
Oct 7, 2016
hotrod wrote:
As for starting your meeting I started one 30 years ago which is still going strong.
Does online sponsorship exist?
I was just reading, and one of the important ways to work the program is by having a sponsor.
I'm very isolated here and don't have access to Al-anon meetings. Working full time with kids makes is impossible to travel the 6-hr round trip it would be to the closest Al-anon meeting. Or ACoA, as I should probably be doing.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
When I look around on this board, and see the wisdom that pours out of the people who have been doing this program for a while, I think to myself... I'll have what they're having ;)
I was thinking of starting my own meeting, but how would I get people to come? Write an article for the newspaper? Make an ad?
Bah humbug. Country livin ain't all it's cracked up to be.
Not all are published on the web but almost all register with the CO. If you do not find any convenient, they would also be the best resource to start your own. (((Hugs)))
I have been an online sponsor and although it is difficult, it does work.
Look around join the on line meetings and ask if anyone it available.
As for starting your meeting I started one 30 years ago which is still going strong.
I went to the local hospital asked for a room- Gave them detalsls of the principles of alanon and pointed out that their patients and family members could benefit and attend and we were granted a room at no rent
The next step is to contact the World Service office or your InterGroup Office and get the material for the meeting,choose a name, set up a time and day and then your meeting would be posted on the web site and if any one called asking for help they would be directed to your meeting. You could also bring out material to Dr's offices or post meeting information on super market bulentin boards
Good Luck
Hiraeth...
Sponsorship-It can work... online...
starting a group... I have been involved twice... it would be challenging to do it all alone, but not impossible.
The first 18 months two years are the hardest... one person meetings at times... especially in a smaller community.
if I did it again I would wait until I had at least on ether person at my elbow, in my own community...
Reaching out and asking these questions is a really good start.
Sometimes the answers do come in unexpected ways.
...
DavidG.