I have been engaged in service at my local Alano Club (sponsorship, leading meetings, clean-up, etc.) and really enjoying the time I spend there.
I am going to apply for a new job. It is a long shot, but the experience of applying for jobs is a good one, and I think this would be a great fit for me. Honestly, I am not sure if I would be considered (wrong degree, but all the right experience).
Anyway, the employer is committed to service, and strongly encourages candidates to share any and all volunteer experience they have as part of the application.
Most of my recent experience has been related to Al-Anon, and I am not sure how to capture that and also adhere to traditions 6, 11, and 12. Up until now, I have not really spoken about my AlAnon experience in work settings, except in very general terms with a select few trusted co-workers when we are working on a substance abuse grant. It isn't that I am not willing to share, but that my work is largely unrelated to substance abuse on a daily basis, so it hasn't come up.
Has anyone else had similar experiences with an employer or potential employer interested in the details of one's volunteer experience, and most of that experience being related to Al-Anon or an Alano Club?
I would really appreciate any ESH.
hotrod said
Dec 5, 2017
I have not had that experience Skorpi however there has been occasions that I have stated that I am a weekly volunteer at a "hands on" self help group. I have never had to go further. Good luck in this effort.
Iamhere said
Dec 5, 2017
Skorpi - I was 'raised' on the other side and learned that it is not good for my ego and pride to discuss my recovery service outside of the rooms. I've never made mention of it for any reason at any time. Having said that, I see no harm at all in how Betty suggests a mention of her contribution.
I will readily admit that the next generation of members are far more 'loud/proud' about their recovery, their service, etc. I think it's another item where you need to determine what your comfort level is with the share and what might follow - good, bad or indifferent.
Good luck with your job search!!
Freetime said
Dec 5, 2017
Hi Skorpi,
I am also doing a lot of Al-Anon service in my district, as well as other volunteer work. In mentioning it to non-program people, I just say that I "volunteer for various non-profits," and when asked what I do, I say that I help them with their websites ... which is one of the things I do.
For employment purposes, maybe we can talk about the skills we are using -- facilitate meetings, use active listening skills, etc. -- rather than the specific organization where we are using them.
The way I understand the spirit of the traditions, it is to protect the anonymity of others in the program, but that we are free to say that we are members as long as it does not "divert us from our primary spiritual aim." One thing that has prompted me to keep my anonymity in this has been to respect the anonymity of my late husband. We both worked for the same company, and of course had many of the same friends, neighbors and relatives. My thought was that if I disclose that I am in Al-Anon, people might ask or assume the identity of the person who sent me there. So I avoid naming my Al-Anon membership except to a couple of close friends who really understand.
Best wishes in your job search -- I hope you land a really great job!
Jerry F said
Dec 5, 2017
Aloha Skorpi my experiences regarding work with other entities outside of the program hasn't ever mentioned my program experiences...I am college grad regarding alcohol and drug addiction awareness on top of therapist experiences which are wide. I need never mention my participation in 12step social model programs and or how I conducted the process. When citing work experiences I mention only who, what and where and when and left referral phone numbers. I have worked various level programs on many ls without ever mentioning my program history and experience. Good luck. (((hugs)))
Skorpi said
Dec 6, 2017
Thanks everyone for your shares. I appreciate your experiences, and I have a lot to think about before the application is due in January
Hi MIP, I am hoping for some ESH.
I have been engaged in service at my local Alano Club (sponsorship, leading meetings, clean-up, etc.) and really enjoying the time I spend there.
I am going to apply for a new job. It is a long shot, but the experience of applying for jobs is a good one, and I think this would be a great fit for me. Honestly, I am not sure if I would be considered (wrong degree, but all the right experience).
Anyway, the employer is committed to service, and strongly encourages candidates to share any and all volunteer experience they have as part of the application.
Most of my recent experience has been related to Al-Anon, and I am not sure how to capture that and also adhere to traditions 6, 11, and 12. Up until now, I have not really spoken about my AlAnon experience in work settings, except in very general terms with a select few trusted co-workers when we are working on a substance abuse grant. It isn't that I am not willing to share, but that my work is largely unrelated to substance abuse on a daily basis, so it hasn't come up.
Has anyone else had similar experiences with an employer or potential employer interested in the details of one's volunteer experience, and most of that experience being related to Al-Anon or an Alano Club?
I would really appreciate any ESH.
I have not had that experience Skorpi however there has been occasions that I have stated that I am a weekly volunteer at a "hands on" self help group. I have never had to go further.
Good luck in this effort.
I will readily admit that the next generation of members are far more 'loud/proud' about their recovery, their service, etc. I think it's another item where you need to determine what your comfort level is with the share and what might follow - good, bad or indifferent.
Good luck with your job search!!
I am also doing a lot of Al-Anon service in my district, as well as other volunteer work. In mentioning it to non-program people, I just say that I "volunteer for various non-profits," and when asked what I do, I say that I help them with their websites ... which is one of the things I do.
For employment purposes, maybe we can talk about the skills we are using -- facilitate meetings, use active listening skills, etc. -- rather than the specific organization where we are using them.
The way I understand the spirit of the traditions, it is to protect the anonymity of others in the program, but that we are free to say that we are members as long as it does not "divert us from our primary spiritual aim." One thing that has prompted me to keep my anonymity in this has been to respect the anonymity of my late husband. We both worked for the same company, and of course had many of the same friends, neighbors and relatives. My thought was that if I disclose that I am in Al-Anon, people might ask or assume the identity of the person who sent me there. So I avoid naming my Al-Anon membership except to a couple of close friends who really understand.
Best wishes in your job search -- I hope you land a really great job!
Aloha Skorpi my experiences regarding work with other entities outside of the program hasn't ever mentioned my program experiences...I am college grad regarding alcohol and drug addiction awareness on top of therapist experiences which are wide. I need never mention my participation in 12step social model programs and or how I conducted the process. When citing work experiences I mention only who, what and where and when and left referral phone numbers. I have worked various level programs on many
ls without ever mentioning my program history and experience. Good luck. (((hugs)))