The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I have a speech class and wanted to do one of my speeches on Al-Anon (I have been in the program 2+ years). I want to speak only on my personal experience and of course, not anything that anyone else has said in a meeting or anything like that, but I'm wondering if I may be crossing a line by speaking about it publicly at all. I know that it is in the 12 traditions that Al-Anon should not promote itself, and I am wondering if this might be "promoting" or cross any other boundaries? Appreciate your opinions, thanks!
Jay you can go to afg.com and ask the world service office that question also. From my experience speaking only of the traditions isn't promoting Al-Anon. Promoting is about you pushing the program or a part of it because of what it has done for you. Promoting it before or in spite of any other program or device that could help when another is looking for help. You have no idea who in the class is looking for help if anyone and should be talking about your own experience with the subject. The 12 traditions are over 60 years old and 50 in Al-Anon. The steps and traditions have been spoken about on national television programs by non-member speakers before. It is becoming more widespread to the public that both the steps and traditions work for a great many people who have adopted them in their lives...you obviously are one of those. Protect your anonymity as it is the "spiritual foundation" of the Al-Anon program, protect the anonymity of others in the program, protect the anonymity of AA members.
Sources, WSO...Al-Anon Literature...your sponsor...your home group...your gut.
Thank you Jerry. Just wanted to be extra-careful and ask because Al-Anon has been a huge blessing to me and I did not want to inadvertently do anything that wasn't kosher. Thanks again!!
I don't see any problem with that Jay. As you said you'd only be sharing your own experiences. I guess the thing to keep in mind is that since many if not all of your audience has never been exposed to an Al-anon talk, then in a sense you will be representing our entire beloved fellowship so just make sure you cross your t's and dot your I's.
Personally, I have given both Al-Anon and AA talks within the fellowships and without and someone always benefits, even if it's only myself.
Just be you and they'll love ya.
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If you want something you never had before, then do something you never did before.
hello jay = if u choose to break your anonymity that is your business , just remember that you are not in an Al-Anon meeting so be careful of what u divulge about yourself . another thing to remember is that that YOU may very well be the only example of our program that the class will ever meet . * be at your best *
