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 had this kind of dream- or vision- of being a tiny part of a wider Alanon movement
...which includes other 12 steps groups...
I had been to Stepping Stones in upper state NY. I talked with Betty [Hotrod] abut this. She had been there too.
Maybe with a large group. We were overseas visitors. Just my SO and myself. One of the two hosts was the archivist
for AA. I have shared this many time. How I had imagined Lois and Bill W as my mum and dad. Heroes. And I do know, or had guessed that Bill had feet of clay. But through being there- which was very emotional for me- I realised that all members of 12 step groups were "family". That we all shared serious issues. But issues that we could potentially share. And at the core we all had similar issues and concerns.
All 12 step groups had conferences. Mostly out of reach of rank and file members.
I also felt that Alanon should retain it's core values- but be prepared to move with the times.
Out at the furtherest edges of the movement, in other countries like NZ, we might have to consider including family members of other addictions, besides alcoholism. Not just to make up the numbers. But also out of compassion.
I felt that the 12 Step movement could have an academy- which could meet and study different aspects. And that members of this academy could report back with findings and information to the various conferences.
Summed up for me... being in a group like this- MIP Alanon give me experience in a large working group- based on Alanon principals.
And it gives me access to members from all over the world. Access to some of the most motivated members too!
But our group here, is a work in progress too! The real McCoy!
A terrific resource.
Next month our district is having a day-long seminar.
I was coy and suspicious before. "more of the same-old" I thought to myself.
But not. My eyes are opened. I see a newer generation arising- which heartens me.
I see evidence that Alanon will not only survive into this century, but that it might thrive.
It may have to adapt, to some extent... ...but with younger newer members actively involved in the movement-
this should be accomplished easily- without loss of any of the core principals.
So, below is the outline of the day-long workshop.
Debs... AA came into NZ in 1951 when the first member read about it in Readers Digest. Went to the 50th anniversary of Alanon NZ a few years ago. I heard about AA when I was 15, in 1966. Our town's first member came to school and spoke to the boys.
I went to an open outreach meeting of Alanon and AA in the city in 1970. They sort of picked me out as a family member. Someone there 12 stepped me, really. I joined 13 years later when a group formed in my home town. Being a foundation member I got the experience of how a group is formed, and how we all managed to keep on going. The rest is history.
My life was a rough and rocky ride, but Alanon has always been an anchor- or so it seems... ...
I would not want Lois and Bill as my parents. They both had major issues. When Bill was dying he craved alcohol
I adore Lois but she never lost her obsession with Bill
They were phenomenal in their time now they would be considered incredibly flawed
I am humbled by people who honor founders day
However these days I am so.much.more invested in what the treatment is for complex ptsd
Monday I start a group for suicide survivors
I cannot wait to move on with the challenges in my life
I saw Bill as a classic adult child, as well as an AA pioneer. Born in a room behind a bar in Dorset, Vermont. He and his sister were deserted by their parents- and were raised by grandparents. ...
I had this kind of dream- or vision- of being a tiny part of a wider Alanon movement
). I think that there always be
...
...