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.
38 years in the programme so far. I have joined a network of old-timers really.
Last weekend I went to an Alanon Study Day. I am a 50'd baby boomer, when I am not in the rooms. I want change- and I want it fast! One of the components on my home group breaking up- was the fact that double winners can not take up service in Alanon. Our national GSO officials were at the study day- and I thought that would be a good time to get this fixed!
I am not a double winner myself.
The old drama queen in me flares up still sometimes... ...and other times I sit downline a kitten and take it all. Finding the balance is the key. I need a group who will take up the issue- and then take it from there. Rome was not built in a day. The policy regarding double winner was set in place long ago. So that AA members would not take over the running of Alanon.
These days, I believe that we should show an example. I do believe that if anyone qualifies as an Alanon member, and pays their Tradition 7 they have a right to represent Alanon interests- if they are the best person for the job.
In the far flung regions of the world our groups struggle to survive.
It is sometimes that one vital member who might make the difference.
I am 100% sure that this topic is not a breach of Tradition 10.
This is an inside issue, pure and simple. ...
At the study day i bit my tongue. This issue can wait. My ears are not painted on. I had to listen- and there was opportunity to talk about the issues of the day.
Six hours of car time with two other members was ta die fo'!
Arohanui... yes... at our study day I did my mihi, my greeting in Maori. A new local member to the host group got up with a guitar and actually sang the serenity prayer! It was awesome.
When i was in South Dakota a few years ago I attended a group with a strong Lakota influence. There were extras, because I was an overseas guest, to the greeting and meeting process.
Part of our rituals of encounter is to sing after a speech, or talk- and to choose something appropriate to the occasion.
Because this group crosses the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic I can choose something appropriate to this ginormous area.
My genes are Polynesian, Scandinavian, Welsh and English and I honour each and every one of my ancestors- their language and culture.
Part of how I express my higher power-
-but the highest part is how I connect to every human being, and to every living thing.
W