Al-Anon/Alateen is a resource for anyone impacted by a relative or friend’s alcohol dependency. Al-Anon provides support through literature and meetings. Everything shared at meetings remains confidential, including who attends. Al-Anon recommends trying at least six meetings before you decide whether or not the program can help you.
In meetings, we learn how to change our reactions to the attitudes and behaviors that commonly occur in alcoholic relationships. Literature written by members offers ideas on how to apply our Twelve Step program to the family disease of alcoholism. As non-professionals, we gather as equals, welcoming all who seek a healthier way to live.
Al-Anon/Alateen is a resource for anyone impacted by a relative or friend’s alcohol dependency. Al-Anon provides support through literature and meetings. Everything shared at meetings remains confidential, including who attends. Al-Anon recommends trying at least six meetings before you decide whether or not the program can help you.
In meetings, we learn how to change our reactions to the attitudes and behaviors that commonly occur in alcoholic relationships. Literature written by members offers ideas on how to apply our Twelve Step program to the family disease of alcoholism. As non-professionals, we gather as equals, welcoming all who seek a healthier way to live.
Maine Al-Anon Family Groups
Start A Meeting
How do I start an electronic meeting?
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Each group should discuss & decide which online platform is best for their needs, and whether their meeting will be open or closed, as online platforms can present certain risks including privacy issues.
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Read the Al-Anon guidance on starting an electronic meetings and the Factsheet for Electronic Meetings.
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If your meeting is temporarily using an online format, fill out the red meeting Change Form on the homepage to get the change put on the Maine website. If your meeting will be moving to an electronic format permanently, go to the Group Records page to fill out the group records change form.
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Here are some important things to consider if you are using an online format:
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Protect anonymity: Use platform settings to protect the anonymity of members. Have a group discussion about whether to have only video, only phone, or both. Decide if the meeting will be open (link/phone number posted publicly), or be closed (by invitation only, and/or password required).
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First names only: Some platforms may default to showing the full first and last name of participants. Educate users how to edit their names, and how to join with/without video and/or a virtual background.
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No recording: Make sure the meeting is set up so that no one can record.
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7th Tradition: There are many ways to help your group be self-supporting. Here are a few examples:
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Online apps like Venmo, Paypal or SecureGive,
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Ask that donations be mailed in by check to the group treasurer
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Hyperlink to donate to WSO, https://al-anon.org/contributions/member/
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How do I start a regular meeting?
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Read the Guidance on Starting an Al-Anon Group and Consult page 28 of the Service Manual for details on how to start a meeting.
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Once you've decided to start an Al-Anon meeting and have selected a day/time/location, go to the Group Records page to register the new meeting with WSO.