Al-Anon /Alateen conference approved literature are the daily readers, books and
pamphlets that are published by the Al-Anon World Services. They offer us the comfort in knowing we are not alone and that our situation is not unique. There is a wealth of wisdom provided through printed stories that members tell by sharing their
experience strength and hope. Some publications concentrate on specific aspects in dealings with the disease of alcoholism such as "In All of Our Affairs: Making Crisis Work for You", and "Opening Our Hearts,
Transforming Our Loses". Some books offer guidance in how members work the program such as "Paths to Recovery", "How Al-Anon Works" and "Al-Anon Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions". The daily readers offers a collection of daily meditations, and the
pamphlets concentrate on specific areas of concern such as "Sponsorship, What It's All About", "How Can I Help My Children", "Why Anonymity In Al-Anon". "To the Mother and Father of an Alcoholic" and many more..
What is Conference-Approved Literature?
Conference Approval is the process for development of recovery literature that reflects the group conscience of the Al-Anon Family Groups through actions taken by the World Service Conference.
With few exceptions, the actual writing is done by Al-Anon/Alateen members who share their experience, strength and hope while expressing Al-Anon/Alateen principles. In keeping with the spirit of Al-Anon, the full name of any individual member does not appear in the title of Al-Anon/Alateen material, nor is authorship acknowledged. All published material becomes the sole property of the Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., on behalf of the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.
Reprinted with permission from the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
Why do we use Conference-Approved Literature for Al-Anon and Alateen?
It is suggested to use only CAL during meetings. This literature, combined with the experience strength and hope shared by members in meetings thus helps in focusing on the Al-Anon tools and ideas because it reflects on the program as it is in principle and practice. Personal experience shared by Al-Anon members as it reflects in the literature help us understand how others have succeeded in applying the program to their lives.
Members are encouraged to read whatever material they find helpful, but in the meetings, we are encouraged to "Speak Al-Anon". Therefore, the mention, recommendation or discussion of material other than Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature can be confusing and takes the focus off of the Al-Anon program.
To view detailed information about the literature available, and to order Al-anon Literature, please visit the WSO website: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org and follow the link to "Publications-Shop On-line".
To view, and purchase, Al-Anon/Alateen Literature:
To order literature from Greater New York Al-Anon Family Intergroup: Click here to download CAL order form
Order on-line from Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters. or Download the Order Form to print, and order by mail
To order the Forum, please go here for "The Forum" Order Form
