IMPORTANT MESSAGE
regarding the use of Early Al-Anon Literature
& the A.A. Big Book.

It has recently been re-affirmed by the Executive Director of the World Service Organization (WSO) that Al-Anon and Alateen groups should not using the A.A. 'Big Book' in their meetings. This is in accordance with the will of the Delegates at the annual World Service Conference, which is made up of Delegates from throughout the Conference structure elected by their areas -including yours- to represent them. Since its inception in 1961, the Conference has never waivered from its view that the A.A. 'Big Book' is outside material.
GROUPS ROUTINELY USING THE BIG BOOK WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE AL-ANON MEETING LISTS.

In general, neither fellowship stocks nor uses the other's literature for their meetings. When Al-Anon members use A.A. literature for their meetings, there is a tendency to concentrate on the alcoholic and his/her behavior rather than the family experience and our own recovery.
There is, of course, a great deal of reading value in literature other than that which is Al-Anon Conference Approved. But it is not the purpose of Al-Anon to make its members familiar with all the approaches - only the Al-Anon approach. Those who wish to acquaint themselves with A.A. reading material can readily find it at an A.A. open meeting.


This guideline, and a similar guideline distributed by the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) General Service Office, was developed through discussions between Al-Anon and A.A. staff.
The fellowships of Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for its younger members) and A.A. have a unique relationship. They were closely allied in their origins and are naturally drawn together by their family ties. Yet the Twelve Traditions emphasize that each works more effectively if it remains separate.

Tradition Six specifically states that Al-Anon is a separate entity. Therefore, in keeping with this Tradition, there can be non combining, joining, or uniting which would result in the loss of identity of either fellowship. Separatedness rules out affiliation or merging, but it does not exclude cooperation with A.A. or acting together for mutual benefit. Al-Anon acknowledges with gratitude the spiritual contributions of A.A. and there can continue to be cooperation between Al-Anon and A.A. even while there are many Al-Anon members who have no contact with A.A. or A.A. members.