Guidelines for electronic meetings

( A ) Setting Up Electronic Meetings

Electronic Al-Anon meetings are held online and over the phone/computer using platforms like Free Conference Call (FCC), E-mail, Chat, Blog, Bulletin Board, App based e.g. Mobile App – Al-Anon Family Groups, Instant Messaging (Skype,WhatsApp,Discord,etc.), Web Conferencing (Zoom,Google Meet, etc.). Al-Anon however does not endorse, oppose, or lend support to any on-line service provider or specific communication devices.

Electronic meetings can be started by any two or more relatives or friends of an alcoholic, provided that as a meeting they have no other affiliation (Tradition Three). Members are requested to keep in mind the following guidelines- :

  1. In Al-Anon the only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend hence it is suggested that participants/newcomers to the electronic meetings should not be questioned on their reason for attending the meeting. Instead the Chairperson can ask new members to introduce themselves.
  2. Members should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the online platforms and also understand the safety and privacy settings before choosing the service provider.
  3. The chosen platform will determine the duration and the number of participants that can join the meeting.
  4. It is strongly recommended that members study Fact Sheet for Electronic Meetings (S-60) and Electronic Al-Anon Meeting Guidelines (G-39).
  5. Contact GSO India to obtain an Electronic Meeting Registration/Update Form and register the Electronic Meeting Group with GSO India.
  6. An appropriate name should be selected for the meeting. The selected name should not imply affiliation with any other twelve-step group, self-help group, religious group, rehabilitation facility, or other outside enterprise, including the service provider or a website location.(Tradition 3)
  7. Safety is an important issue within Al-Anon.Each group is responsible for keeping their meetings safe. This can be done by taking informed decisions and through group conscience. However, while adopting any practice the Traditions of Al-Anon must be kept in mind.
  8. It is important for on-line meetings to be self-sufficient.This may include paying the charges for usage of the online meeting platform as well as sending contributions to GSO India and other group expenses.The group treasurer can share the mode of online payment with the group members as well as announce the same during the online meeting.(Tradition Seven

 

(B) Conducting Electronic Meetings 

These guidelines are being circulated in order to ensure that the Steps,Traditions and Concepts of the Al-Anon Programme are adhered to by all and to ensure that the Al-Anon message is passed on in its undiluted form.

  1. Every meeting needs to have a clear format/ structure, and this should be announced at the beginning of the meeting. A Chairperson or Secretary (even if a temporary one) needs to be present to conduct the meeting, to welcome members and address any special requirements (e.g. newcomers). He/she needs to ensure that Traditions are followed, particularly related to Anonymity.
  2. The Group Treasurer can make the 7thTradition announcement. The mode of online payment should be announced at an appropriate time during the meeting. A group conscience can be taken to send the excess amount to GSO. (after keeping a prudent reserve)
  3. The host/administrator is a member whose Id is used for conducting the meeting. This member keeps track of who enters the meeting and allows only those who identify themselves as Al-Anon members. It is advisable to have another member as a co-host to assist the host.
  4. For safety purposes it is important that the members disclose their identity.Since electronic platforms may be misused and data can be stolen, this is necessary. If someone refuses to disclose identity, the Host may remove the member. The meeting room can also be locked after a time limit or when a set number of members have arrived. This is as per group autonomy but ensures more protection. The Host may declare that members use headphones to protect the anonymity of members from other people in the house.
  5. When a newcomer joins the meeting a designated newcomer temporary sponsor may telephonically meet him/her outside the meeting and give information required for a newcomer.This may be done over 6 meetings. If there are special meetings for newcomers he/she can be directed to these.
  6. Having a video on is a matter of personal choice. For smooth running it is recommended that members keep themselves muted when not sharing. It is helpful for the group to specify a sharing time and appoint someone as spiritual time keeper to keep track.This is to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate.
  7. Business meetings of groups, AIS, District and Area committee meetings can also be conducted similarly
    ( Reference : https://al-anonalateenindia.org/guidelines-for-electronic-meetings/)

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Any individual can join Al-Anon if he or she is troubled by another person’s drinking.
If you are unfamiliar with Al-Anon and are wondering whether Al-Anon might be helpful for you take a look at our ‘Is Al-Anon for You?’ page.
This is the official website of Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups of India.