2010 World Service Conference

Celebrate! Embrace the group conscience

to expand our circle of hope.—50 years of the World Service

Conference

Canadian Delegates meeting

• Saturday afternoon 3- 4pm• Saturday evening • 7:00 pm Reconvene in designated

meeting room with Trustees• Business Arising from Minutes of

meeting April 2009• RDM Report• Anonymity Regarding newsletter

submission

Canadian Delegates Continued

Remote Northern Communities Task Force reportArea Reports Discussion?

OPENING DINNER

Conference GoalsGoal #1

The spiritual tone of the WSC will prevail by the demonstration of mutual respect and acceptable conduct by its members.

Goal #2

Conference members will understand the purpose of the Conference, relationships within the structure, and be able to articulate Conference decisions.

Goal #3

Knowing that our Higher Power is present in the expression of our group conscience, Conference members will presume goodwill.

WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE STRUCTURE

The Board of Trustees

Delegates

World Service Office Staff Members

Executive Committee members

Orientation What each group brings to the

World Service Conference, Roles and Responsibilities

• Board of Trustees

- Legal rights and responsibilities

- Affirms the actions of the World Service Conference

- Mission and Vision

- Provides resources

Orientation What each group brings to the

World Service Conference, Roles and Responsibilities

• Delegates

- Voice and Input

- Communicate issues

- Gather information

- Act as a Conduit

Orientation What each group brings to the

World Service Conference, Roles and Responsibilities

• World Service Staff Members- Operational understanding

- Management and implementation of the World Service Conference decisions.

- Serves the will of the World ServiceConference

Orientation What each group brings to the

World Service Conference, Roles and Responsibilities

• Executive Committee members- Common link between Board of Trustees and

WSO staff

- Administrate WSO using legal authoritygranted by the Board of Trustees

Embracing Diversity

• Cultural Diversity presentation

• Leadership Workshop: Diversity--Understanding Ourselves and Others

• Chosen Agenda Item

• Cultural Competency workshop using KBDM questions

Embracing Diversity Cultural Competency presentation

• Given by outside speaker, John Colon, from the Center for Culturally Competent Education and Training, Stony Brook University

• culture is behavior learned very early in life• how elderly are treated, punctuality• learn about the culture you are working with• develop key alliances in the community• seek and you will find strengths in everyone• welcoming attitude is more important than aptitude

• How do you get along with others who are different?

Embracing Diversity Chosen Agenda Item

• How can the members of the World Service Conference develop an effective strategy that would bring Al-Anon Family Groups into the communities and cultures of specific minorities in the U.S. and Canada? If we are effective in reaching minority communities, what actions must we take as a fellowship to ensure that they remain as active members?

• Can we find effective and practical ways to make it easier for non-English-speaking members to participate in Al-Anon service at the Area level and beyond?

Embracing Diversity Chosen Agenda Item

• There are many minority communities to consider-- race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age…

• Ideas for strategies include:

• Using a buddy system• Bilingual members asking for help with service tasks (greeters)• Reaching especially younger members through technology• Maintaining healthy, welcoming groups with a service

emphasis• Finding out about each community to avoid offending• Developing alliances with minority communities by identifying

key leaders• Developing a tent card for AA meetings to encourage AFG

BUDGET & FINANCEUnderstanding the 3 Funds

• The General Fund

- Cash Contributions

- Used to pay: Salaries Bills Expenses related to printing literature

Total Budget for 2010 is $4,996,000

BUDGET & FINANCEUnderstanding the 3 Funds

• The Reserve Fund

- Our “Ample Reserve” (Warranty One)- Consists of savings, bonds, stocks, etc.- Cannot exceed one years operating budget- Funds special projects

Balance at end of 2009 $3,705,269.

BUDGET & FINANCEUnderstanding the 3 Funds

• The Building Fund

• Is used for the housing of the World Service Office

• Consists of our building (the asset) and its equity

• If ever liquidated, this fund can only be used for housing the World Service Office

Value at end of 2009 $1,698,916

BUDGET & FINANCE

• The General Fund – Expenses exceeded income (contributions) by $21,555

• The Reserve Fund – Had earnings totaling $374,659

• Because of the Reserve Fund earnings, AFG, Inc. had a net income of $353,104

BUDGET & FINANCEInteresting Figures

The World Service Office has an average cost of $240.60 to support a meeting

57.39% of groups donated to the World Service Office … Ontario South 60.3% groups donated Average donation per group was $100.97 … Ontario South average donation per group $100.05

BUDGET & FINANCEInteresting Figures

Each year the budget sets the goal of $1,500,000 in contributions.

Last year contributions totaled $1,248,194. We haven’t met the goal, but we are getting closer every year.

If each of us increased our gift by $1.80 more than we gave last year, we would reach the goal.

WSO Property Ownership• In 1994, the World Service Conference

authorized the purchase of property to house Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. for a trial period of 15 years.

• The 15-year trial period began with occupancy of the current site around May 1996.

• After reviewing the last twelve years of real property ownership, the Board of Trustees has no negative impact to report.

• Vote will occur at the 2011 WSC to decide whether to

• End the trial and keep the building• End the trial and sell the building• Extend the trial for another period of

years

WSO Property Ownership• Information regarding ownership of property is available on the

member’s website:

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/members/index.html(password is your group name followed by afg)

• Discussion at the 2010 Conference was substantially in favor of ending the

15-year trial and keeping the building

POLICY COMMITTEE MOTIONS: Changes to the Digest of Al-Anon and

Alateen Policies• New “Alateen Policy” section

(before p. 83) • “Conference Approved Literature

and Service Tools/Materials” section amended (pp. 92-97)

• “Membership and Group Meetings/Conventions” section amended (pp. 77-79)

• “Finances” section changed to “Financial Matters” and amended (pp. 84-89)

POLICY COMMITTEE MOTIONS: Changes to the Digest of Al-Anon and

Alateen PoliciesNew “Alateen Policy” section

• Since Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements, many topics related solely to Alateen have been identified.

• Members have requested a new section which will bring focus and clarity to issues related solely to Alateen.

• Includes sections about:--2003 BOT Alateen motion--Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements--AMIAS --Starting an Alateen group--Alateen Group and Personal Sponsors--Alateen membership

POLICY COMMITTEE MOTIONS: Changes to the Digest of Al-Anon and

Alateen Policies

“Conference Approved Literature and Service Tools/Materials” section amended

• Task force formed as a response to member’s request about a word change; entire section was clarified

• To keep Al‑Anon’s message in focus and encourage unity, it is suggested that only Al‑Anon /Alateen Conference Approved Literature (CAL) and Al‑Anon/Alateen service tools are displayed, distributed, and used at Al‑Anon and Alateen meetings, including meetings at conferences, and conventions.

POLICY COMMITTEE MOTIONS: Changes to the Digest of Al-Anon and

Alateen Policies“Conference Approved Literature and Service

Tools/Materials” section amended

• While individuals may use whatever they find helpful as part of their personal recovery outside of meetings, Al‑Anon does not evaluate or recommend anything other than Al‑Anon materials. When sharing at meetings, members limit any mention of outside material to a brief reference.

A.A. literature is not used at Al‑Anon meetings because it is written for and from the viewpoint of alcoholics and is not Al‑Anon/Alateen Conference Approved Literature. Reliance on opinions expressed in A.A. and other outside materials can distort the Al‑Anon approach.

POLICY COMMITTEE MOTIONS: Changes to the Digest of Al-Anon and

Alateen Policies“Membership and Group Meetings/Conventions”

section amended

• Choosing a Group’s NameHaving an appropriate group name is very important because it is included in local and on-line meeting directories and may be a potential member’s first impression of Al‑Anon. The group’s name should be inviting to all and reflect Al‑Anon principles. The WSO will review proposed group names for adherence to Al‑Anon principles. (See “Group Names” in “Groups at Work.”)

POLICY COMMITTEE MOTIONS: Changes to the Digest of Al-Anon and

Alateen Policies“Finances” section changed to “Financial

Matters” and amended• Clarifies:

• Quarterly Appeal letter--individual contributions• Combined giving campaigns--no matching• Contributions go to General Fund--no earmarking• Discounts and Services

WSO and other Al‑Anon service entities may accept discounts or services that are routinely available to other non-profit organizations (e.g. non-profit postal rates, free placement for public service announcements, etc.). Discounts may not be accepted if the discount is given only to Al‑Anon and not to other non-profit organizations.

UPDATE!!!

New Regional Trustee SelectionProcedure Adopted

• Original RT selection took place on the floor of WSC by caucus

• RT committee members often advocated for candidates-process became political

• New process allows RT committee members to review resumes and score candidates in private, with a greater degree of anonymity

• The 3-year trial was ended and the new procedure was accepted

Conference Approved Literature Updates

• The Forum subscriptions up ~25%! To become a vital force for Al-Anon unity, The Forum still needs a greater number of members reading it and writing for it.

• Al-Anon's first 60 years--working title “Tracing Our Growth”--how members through the years have found recovery--it is hoped that it will be ready by next WSC

• WSC approved a major revision of the pamphlet “Why Anonymity in Al‑Anon?” (P‑33)

• WSC passed a motion to give conceptual approval to develop a Legacies workbook, using sharings from the Legacy blogs.

Thought/Task Forces

•Develop a Conflict Resolution Presentation for Areas TF

•Integrating Alateen into Al-Anon where no Alateen Meetings Exist ThF

•Strengthen the Links--AISs, Districts, Area ThF

•Strengthen Relationships--Delegates and AWSC ThF

•Utilizing Technology at Area Meetings for Nontechnical People TF

•ThF on Current Conference Structure

DIVISION / CONSOLIDATION OF AREAS

• Ongoing, long-term discussion has occurred about further division of populous/large Areas

• KBDM questions were applied to the question in Admissions/Handbook Work Group meetings

• Current policy is that ‘A state, province, or territory having more than 400 groups may petition the Conference to divide and send an additional Delegate to the Conference. A state, province, or territory may divide only once, as reaffirmed at the 1982 World Service Conference.’

Current Conference Structure TF Strategies

1. Plotting all groups on a map for the purpose of developing new Areas

2. Allowing Areas with more than 400 groups to split

3. Allowing smaller Areas to combine4. Virtual Area for remote groups5. Virtual Area for electronic meetings6. Leaving structure as is7. (Other)

WORLD-WIDE Fellowship of

Al-AnonInternational Representatives’

Sharings

• Personal stories• National Structures

– Mexico--Maria D. C. T. G.– New Zealand--Peter A.

WORLD-WIDE Fellowship of Al-Anon

International Trip Reports• Ibero-American Meeting

• South Africa trip• European trip

WORLD-WIDE Fellowship of

Al-AnonInternational Trip Reports

• United Kingdom– Ric B., Executive Director

• Invited by and paid for by GSO• Attended UK/Eire’s National Service

Conference– Workshops on

» Conflict resolution» Strategic planning

• Conference voted to consider owning property using WSO 15-year trial as a model

• WSO recieved a very positive thank-you letter for Executive Director’s guidance

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

• 2010 Public Service Announcement (PSA)• Actors are used in this PSA• Available in English, Spanish and French• 3 scenarios, 60 second and 30 second

formats• Sample DVD not professional quality; not

for distribution to stations• Lets have a look …

PUBLIC OUTREACH

•Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism (AFA) subscriptions

•Lois W. movie

AA International Convention with Al-Anon Participation

2010, Fourth of July weekend

San Antonio, Texas

Third Al-Anon International Convention

2013, Fourth of July weekend

Vancouver, BC, Canada

International Conventions

World Service Office Visit

Canadian Delegates WSC 2010Here we are at the World Service Office in the Lobby before our Tour

e-Communities Bulletin Board

• First for current WSC members- early summer

• Later for current and past WSC members, WSO-fall

• There will be a list of topics (threads)

• All posts will be business, no social networking

Membership SurveyFall 2009

• Membership 84% female and 16% male• Average age of members is 56 (56 for U.S. and

58 for Canada) – Less than 5% are under 35 and almost 60% are over 54

• 93 % white, 3% Latino or Hispanic, 4% other• 99% of members graduated from high school

– 56% have at least a college degree

• 40% of members are not employed (retired, homemakers, unemployed)

• Household income is $71,542 with 17% under $30,000

Life Partner Gender

Same sex 29%

Opposite sex 71%

Spouse Gender

Same sex 5%

Opposite sex 95%

Children Under 18 in the Home

Yes 14%

Relation to Children

Biological parent 83%

Grandparent 9%

Step parent 4%

Adoptive parent 4%

Foster parent <1%

Other 1%

Marital Status

Single, never married 7%

Life partner 7%

Married 58%

Separated 3%

Divorced 17%

Widowed 7%

Mean number of times married 1.5

Mean number of times divorced 1.4

Children Over 18 in the Home

Yes 16%

Relation to Children

Biological parent 89%

Step parent 5%

Grandparent 4%

Adoptive parent 3%

Other 2%

Nearly three-quarters of members currently hold a service position.

Q26: Have you ever been involved in service work in Al-Anon Family Groups?Base: All respondents (n=1,775)Q26a: Do you currently hold a service position in Al-Anon Family Groups at or beyond the group level?Base: Respondents who have been involved in service work in Al-Anon Family Groups (n=1,613)

Mean:3.1 members

Q4: Do you sponsor an Al-Anon Family Group member?Base: All respondents (n=1,775)Q4a: How many members do you sponsor?Base: Respondents who sponsor an Al-Anon Family Group member (n=939)

• One in three members initially started attending Al-Anon Family Group meetings because a person with a drug problem was negatively affecting their life, more so in the US and among those with less than ten years of membership.

• Of those who started attending because of someone with a drug problem, nearly nine in ten later discovered someone’s drinking was also negatively affecting their life which led them to continue attending Al-Anon Family Groups.

Q28:Did you initially start attending Al-Anon Family Group meetings because a person with a drug problem was negatively affecting your life?

Base: All respondents (n=1,775)Q28a:Did you later discover that someone’s drinking had also negatively affected your life, which led you to continue attending Al-Anon Family Group meetings?Base: Respondents who started attending Al-Anon Family Group meetings because a person witha drug problem was negatively affecting their life (n=530)

More than six in ten members have experienced abuse from the

person in their life with a past or present drinking problem.

Q21: Have you ever experienced any kind of abuse from this person?Base: All respondents (n=1,775)Q21a: Was the abuse physical, emotional, sexual or verbal?Q21b: Are you still experiencing this abuse?Base: Respondents who have experienced abuse (n=1,082)

Almost all members’ lives have been positively affected by Al-Anon Family Groups.

99%

Q25: How has being a member of Al-Anon Family Groups affected your life?Base: All respondents (n=1,775)

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR TRUSTED SERVANT!

QUESTIONS???