REFLECTIONS ON THE LEGACIES OF AL-ANON

Recovery through the Twelve Steps, Unity through the Twelve Traditions, Service through the Twelve Concepts of Service

Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Some things that I have learned from practicing Step 4 myself and assisting others:

• Step 4 is an act of self love which teaches us how to love and accept ourselves.

• Step 4 is not an inventory of the past but the present and future you.

• Step 4 is not a theory, but a proven fact to the millions of us who have practiced it.

• Step 4 is not done by thinking, but by writing with the help of a higher power andothers who have done this step. We are never alone.

-Jim S, Flourtown AFG, District 3

Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Many attempts were made to write this article, and I struggled with how to explain the situation.

Originally my message was about setting boundaries as a long-time volunteer for an organizationand acknowledging that change needed to begin with me. I wrote about confronting the issues toprotect my well being, yet it was also important to describe (criticize) others’ unacceptablebehaviors to justify my actions.

That message did not sit right with me, so for inspiration I used a 5th Step worksheet. This changedmy perspective to understanding how often I tried to force solutions, and became angry, frustrated,and unreasonable when my expectations were unmet. Admitting this to my Higher Power, myself,and now sharing this with the readers of RAP allows me to forgive myself and the others involved.

Another realization is that for my continued growth it is vital to work the Steps on paper and with atrusted AlAnon member. At meetings many members share the positive impact this work has ontheir lives. The excuses as to why I have not done so are no longer valid.By admitting the exact nature of these wrongs to my Higher Power, myself, and the readers, it opensthe path to making the commitment to actually doing the work.

-Janet, Riverview AFG, District 5

Tradition 4: Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group orAl-Anon or AA as a whole.

A couple of years ago, friends and I were inspired to form a group of knitters who would create andsend warm clothing to a shelter in Ukraine. The idea was great and very well intended. The groupgrew quickly and needles clicked and clacked. Then the weak infrastructure collapsed. Personalitiescorroded the intentions and eroded the mission..

If we had implemented the principles of Tradition 4, I wonder how the outcome might have beendifferent?

There is so much to learn from our program. By studying the Steps, Traditions and Concepts,individuals, families, and groups can find healthy paths to growth and change. Entrenched patternscan be shed. A new map based on personal responsibility and integrity is possible. How fortunate we are to have these time tested tools!

-Catharine K, Riverview AFG, District 5

Tradition 5: Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics.

When I entered the rooms of AlAnon in the mid-1980’s, I felt like I had no idea (or other options)when it came to dealing with my alcoholic. Come to find out that months into attending AlAnonmeetings faithfully, I figured out my parents were alcoholics. The members were very welcoming,assuring me, I was in the right place. It was compelling that others were in similar, if not the same predicament. I found myself embracing the love and peace that the program gave me. Living withalcoholism made me very resentful and angry at the behavior of the alcoholics in my life; thecompassion and genuine care released the resentments that ate at my heart and soul. I also was ableto find a better spiritual base that I thought I had but was enriched by my attendance, working thesteps, using the phone and getting a sponsor….still not one to write!! I needed that support, to takecare of myself. Time takes time, support was what I needed…and that is why I keep coming back.

This is where Tradition 5 comes into play. As devastating as the disease can be, I found comfort andsolace and am now able to share and give back to others that are in similar situations.

-Regina F, AISDV Service Board, Flourtown AFG, District 3

Concept 4: Participation is the key to harmony.

Before Al-Anon, in many ways I felt like I was on the outside. My thoughts and opinions didn’treally matter. The alcoholic ran the show. It’s much different in the Al-Anon rooms. Being able totake part in the decisions for the group helps me to feel like I belong. Our service structure enableseveryone to have a voice. We offer the same respect to others as we would like for ourselves.

When a decision is voted on and it’s not my preference, I learn to let go of the result and trust for theGreater good. I rely on my spiritual strength to guide my best thinking. My main goal is for thecommon good of the Al-Anon Fellowship.

I’m learning to leave my ego at the door. I don’t personalize the outcomes and I carry on. Al-Anonis a “we” program; it takes all of us working together. If we want harmony, we move forwardtogether trusting in a Power greater than ourselves.

-Diane S, Riverview AFG, District 5

Concept 5: The Rights of Appeal and Petition protect minorities and assure that they be heard.

Concept 5 assures that the thoughts and feelings of all members with minority viewpoints count.Through the right of appeal, they can be heard. This concept offers security and continuity for all.

-Kate R, Riverview AFT, District 5

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Bring Your Kids to Alateen!

My name is Vivian, and I have been going to Alateen for two years. One thing I like about Alateenis being around other kids who can understand the feelings I have inside. My family and I havebecome close with other kids and their parents. We are like an extended family.

In our meetings, we always do our “Happies and Crappies”. This helps us to remember the goodthings that happened during our week. One of my favorite things about Alateen is that after themeetings we sometimes go out for ice cream! I like to sit with my sister and our Alateen friendswhile the grownups do…who know what they do!

I hope more people will bring their kids to Alateen because it helps kids know that you aren’t theonly one this has happened to, and you didn’t cause it, you can’t control it, and you can’t cure it. Ifyou have kids, please bring them to Alateen!

-By Vivian. Reprinted from The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., VirginiaBeach, VA.

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AISDV NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND CALENDAR EVENTS

Public Relations

The following message will be displayed on PECO Crown Lights on 5/23/2026: Al-Anon help forfamily/friends of Alcoholics www.aisdv.org 215-222-5244. This message was also displayed on2/14/2026 and 3/13/2026. Additional dates may be added.

Service Opportunities

The AISDV Service Board is seeking volunteer members for the following service opportunities:

• Officer positions: Asst. Chairperson, Secretary, Asst. Secretary, Treasurer, Asst. Treasurer

• Coordinator positions: Literature, Office Coordinator

The specific job duties and functions for each Officer and Coordinator position can be found in the‍ ‍Bylaws beginning on page 6. The AISDV Bylaws can also be found on the AISDV Website.Choose the link Who We Are located on the left side of the screen. The Daily Reader “A LittleTime For Myself” (February 6) reminds us that “It is good to know service is recovery”.

Reach out to rap.aisdvpa@gmail.com or any member of the AISDV service board if you areinterested in learning more. Thank you for your consideration.

2026-2029 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual

(below excerpt from March Forum)

You can now order a printed copy of this manual from the Al-Anon Online Bookstore atal-anon.org, or download a free electronic version with just a click.

“Every Al-Anon and Alateen member is encouraged to actively use and study this Manual. It givesa clear and concise picture of the Al-Anon fellowship, its purpose and functions, and how it helps‍ ‍us to resolve group problems and maintain unity” (p1).

Updates to the previous edition of the Manual are noted with the use of vertical lines in the outer margins.

Calendar Events

• April 11: District 4 and 5 Spring Workshop, 8 am, Lima United Methodist Church, Media

• April 16: AISDV Steering Committee Meeting, 7:30 pm via Zoom

• April 18: District 3 Workshop, 8:30 am, North Penn Church of Christ, North Wales.

• May 11: District 20 GR Meeting, 6 pm, St John’s Lutheran Church, Hatboro

• May 16: District 32 Spring Workshop, 9 am, Trinity Reformed Church, Collegeville

• May 21: AISDV Service Board Meeting, 7:30 pm via Zoom (see AISDV website for link)

• June 5-7: PA Al-Anon Convention, Susquehanna University

Check out the AISDV Calendar on the aisdv.org website for further details on the above, as well asfor other dates that may have been added to the calendar after this publication was sent out. Also,consider signing up for the AISDV Announcements on the aisdv.org website so that you arereceiving the RAP. You can also find Al-Anon Meetings as well as other information that mayhelp you in your recovery.

Shares are needed for August (Step 8, Tradition 8, Concept 8). Reach out via email(rap.aisdvpa.org) if you are willing and able to contribute. All that is needed is to write 3-9sentences on your selected topic. Include your first name, initial of last name, home group, district,and topic selection, i.e. Step 8.

Grateful for service,

RAP COMMITTEE: Deb M, Kate G, Jennifer L, Jennifer S

AISDV 4021 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 215-222-5244

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