Chairperson Corner – July 2024

The Group Representative – a vital first link!
El Representante del Grupo: ¡Un primer eslabón vital!

I remember my first Assembly as Group Representative (GR).  I felt so small and afraid and so different from everyone else.  I was grateful to be traveling with a group of gals from my District and rooming with my sponsor and a few other close friends who were also GRs.  It was easy for me to compare myself to the Officers at the front table in the general session room, to the DRs, and even to the other GRs who seemed to have it all together and were ‘pros’ at this.  I know today that I was comparing my insides to someone else’s outside and that wasn’t fair to myself and others.

I also know today that we were all learning as we went.  Sure, some had more experience and were entrusted to the role of leading and planning the Assembly; that was what they were chosen to do.  And I, as GR, was entrusted to represent my beloved home group and carry information back to them.  I remember so wanting to do my very best at that!

At that time, I didn’t really know how vital my service as GR was to the function, growth, unity and future of the worldwide fellowship of Al-Anon.  Our District Representative (DR) gave us to read the Group Representative Guideline (G11) and that was helpful but until I experienced it, it really didn’t sink in.  I didn’t fully realize what a privilege and honor it was to serve Al-Anon.  I did know that I wanted to help and be part of something more, but at the same time thought, “Well this is what is next, right?”  Also, I didn’t know how essential it would be to my recovery journey!  I knew I was blessed to be doing all this but couldn’t always put my finger on the ‘how’.  Actually for me, it took me being an elected Officer at the Area level before the true importance and the role of the GR was clear.    

Today, I understand more fully how GRs are vital to assure that we have an informed fellowship.  The GRs express the voice and vote of their groups on District and Area matters providing direction and oversight to our service work.  GRs are needed so we can elect future DRs and Delegates too!  Therefore, GRs are the beginning of the links of service as Concept One tells us – The ultimate responsibility and authority for Al‑Anon world services belongs to the Al‑Anon groups. This is illustrated when the Delegate that the GRs elected attends the annual World Service Conference.  At this worldwide group conscience the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship and the organization are able to receive what they need to continue and even flourish with unity.  

It is so awesome how all this works, and how it all starts with someone saying yes to service at their group.  When someone says yes to being willing to be a GR, they are saying yes to participating in our amazing service structure.  I love the depiction of our World Service Structure in the graphic on p. 176-177 in the 2022-2025 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual v3.  It drives home for me that this is all about people and how our loving God is expressed through their collective will. (Tradition Two).  Our whole service structure exists to help the group help the members – offering our unique program of recovery to families and friends of alcoholics.

A special note to all GRs planning to attend the Area Assembly this summer – please take a moment and read page 234 in Hope for Today (B-27) for an insightful sharing on Concept Three – The right of decision makes effective leadership possible.  Be assured you are loved, trusted and not alone! Just keep the God of your understanding and your friends close and don’t leave home without your Service Manual.

Thank you to all who serve our beautiful fellowship!  And a heartfelt thank you to all who offer support, encouragement and trust to our present Group Representatives.  Let us all continue to serve PA Al-Anon with open hearts and open minds. / ¡Gracias a todos los que sirven a nuestra hermosa comunidad!  Y un sincero agradecimiento a todos los que ofrecen apoyo, aliento y confianza a nuestros actuales Representantes de Grupo.  Sigamos todos sirviendo a PA Al-Anon con corazones y mentes abiertos.

I am looking forward to our PA Area Assembly in August!  And I can’t wait to see our GRs embracing opportunities to shine!  See you in Harrisburg! / ¡Espero con ansias nuestra Asamblea del Área de PA en Agosto!  ¡Y no puedo esperar a ver a nuestros GR aprovechar las oportunidades para brillar!  ¡Nos vemos en Harrisburg!