My First Convention Surprised Me

Sandra R. shares her first Convention experience. She had recently moved to Philadelphia and though she had been in Al-Anon over two years, recovery was still elusive for her. She went to the Convention simply expecting to reconnect with old friends from Harrisburg...

Looking back — Deb R, Delegate, Panel 37, 1997-9

Over the last few months, I gave a lot of thought to our Conference theme and even sat down on a few occasions to jot down some ideas, but nothing seemed to “carry the message” I wanted to deliver. The problem was my thinking that I alone needed to cover...

Thursday — It’s Over

This is part 7 and the end of a series I’m posting on the World Service Conference. Check out my first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth posts, if you haven’t already read them. The picture above is Panel 57’s final bow — this was their third and final...

The Gift of Newcomers

I am learning little by little what a gift newcomers are to me. After four years in the program, I am beginning to feel passionate about being intentionally welcoming and connecting with newcomers. I’ve learned that it is myself that I am seeing when they walk into...

Wednesday — The Last Day of the Conference

This is part 6 of a series I’m posting on the World Service Conference. Check out my first, second, third, fourth, and fifth posts, if you haven’t already read them. It’s Wednesday! That means it’s the last day of the World Service Conference. I’m conflicted as I...

Tuesday — Frustration, Tiredness, Sadness

This is part 5 of a series I’m posting on the World Service Conference. Check out my first, second, third, and fourth posts, if you haven’t already read them. In the picture above, the room is being set up for Monday’s Open Board Meeting.  Frustration,...