The Twelve Traditions of Alano, or Al-Anon, are a set of guiding principles and practices crafted by the members of the Alano Family Groups, an international network of support groups for individuals affected by alcoholic addiction. These traditions are rooted in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which provide a framework for recovery from alcohol abuse.
1. Our common welfare should come first
The first tradition emphasizes the importance of working together for the well-being of all members, emphasizing the need for unity and collective responsibility. This tradition speaks to the inherent value of community and the role each individual plays in supporting the whole.
2. Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity. For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants—they do not govern.
This tradition establishes a divine authority in the group, with a higher power providing guidance and direction for the group's efforts. It also recognizes that the leaders are merely servants, responsible to the group rather than making decisions on their own behalf.
3. The relatives of alcoholics, when gathered together for mutual aid, may call themselves an Al-Anon Family Group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.
The second tradition outlines the criteria for joining an Al-Anon Family Group, specifically focusing on the presence of an alcoholism problem within a family member or friend circle. The emphasis is on forming autonomous groups that focus on helping each other overcome alcoholism, rather than joining larger, potentially distracting organizations.
4. Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al-Anon or AA as a whole. This tradition highlights the independence of each Al-Anon Family Group, allowing them to govern themselves and manage their own affairs independently. However, there are exceptions where a group may have to collaborate with broader entities like Al-Anon or AA.
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.
The third tradition describes the central mission of Al-Anon Family Groups, which is to assist family members of alcoholics in recovery. The group emphasizes personal responsibility and the need to practice the Twelve Steps of AA, which include making amends and seeking spiritual progress.
6. Our Family Groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.
The fourth tradition outlines the core principle of non-interference withoutside organizations or businesses. Al-Anon Family Groups are urged to prioritize their spiritual goals and refrain from any activities that could potentially draw them away from their main focuses on helping alcoholics recover. The only requirement for membership is the identification of an alcoholism problem among family members.
7. Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. This tradition emphasizes the importance of financial autonomy, encouraging Al-Anon Family Groups to become self-sufficient in their operations rather than relying on external donations. They are advised against seeking financial support from entities that could pose conflicts of interest.
8. Al-Anon Twelfth Step work should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
The fifth tradition discusses the professional aspects of Al-Anon's work, suggesting that the Twelve Steps of AA should be practiced professionally but without the need for formal credentialing or regulation. This allows Al-Anon Family Groups to employ volunteers and specialized workers without the complexities of regulatory compliance.
9. Our groups, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
The sixth tradition indicates the flexibility of Al-Anon Family Groups in their organizational structure. While they are not required to be formally organized, they may choose to establish service boards or committees that report directly to them. This allows for more localized control and decision-making at the group level.
10. The Al-Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy. The seventh tradition emphasizes the independence and humility of Al-Anon Family Groups in their approach to public engagement. They are advised against taking positions or expressing opinions on controversial issues that could undermine their primary focus on helping alcoholics.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members.
The eighth tradition discusses the need for confidentiality and privacy in Al-Anon Family Groups. Al-Anon encouragesmembers to maintain confidentiality about themselves and their membership status, in accordance with the第二条tradition.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.
Lastly, the ninth tradition emphasizes the importance of using anonymity as a way of protecting the privacy and security of all individuals associated with Al-Anon. The tradition states that members should always maintain their anonymity in order to foster a sense of trust and openness within the group.