Glossary

Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS)

This is an an Al-Anon member who is currently certified through their Area Alateen process and is therefore eligible to be directly responsible for Alateens while being of service to Alateen, including service as an instant or temporary Alateen Group Sponsor.

Closed Meeting

A closed meeting is for Al-Anon members and prospective members only. Anyone who has been affected by someone else's drinking is welcome.

Conference Approved Literature (CAL)

The CAL process ensures that ideas for literature be authorized by the Conference and that designated Al-Anon members, Delegates, WSO staff, and volunteers review the material before publication and/or production.

Current Mailing Address (CMA)

The Current Mailing Address receives the group mail from the WSO and takes it to the group. District 8 maintains a post office box that most groups in the District choose to use are their CMA.

District

The District is a geographical segment containing a number of groups, located relatively close to one another. Group Representatives attend district meetings to discuss business matters, and share their group experiences with each other. Al-Anon meetings in the Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley areas comprise District 8.

Open Meeting

At open meetings, we welcome visitors seeking information about Al-Anon as well as newcomers and members of Al-Anon.

Personal Sponsor

A Sponsor someone with whom a member can work the 12 steps and confidentially discuss personal problems or questions and someone who willingly shares the experience, strength, and hope of the Al-Anon program.

Service Sponsor

A Service Sponsor guides a member in applying the Traditions and Concepts of Service and shares experience, strength, and hope while giving service to Al-Anon.

Three Legacies

The Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service are the Three Legacies. The cover the aspects, respectively, of recovery, unity and service.

World Service Office (WSO)

The WSO is the principal service center of the fellowship, and acts in conformity with the wishes of the Conference. It publishes all Conference Approved Literature (CAL). Many functions and activities of the fellowship circulate through this office. It is the center, not the head; it serves but does not control or direct. The relationship of the WSO to the groups is fully explained in "Al-Anon's Twelve Concepts of Service."

Panel—A panel consists of one-third of the Delegates attending the World Service Conference. A panel is elected every year for a three-year term. The elections of the three panels are staggered so that a Conference always includes one panel of Delegates with two years’ experience. A non-panel Area is one that has not yet joined the Conference.

Region—A geographical grouping of Areas. There are nine Regions in the World Service Conference Structure; six in the US and three in Canada.