Why CAL? Conference Approved Literature

1. Why CAL?Conference Approved Literature WSO CAL Task Force

2. Goals of this workshop • What is “Conference Approved Literature” (CAL)? • Why do we use only CAL at meetings? • Why all outside literature, like the A.A. “Big Book“ and religious materials are not used in Al-Anon meetings? WSO CAL Task Force

3. CAL helps Al-Anon to establish and maintain unity within our fellowship WSO CAL Task Force

4. CAL has grown and continues to evolve • Preserves the Al-Anon message and principles worldwide • Represents members’ use of the program • Meets the needs and interests of a changing fellowship • The availability of CAL grows steadily each decade WSO CAL Task Force

5. CAL is a vital tool for personal recovery • Reading other members’ experiences • Focusing on Al-Anon principles • Staying “on track” • Gaining new insights and ideas • CAL helps to establish and maintain unity within our groups WSO CAL Task Force

6. We only use CAL at meetings Members can read what they like on their own WSO CAL Task Force

7. What is CAL?ConferenceApproved Literature • CAL is written by and for Al-Anon members • CAL has passed a rigorous review process • CAL is identified by this logo WSO CAL Task Force

8. Why we use CAL in meetings • Unity • Consistency • Al-Anon focus “Our literature contains a unified message, consistent in principle and language, and great care is taken to see that this literature adheres to our principles before it is Conference Approved.” Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 172. WSO CAL Task Force

9. Why we use CAL in meetings Tradition One Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity. WSO CAL Task Force

10. Why should members use only CAL at meetings? “The Traditions that follow bind us together in unity. Although they are only suggestions, Al‑Anon’s unity and perhaps even its survival are dependent on adherence to these principles.” 2010-2013 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), pp. 15. WSO CAL Task Force

11. Questions for discussion • How is CAL used in your meeting to help stimulate discussion and participation for the long timer as well as the newcomer? • How does the fact that CAL is only written by Al-Anon members help keep our message consistent with the Traditions? WSO CAL Task Force

12. Motion # 8 2010 World Service Conference WSO CAL Task Force

13. Why do we use only CAL at meetings? • Ensures that Al-Anon remains Al-Anon and avoids confusion • “Only Al-Anon materials are used at Al-Anon meetings. We do not impose this restriction to pass judgment on material produced by others, but because, by focusing exclusively on the Al-Anon philosophy in our meetings, we avoid a great deal of confusion.” How Al-Anon Works for Family and Friends of Alcoholics (B-22), p. 111. WSO CAL Task Force

14. The Forum The Forum, as a concept, is Conference Approved 2010-2013 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), p. 102. WSO CAL Task Force

15. Questions for discussion • Have you ever been in a meeting where outside literature was used? • Why is the use of CAL important to group unity? • How does use of CAL avoid confusion? • What CAL would you recommend to discuss this topic? WSO CAL Task Force

16. A.A. literature is not Al-AnonCAL • We are often asked if A.A. literature is Conference Approved • It is approved by A.A.’s General Service Conference for A.A.─ but not for Al-Anon WSO CAL Task Force

17. Why use of A.A. literature is no longer an accepted practice at Al-Anon meetings A.A. literature, including the “Big Book” is: • Not written from the perspective of family members, written by and for the alcoholic • Different recovery issues, e.g., drinker’s sobriety • Use of A.A. literature would impact Al-Anon unity • Confuses newcomers about Al-Anon’s purpose • Use of AA literature could be threatening and divisive to Al-Anon Unity • Can be confusing as to what Al-Anon’s message is, particularly to Newcomer WSO CAL Task Force

18. Why is use of outside literature not an accepted practice at Al-Anon meetings? Religious literature “Discussions of Religion: Al‑Anon is not allied with any sect or denomination. It is a spiritual program, based on no particular form of religion. Everyone is welcome, no matter what affiliation or none. Let us not defeat our purpose by entering into discussions concerning specific religious beliefs.” 2010-2013 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), p. 24. WSO CAL Task Force

19. Why is use of outside literature not an accepted practice at Al-Anon meetings? Psychological/Self Help Books and Materials “Focus on the Al‑Anon interpretation of our program is strengthened when we avoid using professional terms and labels since they may confuse members by implying affiliation with certain persons or specific therapies.” 2010-2013 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), p. 117. WSO CAL Task Force

20. Why should members only use CAL at meetings? “Ours is a spiritual program. Again and again we must place our trust in a God of our understanding to lead us to decisions for our common good and we must practice the principles we know have worked for others in our fellowship.” Paths to Recovery (B-24), p. 163. WSO CAL Task Force

21. Why should members use only CAL at meetings? Tradition Four: Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al-Anon or AA as a whole. “When I don’t follow the program’s suggestions, I seem to hurt myself as well as others…The price I pay in terms of my integrity and self-esteem, as well as possible damage to the groups that make my recovery possible, just isn’t worth it.” Hope for Today (B-27) (B-28), p. 55. WSO CAL Task Force

22. Summary─Why CAL? Using CAL Written by and for Al-Anon members Ensures that Al-Anon remains Al-Anon Subject to rigorous review to ensure it accurately reflects Al-Anon principles Avoids confusion about Al-Anon’s focus and purpose Enhances our unity by avoiding outside issues WSO CAL Task Force

23. Questions for discussion • What effect could the use of outside literature have on group unity? • What are some ways we could approach a member who uses outside literature in sharing at an Al-Anonmeeting? WSO CAL Task Force

24. Questions for discussion • What ideas have I learned from this presentation? • How can I help my group to understand these ideas? WSO CAL Task Force