Roles and Responsibilities

Panel Coordinator - Responsible to find and train panel leaders for each panel meeting. Communicate with the facility and Panel Leaders. Provide conference approved literature and regional meeting directors to panel leaders. Report all outreach panel activities to the Outreach Committee monthly.

• It is required that you be a regularly attending member of Nar-Anon for at least twelve months.
• It is strongly recommended that you have a sponsor and be actively working your steps.
• This service position has a two-year commitment.

Panel Leaders - Responsible to find, train, and schedule outreach panel participants (2-4) each panel meeting. Start the panel meeting on time and maintain the structure of the meeting in accordance with the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts and as outlined in the panel meeting format. Bring conference approved literature and regional meeting directories to the panel meetings. Report meeting updates to the Panel Coordinator after each outreach panel meeting. Maintain a working relationship with the facility staff.

• It is required that you be a regularly attending member of Nar-Anon for at least six months.
• It is recommended you have a sponsor and be actively working your steps.
• This service position is a one-year commitment.

Panel Participants - Attend outreach panel meetings with Panel Leader as needed. Share experience strength and hope in accordance with the Nar-Anon Twelve Traditions and Nar-Anon Twelve Concepts of Service.

• It is required that you be a regularly attending member of Nar-Anon for at least three months.
• It is recommended you have a sponsor and be actively working your steps.

Suggested Session Preparation

This is a brief outline that my help you in your preparation for your talk. The key idea that you want to get across is the role that Nar-Anon Family groups has had in your recovery. Most of them (like us) are there to try to help their addict to recovery, without much thought of their own recovery.

1. What was it like before you joined Nar-Anon? What were a few of your insanities?

• No mention of your loved one’s name.

2. What changed? What brought you to Nar-Anon?

• What was it like when you first walked in?
• Which meetings do you regularly attend?

3. What is it like now? Why do you continue to attend Nar-Anon? What growth and benefits have you received? What have you given? A mention of how you are more “sane” may be appropriate to share.

• Discuss how has finding a sponsor and working your 12 steps helped you?

Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do share as a member of Nar-Anon.
2. Do stay in contact with the Panel Leader to ensure there is room for you on this panel.
3. Do not go alone. A Nar-Anon panel should include two or three members.
4. Do not give out your personal phone number or email. Suggest the interested person contact the WSO as listed on the literature. Or, suggest the interested person attend a meeting where they can obtain phone numbers from members.
5. Do not break the anonymity of the addicts in your life.
6. Do not share about other programs of fellowships because this takes the focus off Nar-Anon.
7. Do not discuss religion, or politics.

What to take

The Panel Coordinator is responsible for acquiring materials to give to the Panel Leader. Only Conference Approved Literature and meeting directories are appropriate. This includes Nar-Anon books, booklets, pamphlets, and bookmarks. The costs for these materials may be obtained through group contributions. Groups may request funds from an area or region for reimbursement. Reimbursement is contingent on approval by the area or regional committee.

The Panel Leader should bring:

• Current meeting directories
• The Nar-Anon SESH
• The Nar-Anon Blue Booklet
• Other Conference Approved Literature
• Outreach materials to share with the visitors

Suggested Panel Format

“Welcome to the Nar-anon Family Group information meeting. My name is __________. (Introduce all other Nar-Anon members) We are here to give you information about what Nar-Anon is and how you as family members of addicts can benefit from attending the Nar-Anon program. We also want to let those of you who are here in treatment know how the Nar-Anon program can help your recovery when your family and friends participate in Nar-Anon meetings.”

( Open with the Serenity Prayer or Prayer for the growth of our fellowship )

( Read Nar-Anon Preamble )

( Choose 3 readings from the Nar-Anon Blue Booklet such as the Newcomers Welcome, the Family, or About Addiction )

( Each Nar-Anon member shares for 5-10 minutes )

( Questions and answers during last 10-15 minutes )

“Meeting directories and Nar-Anon literature is available for all present. We suggest you always check the website for updated meeting information before you go.” ( https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting )

“Thank you to the facility for inviting us today. Thank you for everyone’s participation and we hope to see you at one of meetings soon.”

( Close with the Serenity Prayer or with the Nar-Anon Third Step Prayer )

Nar-Anon Third Step Prayer

“Higher Power, guide me on my journey to peace and serenity.

Help me let go of self-will and turn my life over to your care.”

Serenity Prayer

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference."

Panel Participation Report

After the panel, the Panel Leader should send a text or email to the Panel Coordinator including:

• Location
• Date
• Time the panel started
• Panel Leader
• Panel participants
• Number of Attendees