The Lambda Phoenix Center provides an inviting, safe and supportive community space for individuals and families in the metro Phoenix LGBTQ community recovering from alcoholism and other addictions.
As such, the membership of Working on Ourselves includes individuals from the LGBTQ community, along with their family members, spouses, partners, and friends.
Working on Ourselves Al-Anon Family Group is an open meeting; we welcome visitors seeking information about Al-Anon as well as Newcomers and Members of Al-Anon.
Working on Ourselves reads from Conference Approved Literature (CAL): pamphlets, brochures, books and daily readers, chosen by the meeting Chairperson.
We read and share our thoughts on the topic. We will take turns reading a paragraph or two, then share our experience, strength and hope on what we read.
Shares are limited to 4 minutes, so everyone has an opportunity to speak. When the meeting consists of more than 10 attendees, shares are limited to 3 minutes.
If you do not have experience on what we read, or do not wish to share, please feel free to pass.
Also, in keeping with the third tradition, we ask that if you belong to another anonymous program that you keep it anonymous during your share.
Please do not talk while someone is sharing. Burning desires will be called about 5 minutes before the close of our meeting.
Our meeting format has evolved over the past few years in response to its growth and changing dynamics. For several years, we used Conference Approved Literature (CAL), reading a paragraph or two at a time and sharing personal reflections. For about two years, the focus was on: Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Since January 2013, we have read from: How Al-Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics.
In January 2014, the group decided to structure its readings by alternating the topics weekly. On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, we read from: How Al-Anon Works. While on the second and fourth Tuesdays, we read CAL: pamphlets, brochures, and daily readers. We read and may share our thoughts on the topic.
This varied approach has contributed to increased attendance. In July 2015, the group voted to introduce Speaker Meetings every three months, which have proven to be quite popular. Each Speaker Meeting features a 20-minute presentation from a guest speaker, followed by a “ticket meeting.” Upon arrival, attendees are given tickets, which are drawn from a basket to determine who will share during the remaining portion of the meeting.
Working on Ourselves provides financial support to the District, SRVAIS, Az Area, and the World Service Office twice a year, in March and August. During these periods, the group contributes approximately 80% to 90% of the current Seventh Tradition. The seventh Tradition funds are then evenly divided among the four Al-Anon entities. The funds from the Seventh Tradition are applied for various expenses, including rent, literature purchases, or program outreach. Funds for Assemblies, Conferences, Special Events, etc. are raised separately from the seventh tradition for the specific amount needed. If enough funds are not raised for specific events, members may vote to use funds from the Seventh Tradition maintained by the group.
Working on Ourselves currently has a five-year archive of The Form. These copies are available for members to borrow and return, for the benefit of others. Additionally, The Form is frequently read as our meeting’s CAL reading, and we share our thoughts on the article topic. Subscribe to The Forum