Tradition Three

"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 only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend."

I like this Tradition, it keeps our program from being diluted or muddied. I like those last two words, "or friend." I appreciate the way we decide for ourselves if we fit that very loose criteria for membership. I am grateful that when I go to a meeting, no-one will try to force me to accept their  beliefs before I can be allowed into the group.

I have seen for myself what happens when we allow outside life to seep into our meetings - I once belonged to a group where one member encouraged other members to invest in a questionable financial scheme, with disastrous results - it turned out to be a pyramid scheme, and some lost almost all of their savings. It was horrendous. At the time, I was too new to program to be able to speak up, when this was first raised at a meeting, by the member involved - she had said she was having a potluck dinner at her house, for anyone interested in investing in blah blah blah.

If that happened today, I think I'd have no problem gently interrupting her, explaining this Tradition, and asking that she please not approach members of the Al-Anon group for this purpose. In retrospect, I have to wonder why the long-time members of that group didn't speak up about it. Fear, and people-pleasing, I guess.

Because of this experience, I feel quite strongly about the Third Tradition - I've seen the necessity for it, firsthand, and the unfortunate results when we don't abide by it.