The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Someone I know who has attended Al-anon for several years was recently banned from an Al-anon meeting after 2 individuals approached them after the meeting near the door as they were leaving. Without saying 'excuse me", one of them suddenly said "We need to talk to you in this little room", pointing to a small room in the church basement. "We don't like your shares" the other said." After declining their 'invitation' to 'talk' or rather be segregated from the exiting members and shamed in private in a small room like a child instead of an adult, the other added through equally cold eyes, "We had a business meeting and it was decided that you are no longer welcome here". If this had been a newcomer, God only knows what might have been the consequence. Al-anon members should never be shamed, let alone banned from a group. Also, newcomers like the other one who was chairing the meeting, and stood staring at the individual to 'escort' them out the door, should not be put in either position of chair nor 'security'. What is the proper proceedure to address this to the World Service Office so that they know how UNal-anon this cliquey 'country club' is and how inappropriate not to mention severely insensitive and demeaning the persons who violated Al-anon's 12 Steps and Traditions by not only gossiping about this indivual who has been attending this meeting for years but also criticized them without any just cause for their group lack of feelings let alone 'conscience' to ban someone from 'their' meeting ?
-- Edited by Shund on Sunday 18th of October 2015 08:01:10 PM
Welcome Shund You have explained the situation with great clarity and humility I would contact WSO
At"
World Service Office (WSO)
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.
1600 Corporate Landing Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617
Phone: (757) 563-1600
Fax: (757) 563-1655
E-mail: wso@al-anon.org
I would not venture to share my thoughts on this topic as I have may questions as to what went on.
My group voted to ban a person who brought her 1 month old child to every meeting even though it was a no children meeting. Before the ban the issue was explained to her and she was in attendance at the Business meeting.
Good luck
We banned a person at an AA meeting for repeatedly making violent threats and having outbursts. It was tough...he had mental issues, but it was unacceptable and unsafe...so...
Welcome Shund - so sorry that this has happened.....it sounds like a situation that would be very uncomfortable. I am grateful to say that in 28 years of meeting attendance, I've never had to see, hear about or witness this type of situation.
So glad that Betty was fast to share the proper channels with you. Please don't let this change your recovery - the actions of a few should not permanently reflect on the greater good!
Keep coming back! We're a friendly lot and I consider those here as my extended family!!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
The idea of someone being "ganged up on" makes me very sad. But like others there are facts we don't know.
who knows what that person my be experiences likewise if the person was unsafe to be around.
Anyway my support for the group as a whole and for that individual. Payers coming your way
HP can take things intended for bad and make them good. Perhaps that person could be directed in a more loving way and helped to find a group that is in a better position to offer support?