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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Writing about my experiences.
Post Info TOPIC: Writing about my experiences.
Youknowme


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Writing about my experiences.
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Hey folks, Mel (Melly)  Here.

I little while back I posted something I was writing that contained mentions of my al-anon experiences. At the time it was just a draft and I had included the first name of a member. The immediate feedback was "Hello, Mel, al-ANON" and I felt ashamed of the careless way I had posted it here so I deleted it.
I do want to point out that I was only sharing that draft in this group and hadn't considered how I would edit it to be seen by anyone else but I'm not completely bereft of sense and wouldn't have published or shared anything that identified any member of al-anon in name or deed. I have boundless respect for al-anon, given that it saved my life and all.

The book I am writing is about surviving domestic violence and it goes hand in hand with the fact that I am finally tying my years of erratic studies into a master of social work and trying to charge ahead into a career counselling people who have left abusive relationships. I am also applying for a public service internship with a view to policy writing surrounding domestic violence (which may be a pipe dream but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take). I don't know if I will succeed at any of these things I am trying to do, but I'm giving them my best.

I'm currently writing a submission for a competition that I think I have a good shot at. It's the opening chapter of a memoir I am writing about surviving violence and putting your life together again afterwards.  I mention al-anon a lot, but just refer to it as "a support group" and I mention lessons I learned, but I just refer to them as general wisdom I learned. I don't specifically mention al-anon or any member or anything that might identify them.

Anyway I am posting this to ask what people think about writing about al-anon in this context. Should I mention al-anon, or just keep saying "support group"? What do you think about writing about lessons I learned? 

It's important to me to write this book. Having come out the other side of domestic violence, I feel like I have a duty to use all of the skills and learnings I have in my toolbox to make something that might help other people in the same situation. At the same time, I will absolutely respect the anonymity of the community that carried me through the worst time of my life. 

Does anyone have any thoughts on how much or how little it would be right for me to mention al-anon? (The program in general, never a specific member or specific words from a member).

I would really value your input. 

-Melly



 



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DM2021


~*Service Worker*~

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Posts: 916
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As best as I understand, when an individual writes about their membership in Al-Anon, this is what Al-Anon states:

Please apply the principles of Al-Anon in your recovery writingespecially anonymity and confidentiality.
When writing or speaking as an Al-Anon or Ala-teen member in publications, films, on TV, radio, or the
Internet, we do not reveal our full name or allow our face to be shown.

Apr 28, 2021

Writers reaching out - Al-Anon Family Groupshttps://al-anon.org ... Literature Literature Resources

If I understand the above statement it would seem that even you cannot reveal yours or anyone else's
name in relation to Al-Anon.

Hope that helps Melly!! Congrats on your endeavors indeed!!


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"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it

does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown

 
Youknowme


Senior Member

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Thank you, that answers pretty much all of my questions <3
Just one remains- naming the organisation itself? Do I say Al-anon or stick with "support group"?



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DM2021


~*Service Worker*~

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It would seem, if I am reading the Al-Anon statement correctly, that if you mention Al-Anon, all

individuals in your reference (including you) must remain anonymous.

If you decide to refer to Al-Anon as a support group anonymity of individuals in your reference

should still be respected but your name could be used.

{{HUGS}}



-- Edited by DM2021 on Wednesday 1st of December 2021 08:49:03 AM

__________________

"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it

does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart". ~ unknown

 
Youknowme


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 122
Date:
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Thanks that's clear now. Safest to leave the organisation name out of it I think.
Cheers!
-Mel

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Lyne


~*Service Worker*~

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Mel, good luck with your book and education. I'm retired from the field of mental health. I know what it takes!

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Lyne
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