HOW TO START A FAMILIES ANONYMOUS GROUP

1.          WHO CAN START A GROUP? - Just one concerned person can found a new Families Anonymous group. All that's needed is a regular place to meet, the FA Suggested Meeting Format (#5003), some FA literature, and a few potential members. (the FA Meeting Format and other Families Anonymous literature can be ordered by Clicking Here).

2.          HOW DO I FIND A SUITABLE MEETING PLACE? - Suggested meeting places are schools, churches, addiction treatment facilities (or rehabs), hospitals, and other public buildings. The building should be well lit, easy to find, and in a central location. The building manager or owner should understand the nature and purpose of our program, and that our one-and one half hour meetings are traditionally held weekly, including holidays.

3.          HOW MUCH SHOULD A MEETING ROOM COST? - Your search will usually lead to a community-spirited person who will offer a room at little or no cost. If there is no set fee, you might explain that the group would like to make a small contribution toward the use of the room, in accordance with our Seventh Tradition. (The contribution can be money or literature. You may want to increase the amount as the group becomes established.)

4.          HOW DO WE FINANCE THE GROUP? - By "passing the basket" for voluntary donations to pay for the "rent", refreshments, literature, and eventually, donations to the local Intergroup (if any) and to the World Service Office.

5.          WHAT ABOUT SUPPLIES? - In addition to the Suggested Meeting Format (#5003) and FA literature, you'll probably need light refreshments, a collection basket, a Secretary's notebook, and legible signs to direct newcomers to the meeting room. All supplies used for the meeting (cream, sugar, disposable cups and spoons, napkins, etc.) should be paid for out of group funds. As the group grows, a coffee pot and other items can be purchased. (New Group Packs are available through the World Service Office: (#8001-AT "Sample Meeting on Audio Tape" $30.00), and (#8001-CD "Sample Meeting on Compact Disc" $30.00) add US $5.00 for Shipping and Handling.)

6.          HOW IS THE MEETING CONDUCTED? - The Suggested Meeting Format (#5003) makes it easy to lead a meeting. Chairs are usually arranged around a table. In order to keep the meeting positive and constructive, the meeting leader usually selects a specific topic for discussion, such as the Serenity Prayer, one of the Twelve Steps or Traditions, slogans, or various key words and phrases such as: "release with love", fear, guilt, self-pity, expectations, acceptance, etc. Selected pieces of literature, such as Helping (#2003-L), Just For Today (#2002), A Guide for the Family of the Drug Abuser (#1002), One Day at a Time (#3001), and others, all make excellent discussion topics and help keep the meeting "on track".

             Members usually raise their hands and wait to be recognized by the leader when they want to speak, make a comment or ask a question. The leader may call on members at random, or invite them to speak in the order they are sitting at the table. (Participation in discussions is strictly voluntary!) The leader's role is to share their personal story (see the Suggested Meeting Format (#5003)), and lead the discussion by encouraging participation from all present. Groups members take turns leading the meetings, week to week, avoiding any one person being "in control". Groups are encouraged to practice rotation of leaders.

7.          HOW DO WE ENCOURAGE NEWCOMERS TO "KEEP COMING BACK!"? - By letting them sense that the group members really do understand their situation and are willing to give them support. A member, usually the Secretary, provides each visitor or newcomer with a sampling of literature, such as the Basic Pamphlet (#1001). Everyone is the Welcoming Committee. Offering phone numbers, or maybe suggesting a particular piece of literature that is meaningful to him/her.

8.          WHAT MAKES A "GOOD MEETING"? - The willingness to share our personal progress, shortcomings, or over-reactions in daily life situations. In this program, we help each other, not by giving advice or criticism, (or by endless discussion of other people's problems) but through honest sharing of our own experience, hope, and strength.

9.          HOW CAN I START A GROUP IF THERE ARE NO FA MEETINGS CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ME TO VISIT? - The Suggested Meeting Format (#5003) makes it easy to lead a meeting, and the Member's Handbook (#5001-T) will answer most of your questions. And, since our program is modeled after the Al-Anon Program, you may inquire about visiting an "open" Al-Anon meeting. Contact your local Alcoholism Information Center, or the central office of Al-Anon (800-344-2666) if there is no listing in your telephone directory. Most are now listed in the white pages and often in the Yellow Pages under Alcohol and Drug, Rehabilitation.

10.          WHAT IS THE FAMILIES ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE OFFICE? - It is the international headquarters of Families Anonymous, Inc. in Culver City, California. Our office is supported entirely by donations and the sale of our self published literature. The office serves all Families Anonymous groups, and carries the message of our program wherever there are people concerned about the use of mind-altering substances or the related behavioral problems of a relative or friend (and that's an awful lot of people!).

11.          HOW DO WE REGISTER OUR GROUP? - Return one registration card included in the New Group Pack, or register online by visiting the "Member's Area" (you will be asked for a username and password, please contact the World Service Office for these). The card asks for your group's name (usually the city where you meet), your Secretary's (or the group's organizer's) full name, address, and phone number, the meeting place and address, and the day and time of the meeting. Please keep the World Service Office informed of any changes to this information, it is used for referrals to your group, to keep you informed of new literature and FA events, for public information, to maintain an accurate directory of worldwide FA meetings, and to mail your group FA's bi-monthly, in-house newsletter, The Twelve Step Rag.

12.          ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? - If you are puzzled about something, look first in the Member's Handbook (#5001-T), or write us at any time for information and help, or call our toll-free number (800) 736-9805, and we'll share our experiences with you. (There are no foolish questions!) We wish you well. What you are doing is IMPORTANT!

FAMILIES ANONYMOUS, INC.  * P.O. BOX 3475  * CULVER CITY, CA 90231-3475
(800) 736-9805  * (310) 815-8010  * (310) 815-9682 (FAX)
Famanon@FamiliesAnonymous.org