Technology & Anonymity Do’s and Don’ts / Myths and Facts

Tradition Eleven We are responsible. Internet Press Anonymity TV Films Radio TV Internet According to Tradition Eleven, as Al-Anon members, we are responsible for our own anonymity and of others’, including A.A. members. Therefore, the intent of this presentation is not to educate members on how to use technology. Instead this presentation is a resource for members to guard their identity when using technology. Tradition Eleven: Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members. CLICK

Al-Anon & Technology Technology is changing at a rapid pace, introducing multiple new ways to interact with each other. As technology evolves, Al-Anon is finding ways to incorporate it, while being mindful of our tradition of anonymity. As technology evolves and becomes more social, Al-Anon can welcome and adapt to the changes. However, our principle of anonymity does not change. As we embrace new technologies, we need to make sure that we also keep our tradition of anonymity intact. CLICK

About this Presentation On-line technology is diverse. It is constantly changing. Presentation is a resource for members. Al-Anon recognizes the diversity of on-line technology use within our fellowship and that concerns about using it is a personal preference.

E-mail for Al-Anon Related Communications DØN’TS DO Don’t use an e-mail address that contains your last name, address, or phone number. Don’t use your work e-mail. Do establish e-mail addresses for service members that avoid the use of personal names. (e.g., treasurer@your_area.org) Avoid using an e-mail address that can identify you. Work e-mails are owned by the company and may be subject to review by employers. CLICK

E-mail for Al-Anon Related Communications DO Do use blind carbon copy (Bcc). When sending an e-mail to more than one person, send the e-mail to yourself and use the blind carbon copy (Bcc) field to enter all other e-mail addresses. Do model the principle of anonymity to the individuals who receive your e-mails. CLICK

Alateen Chat Rooms MYTH FACT Inappropriate communications can occur in an Alateen Chat Room. Members can only chat when two Alateen Group Sponsors are present to monitor communications. Alateen Chat Rooms are moderated by two certified Alateen Group Sponsors to provide guidance and ensure a safe environment. No personal information is exchanged. E-mail addresses are used for registration purposes only. CLICK

Al-Anon Web Sites We are completely anonymous on the Web. MYTH FACT We are completely anonymous on the Web. Web searches may reveal personal information about us. The fact is, Web searches on our name, address, e-mail address, or phone number may reveal additional personal information about us and our family. CLICK

Al-Anon Web Sites MYTHS FACTS Anyone can visit an Al-Anon Web site and if your personal information is there, they can access it. Make passwords unique to your area. If you post something to an Al-Anon Web site, only Al-Anon members will see it. Password-protected sites are safe. Password-protected Web pages on an Area site keeps the page from being found in an Internet search. CLICK

Al-Anon Web Sites Don’t use your full name on Web site documents. DØN’TS DO Don’t use your full name on Web site documents. Don’t use an uncommon first name. Do use only first name, position title, or pseudonym. Don’t use your full name on flyers, newsletters, and other documents posted on Web sites. If you have an uncommon first name, don’t use it on any documents posted to the Web site. Do create position specific e-mails for all AWSC members, create a personal e-mail account that does not disclose identifying information, or create and use a group e-mail account. Don’t use an e-mail address that includes last name or employer/business information on Area Web sites, flyers, newsletters, and other documents posted on Web sites. Do use your first name, first name and initial, or position title. (e.g., Jane, Jane X., Area Chair, or Jane Area Chair). Do use a pseudonym or position title. CLICK

Al-Anon Web Sites DØN’T DO Don’t use your personal phone number or address on documents. Do use Area office, AIS, or LDC information when a phone number or address is necessary. Don’t use your personal phone number or address on flyers, newsletters, and other documents posted on Web sites. Do use Area office, AIS, or LDC phone number when a phone number is necessary. Indicate callers should leave a message and call will be returned. Do use the Area office, AIS, or LDC address and arrange to pick up mail or have it forwarded to you. CLICK

Al-Anon Web Sites DØN’TS DO’S Don’t post flyers, newsletters, and other documents without review. Don’t assume you are safe on a password-protected Web site. Do review flyers, newsletters, and other documents when posting. Do use these precautions when posting on a password-protected Web site. Do review flyers, newsletters, and other documents for information that may compromise someone’s identity before posting on an Area Web site. Don’t post flyers, newsletters, and other documents on the Web site without considering anonymity issues. Don’t assume you are safe on a password-protected Web site. Do use these precautions when posting on a password-protected Web site. CLICK

Members Photos Online Don’t use full-face images. DØN’TS DO Don’t use full-face images. Don’t identify a person in photographs . Do make sure the background of the photo doesn’t expose a member before posting. Don’t reveal photographs of full-face images of anyone identified as a member of Al-Anon, Alateen, or A.A. in any publication form, including Internet social media sites. Don’t identify a person as an Al-Anon, Alateen, or A.A. member in photographs. Do look at the backgrounds in photographs and confirm that other members or the location are not identifiable. CLICK

Social Media MYTH FACTS Clicking “Like” or “Follow” on any Al-Anon social media site means I am a member of Al-Anon. “Liking” or “Following” simply means you like the message. Your comfort level should be considered first. Simply “Liking” or “Following” any of Al-Anon’s or Alateen’s social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter doesn’t imply affiliation. It simply means you support the message. It is important to respect your comfort level to “Like” or “Follow” Al-Anon’s social media sites. “Liking” Al-Anon’s Facebook page is a matter of an individual’s personal preference. CLICK

Social Media Don’t identify yourself as an Al-Anon member. DØN’TS DO Don’t identify yourself as an Al-Anon member. Don’t divulge the identity of Al-Anon or A.A. members. Do share what you’re comfortable with, without using the word Al-Anon. Don’t identify yourself as an Al-Anon member, or the identity of other Al-Anon or A.A. members when posting on any social media site. Remember Tradition Eleven: Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all A.A. members. CLICK I’m a member of Al-Anon.

Social Media DO Do support Al-Anon’s public outreach efforts through the use of social media. “Liking” or “Following” Al-Anon’s social media can have a ripple effect. When you “Like” or “Follow” a page or post without identifying yourself as a member, you share that information with your social media friends. This helps broaden Al-Anon’s message of hope to others. CLICK

Thank you for your participation in our presentation and your efforts to apply Tradition Eleven! Remember, our tradition of anonymity applies to our identity whenever communicating with anyone outside our fellowship. When communicating within our fellowship, members can choose the degree of anonymity they wish to have.