Dealing with Challenges in Alateen Part C: Understanding the Area Alateen Requirements and Process Minimizing Challenges Arizona Area 1 Alateen Training Module IV

Challenges with the Area Alateen Requirements and Process In order to use the Alateen name, all Areas established Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements. All use of the Alateen name in the Area must be in compliance with the Area Requirements. When Al-Anon members are not in compliance with the Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements, it creates a challenge for the Area.

Area Alateen Process Area Requirements “…if an Area within the World Service Conference Structure uses the Al-Anon or Alateen name in conjunction with any meeting(s), group(s), convention(s), or any other gathering(s) in the Area where Alateen participation is offered, the Area must have safety and behavioral requirements for all Alateen members and Al-Anon members involved in Alateen service. These safety and behavioral requirements must meet the minimum requirements of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.” (2003 Alateen Motion)

Area Alateen Process Area Requirements and Area Processes In order to use the Alateen name, Alateen groups must be currently registered with WSO* and in compliance with the Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements. The procedures for applying the Area Requirements are outlined in the Area Alateen Process.

Area Alateen Process Minimum Requirements In addition to minimum requirements for Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS), the 2003 Alateen Motion set the following minimums:  There must be at least one Alateen Group Sponsor at every Alateen meeting.  The Area Requirements must prohibit overt or covert sexual interaction between any adult and Alateen member.*  The Area requirements must prohibit conduct contrary to applicable laws.  The Area requirements must contain procedures for parental permission and medical care when applicable.  The Area requirements must be reviewed by local counsel.

AZ Area Alateen Safety & Behavioral Requirements Qualifications for Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) including group sponsors.  Minimum age of 23 to be a group sponsor.  Currently attending Al-Anon meetings and an active Al- Anon member for at least two years.  Complete and sign the Area Alateen Sponsor Application and the WSO AMIAS Form.  May not have been convicted of a felony.  Not have been charged with child abuse or any other inappropriate sexual behavior.  Not have demonstrated emotional problems, which could result in harm to Alateen members.  Note: Parents are advised not to sponsor the Alateen meeting their child attends.

PROCESS FOR BECOMING A NEW AMIAS  Contact local District Representative or the Area Alateen Coordinator and Process Person (AAPP) to locate new AMIAS certification training.  Attend new AMIAS certification training.  Training ideally occurs face-to-face unless special arrangements are required.  Training is provided by a certified AMIAS trainer and covers the Alateen Training Modules I & II.  Applicants need to complete both the WSO AMIAS form and the AZ Area Alateen AMIAS Application and Responsibility Agreement (Area AMIAS form).  They must bring to the training appropriate ID along with contact information for two personal Al-Anon references.

This form is the AZ Area Application and Responsibility Agreement (form #A002). It is two pages. Put a check mark in the box next to each statement on page 1. This indicates to us that you have read each of the statements and agree with that statement. Make sure to sign and date the second page. Please list two personal references that have known you in the context of Al-Anon, for at least one year. Where it asks for Al-Anon relationship (on page 2) please indicate if the person is your sponsor, a member of your home group or how you know them from Al-Anon. Statement #5 only needs to be checked if you are new to the AZ area. A check mark next to the statement in #5 indicates to us that you are new to AZ and have attended a home meeting locally for at least 3 months. Then if you checked item #5, you would write in the City and State where you previously attended Al-Anon meetings.

This is the WSO AMIAS form. It is filled out when you take the New AMIAS Certification training. Please print clearly and use a dark color of ink, with enough pressure to ensure good duplication quality. These forms are usually scanned and then sent to the WSO. Once you sign the form you can stop there. DO NOT WRITE BELOW YOUR SIGNATURE

Area Alateen Process Alateen Groups Alateen groups must have at least one certified AMIAS serving as Alateen Group Sponsor at each meeting [NOTE: AZ Area strongly encourages two sponsors be present at every meeting]. When no Alateen Group Sponsor is available, Alateens can attend an Al-Anon meeting that meets at the same time and place. Alateen groups promptly update their group information whenever a change is made. Note that a change in Sponsor or CMA must be updated immediately, as groups do not qualify for registration without active AMIAS in these service roles.

Area Alateen Process Annual Recertification The 2003 Alateen Motion states, “…each Area must have a process to certify, and must so certify to the WSO annually, that each Al-Anon member involved with Alateen service has met the Area’s Safety and Behavioral Requirements and has agreed to abide by them.”

AZ PROCESS FOR RE-CERTIFYING AS AN AMIAS Attend at minimum, one re-certification conference call in the spring of each year before June 1 The purpose of the call is for AMIAS to have an opportunity to ask questions of each other and share their experience, strength and hope in service to Alateen. The re-certification conference call agenda includes covering selected materials from Modules 3 and 4 (a, b & c), discussing any updates from WSO regarding Alateen as a whole, as well as dialoging on AMIAS questions solicited in advance through circulation of the agenda or voiced during the call. The Area Alateen Coordinator will conduct a minimum of four conference calls each spring and will notify members of the dates for those calls, at the Fall Area Assembly and by in the following January. A toll free number paid for by the Area, will be provided for those who do not have national free long distance.

AZ PROCESS FOR RE-CERTIFYING AS AN AMIAS continued The conference call will last one hour. AMIAS who certify between January 1 and June 1 each year are not required to attend a re-certification conference call that year, although attendance is encouraged. The Area AMIAS Re-certification Application form must be completed and submitted in time to reach the AAPP by June 1 each year. No WSO AMIAS form is required for re-certification. Failure to submit the Area AMIAS Re-certification Application form, in time, will result in a lapse in AMIAS certification and the Al-Anon member will be required to attend NEW AMIAS training before resuming work with Alateens.

AZ PROCESS FOR RE-CERTIFYING AS AN AMIAS continued Once every panel (3 years), attend a face- to-face AMIAS training or fellowship and review meeting. The purpose of these face-to-face meetings is for AMIAS to have an opportunity to ask questions of each other and share their experience, strength and hope in service to Alateen. New AMIAS certified within the panel are not required to attend an additional face-to-face meeting but attendance is encouraged.

This is the Area form that you will need to be fill out when you re-certify as an AMIAS (form#A003). It is only one page. Don’t forget to sign and date the form. You will send the completed form to the current AAPP. The form can be sent electronically or via snail mail. This form recertifies your commitment to Alateen for another year.

Responsibilities of an Alateen Group Sponsor Make sure your group is registered and information updated annually. Continue attending Al-Anon meetings regularly. Have a working knowledge of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts. Become familiar with the Alateen literature. Participate in Alateen Group Sponsor meetings/workshops. Familiarize yourself with state law regarding reporting of abuse and your role. Refer to Attend your Alateen meeting each week or arrange for a certified substitute Alateen Group Sponsor if you can’t be there.

Responsibilities of an Alateen Group Sponsor continued Respect and protect the Alateens’ anonymity. Provide a safe meeting place. Prohibit overt or covert sexual interaction between any adult and any Alateen member. Uphold all established behavior guidelines. Guide the Alateens towards working the Twelve steps for personal recovery. Help the Alateen members take responsibility for the affairs of the group. Coordinate the participation of Alateen members in District and Area Al-Anon functions.

Area Alateen Process Alateen events Area Alateen Process Alateen events Any event using the Alateen name must be in compliance with the Area Alateen Safety & Behavioral Requirements. Any event using the Alateen name is connected to the Area in which it is held. Any open meetings at events including Alateens have a safety plan to insure that the Alateens are always in the care of certified AMIAS or a parent.* When Alateens attend an event with their parent/guardian, the parent/guardian is responsible for their children before and after Alateen meetings and scheduled Alateen events.

Area Alateen Process Alateen events Area Alateen Process Alateen events Alateen Conferences Al-Anon/Alateen Conventions A.A. Conventions with Al-Anon/ Alateen participation Roundups, fundraisers, open houses –Whose responsibility is it? –Area requirements See Module III for more detail on Alateen Events.

Minimizing challenges Have more than one Alateen Group Sponsor at each meeting. Set behavioral guidelines for the meeting with the Alateens. Review them frequently. Encourage Alateens to police themselves. Set boundaries with the Alateens. Don’t accept unacceptable behavior. Seek support from others: –AMIAS, Alateen Group Sponsors –Al-Anon group(s) –District and Area Trusted Servants Participate in local/Area Al-Anon/Alateen events. Have a burnout prevention plan!

Minimizing Challenges Supportive Al-Anon groups: Are a source of certified AMIAS as backup Alateen Group Sponsors Welcome teens to their meeting Let the group know that Alateen is available Encourage their members to bring their children to Alateen See Module I: Alateen Overview

Minimizing Challenges Remember your resources We are never alone in Al-Anon/Alateen…we have: Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service Other certified Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements & Area Alateen Process Conference Approved Literature & service tools Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) Alateen guidelines The links of service: –District Alateen contact, District Representative, Area Alateen Coordinator, Area Alateen Process Person, Area Delegate and other officers, Area World Service Committee, Area Assembly World Service Office Members’ Web site:

Other Resources  AZ Area Alateen Procedures  AZ Area Guidelines Section VIII-Alateen Service and Meeting Requirements Contacts for questions: AZ Area Alateen Coordinator: AZ Area Alateen Process Person:

More Resources for Help National 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline National Sexual Assault Hotline HOPE (4673) National Suicide Prevention Hotline TALK (8255) Arizona Child Abuse Hotline 888-SOS-CHILD ( ) Peer Counseling Suicide Hotline Statewide:

Wrap up We are never alone in Alateen Service…talk to each other, reason things out with someone else… Use the resources available

We are all responsible… From the Alateen Safety Guideline (G-34): “Before recovery can take place, an environment of trust and safety must exist. It is the responsibility of Al-Anon and Alateen as a whole to work together to maintain a healthy, loving, and supportive environment.”