What’s in a name?

Naming A Group

Following is an excerpt from Naming A Group on page 84 of the 2026-2029 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual:

“Some families and friends of alcoholics find it easier to address their common problems in dealing with the effects of someone else’s drinking with those in similar life situations. While groups may choose names that designate them as being for men, women, parents, adult children, young adults, other gender identification/sexual orientation, etc., they may consider using the ‘Participants’ option when registering their group to identify the community they wish to attract.”

The Participant’s option are listed on the group registration form. See the Participant Options on the New Al-Anon Group Registration printed form or online registration form.

2026 WSC Approves Motion

From page 1 of the Highlights of the 2026 WSC on choosing a group’s name:

“Having reasoned things out, the WSC approved a motion directing WSO Staff to allow community identifiers (such as men, women, parents, adult children, young adults, other gender identification/sexual orientation, etc.) in group names. The motion also directed Staff to notify Area trusted servants when a group registers or changes its name to include identifiers, so the Area can ensure the group understands the principle of welcoming in accordance with Tradition Three, and to develop a plan to share experience, strength, and hope on being welcoming, especially to those who do not match a group’s community identifier.”

2026 WSC Motion #4 Carried

To direct the Staff of the World Service Office to adhere to the following guidelines for implementing the “Choosing a Group’s Name” Policy:

• Allow community identifiers such as men, women, parents, adult children, young adults, other gender
  identification /sexual orientation, etc., in group names.
• Consistently notify the Area Delegate and Area Group Records Coordinator whenever a group submits a registration or name change containing a community identifier to request these trusted servants have a
  conversation with the group to ensure their group conscience is to welcome anyone affected by someone else’s
  alcoholism in accordance with Tradition Three and advise the World Service Office of the result and decision regarding whether to register the group.
• Develop a plan to increase education opportunities to share experience, strength and hope with Area trusted
  servants on how to be welcoming to newcomers, especially those who do not match a group’s community identifier, and to have conversations with group members regarding group names and welcoming.