On August 8, 2026 following our VAWSC meeting, I participated in the World Service
Conference's (WS) quarterly Chairman of the Board presentation where Delegates
hear updates from our Board of Trustees, our Policy Committee, our Finance
Committee and our Conference Leadership Team. You can find these updates on the Al-
Anon/Alateen website at https://al-anon.org/for-members/board-of-trustees/. You can
find past Chairman of the Board updates there, as well.

Finances: After a mid-year review, the Finance Committee presented a revised 2026
WSO operating budget projecting an even larger deficit than initially projected,
approximately $358,400 for the year. Literature Sales are below budget as of the June
30, 2026 financial statements. Similar to last year, contributions remain above budget,
but solely because of unexpected bequests. Contributions from groups and individuals
have declined in the last few months.
Expenses are trending just slightly below budget and will continue to be monitored and
reduced wherever possible while still providing the services requested by our fellowship.
The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining a sustainable financial model that
does not rely on bequest income, since it is a line item that cannot be predicted or
budgeted.
I recently received the Virginia Area report of group contributions to WSO for the first
half of 2026. It is attached to the end of this report. 126 of our 267 groups (47%)
contributed $16,828.07. That's an average of $133.56 per group that gave, with 53% of
our groups not contributing to WO at all, for the first half of this year. You may recall
from my Spring Assembly report that the average cost to WO for supporting each
group is $357.95.
We're reminded of how two of our key spiritual principles, hope and trust, are captured
in our budget. While we trust that our members will come through with increased
purchases of Conference Approved Literature and contributions to fund the services we
request of the WSO, we as leaders must do the footwork to continue to spread the
message about the needs of our organization. This is part of showing self-support
through our 7th Tradition and investing in our future ability to bring help and hope to
families of alcoholics.

Passing It On Project: On September 3, 2026 I received an update from the Passing it
On Task Force, announcing the timeline for the Content Developer applications |
announced at our Spring Assembly. WSO is offering an exciting opportunity for you to
enhance your recovery by serving the Al-Anon fellowship in a meaningful and long-term
way.
Over the years, there have been many conversations about the importance of service,
how it strengthens personal recovery, and how we pass service knowledge and
experience on to others. The Passing It On Project was introduced at the 2025 World
Service Conference. The goal of Passing It On is to reignite passion for Al-Anon service
and ensure that foundational wisdom is preserved and shared across
generations. Passing It On aims to create a service tool that provides basic information
about the role of service as part of Al-Anon recovery. In addition to the spiritual
principles that support service, this tool will also provide practical information and
resources to help future generations of Al-Anon trusted servants draw upon the
experience and wisdom of those who have served before them, helping strengthen and
preserve Al-Anon around the world.
To create this new service tool, the Passing It On Task Force is seeking Al-Anon
members who carry the spirit of service and can write with clarity and warmth to help
members understand service as an outward expression of recovery. As a volunteer
Content Developer, you will contribute to this valuable service tool, which will support
members while preserving and passing on the fellowship's collective experience and
understanding of service.

The Task Force encourages applications from all qualified English-speaking
members, including those serving within international Al-Anon structures.
Content Developers will:
• Review existing fellowship materials as a foundation for new content.
• Draft service materials using a framework developed by the Task Force.
• Participate in review and revision cycles.
• Collaborate with the Task Force and other Content Developers throughout the
process.
Required qualifications include: current, consistent Al-Anon membership; meaningful
service experience, demonstrated writing ability; and fluency in written and spoken
English. All materials created will become the property of Al-Anon Family Group
Headquarters, Inc. and must reflect the Al-Anon perspective. If selected, you may
continue to serve in your current Al-Anon service role(s) while supporting the creation of
this new service tool.
The application window opened October 1, 2026 and will close on November 15.

Important Upcoming Dates:
• Road Trip! You and Your Board Connect will be held October 24, 2026, following
Board Week, in Chicago, IL. Once a year, the BOT meet in a different host Area,
hosting the membership event with the focus on increased interaction, personal
sharing, and engagement.
• The 2027 World Service Conference will be held April 13 - April 17, 2027 at the
Newport News Marriott at City Center Hotel, in Newport News, VA. The 2027
Conference theme has been chosen by WSO and will be announced later this
year.
• The Virginia Area Convention will be held August 6-8, 2027 in Williamsburg, VA
• The 2028 Al-Anon International Convention will be held Thursday July 20 -
Sunday, July 23, 2028, in Minneapolis, Minnesota - Registration opens in
September 2027; The International Convention will again include a Day of
Connecting, a Kickoff Party, a Love Parade, and Big Meetings. Room cost will be
between $249 and $259 per night for the two hotels attached to the convention center.

Laura Lovern
Virginia Area Delegate, Panel 65