Spring 2026

This spring I was provided the opportunity to represent the Virginia Area at the 66th annual World Service Conference (WSC), along with 90 other Conference members. The 2026 WSC was held in Newport News, Virginia, April 20-24, followed by a spectacular 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration on Saturday, April 25. This year’s Conference theme was 75 Years, One Purpose, in honor of Al-Anon’s 75th anniversary. As we celebrate our 75th year of Al-Anon, there are 22,452 registered Al-Anon groups worldwide, in 135 countries, speaking 43 languages.

After multi-year discussions, three milestone decisions were made at Conference this year:

  1. Electronic Alateen groups were recognized as Al-Anon Family Groups and the WSC EASBR (Electronic Alateen Safety and Behavior Requirements) was adopted. Beginning September 1st, Areas may opt in and start the process of registering electronic Alateen meetings and train members as Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service-Electronic (AMIAS-E). Whether an Area opts in or not, teens in the Area may participate in electronic Alateen groups registered in the World Service Conference service structure (the US [including Puerto Rico], Bermuda, and Canada). It is optional - Areas can opt in and adopt the EASBR or not. And we have the autonomy to decide.
  2. WSC members reached consensus on an implementation approach for the Group Naming Policy to guide WSO Staff moving forward as follows:
  • 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.

  1. Following a discussion about the challenges of an inconsistent, low number of

Regional applicants to serve as Trustees at annual World Service Conferences, including

opportunities for Delegates to talk with and gather feedback from the groups within the Areas, a single Trustee process emerged to replace the dual-path Regional Trustee and Trustee At Large application paths on a trial basis, starting in 2028. We will talk about this more as the start time gets closer.

 

Please be aware of the following upcoming dates to remember:

 

June 13, 2026 – Area Officers’ Meeting

August 8, 2026 – VAWSC Meeting

October 16-18, 2026 – Fall Assembly

January 16, 2027 – Area Officers’ Meeting

March 6, 2027 – VAWSC Meeting

May 14-16, 2027 – Spring Assembly

June 12, 2027 – Area Officers’ Meeting

August 6-8, 2027 – Area Convention, Williamsburg, VA

August 14, 2027 – VAWSC Meeting

October 15-17, 2027 Fall Assembly

July 20-23, 2028 – International Convention, Minneapolis, MN

 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Panel 65 Delegate. If I can be of help in any way, please reach out to me at delegate@vaalanon.org or 434-944-2288.

 

With gratitude,

 

Laura L., Panel 65 Delegate, Virginia