Introduction to the Intergroup
What is the Intergroup?
“An Al-Anon Information Service (AIS), also known as an Intergroup, is a local service established and maintained by one or more districts or by groups located close enough to one another for easy access and communication.”*
Each of the 400+ Al-Anon groups in the Greater Los Angeles area may elect one member to serve a one year term as the group’s representative to the Los Angeles Intergroup. Each representative is called an Information Service Representative (ISR). The requirements to be an ISR are that their Al-Anon group must be currently registered and they are not a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Los Angeles Intergroup is the voting body of the Nonprofit Organization (NPO) whose legal name is Al-Anon Family Groups of Greater Los Angeles, Inc. Think of our NPO as a corporation, whose stakeholders are the groups. Our NPO is responsive to the needs and desires of its stakeholders through the voting body of ISRs.
The objectives of our NPO are outlined in our By-Laws. A copy of which is available to anyone for download from this website.
In accordance with the objectives in our By-Laws we maintain a storefront/office and Literature Distribution Center (LDC) with paid employees and non-paid volunteers who support our member groups. The office is managed by our Board of directors, overseen by the Intergroup, and is completely supported by group contributions and by profits from the sale of Conference Approved Literature (CAL). The office also:
- Maintains a telephone system so that anyone who is affected by someone’s drinking can call to receive information about Al-Anon and Alateen meetings in the area. The office can also refer the caller to a members of a group near them who volunteered to receive calls for help (12th step calls).
- Maintains this website to provide information to our members and to support online purchase of Conference Approved Literature from our store.
- Emails monthly copies of our newsletter, The Al-Anoncer, to all subscribers. The emails are sent in such a way that the recipient’s anonymity is protected. It also emails information to ISRs and Alternate ISRs that may be of interest to their groups via the same protective mechanism.
- Maintains a speakers list of members who have volunteered to speak at group meetings. The speakers list is available to registered group secretaries on request.
- Maintains a database of registered meetings in our service area and provides that information via a printed Meeting Directory, a link on this website to Maps showing all of our Groups locations, and via telephone to anyone requesting meeting locations.
- Maintains an inventory of Conference Approved Literature for purchase by anyone. Price lists for CAL are available online for English and Spanish language editions
- Maintains a Calendar of Local Al-Anon and Alateen Events such as workshops, conferences, Alathons, and speaker meetings, which is published in the Al-Anoncer and on this website.
- Facilitates the distribution of information regarding local policy, publicity, and interest.
* Reprinted by permission from the 2018-2021 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual page 66. ©Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Copyright 1992
Service Council
The Service Council is responsible for the Service aspects to the Intergroup. It has committees dedicated to acquiring and dispensing information to the more than 400 Al-Anon groups in Greater Los Angeles. One example of a Service Council Committee is the Al-Anoncer Committee which prepares, publishes, and distributes the Al-Anoncer newsletter. Other Committes work with Southern California World Service Committes to support Al-Anon activities such as Alateen, Institutions, and Publicity. There is also a Committee to raise funds in support of our AISLA Office and Store.
The Service Council reports on the status of its responsibilities at each regular meeting of the Intergroup.
Members of the Service Council, including its Chairperson are chosen by the Intergroup in elections held each November. Council members, except the Chairperson, serve 2 year terms. The Chairperson may serve only a single one year term. At the conclusion of the Chair’s term he or she becomes the Immediate Past Chair who has a voice but no vote at Service Council meetings.
To be on the Council, members must have at least one year of service as an ISR. To become a Chairperson requires at least one year of service as a Council member.
The Service Council normally meets on the 4th Thursday of even numbered months from 7:00pm – 8:30pm on Zoom unless otherwise noted , In December the Council will select a specific date.
For meeting dates and times: click here
All Service Council Meetings are open to any member of Al-Anon wishing to attend, however seating may be limited.
Meeting info will be emailed to each Council member prior to the meeting.
Intergroup Meetings
The Los Angeles Intergroup meets the 3rd Friday of odd numbered months. Meetings begin at 8 PM and conclude at 9:30 PM.
New Intergroup Reps meet at 7:30 PM for a 30 minute orientation prior to the full Intergroup Meeting. New Intergroup Reps should register prior to the meeting.
Intergroup meetings are currently held online. Use the following information to connect to the meeting.
Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85973726087
Meeting ID: 859 7372 6087
Passcode: service
Intergroup Meetings are open to all members of Al-Anon. However, only ISRs and Alternate ISRs may introduce or second motions or vote.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the governing entity of The Al-Anon Family Groups of Southern California, Inc. (Los Angeles Intergroup). It is similar to that of a commercial company. It oversees the day to day operations of the AISLA Office and Store. It reports on the status of its responsibilities at each regular meeting of the Intergroup.
Members of the Board of Directors are chosen by the Intergroup in elections held each November. Board members serve 3 year terms.
To be on the Board of Directors, members must have at one year of service as the Chairperson of the Service Council.