Welcome! We’re glad you ’ re interested in starting a new Families Anonymous (FA ) group!
Launching a new group is exciting! It's an important and purposeful way to help friends and family members struggling with the behaviors, chaos and concerns that often accompany a loved one's substance use disorder (SUD). We are grateful that you are willing to make a meaningful difference in other people's lives
The Families Anonymous fellowship has a variety of useful resources to help you launch a successful new group. One of these resources is the FA Group Outreach Committee Please contact them at GO@familiesanonymous.org with any questions you may have
This New Group Starter Kit is another helpful resource We have gathered together a collection of tools you may find useful in starting a new group. Spread the Word (#7007E) and the FA Public Information Committee are two other valuable sources of information and ideas for raising awareness of your new group. Reach out to PI@familiesanonymous.org if you'd like their assistance.
The FA website (FamiliesAnonymous.org) offers additional information that may answer questions or provide you with other support
We are here for you! Please reach out if you have questions, need more information or would like to network with an established group.
STARTING A NEW FAMILIES ANONYMOUS GROUP
Whocanstartagroup?
It takes only one concerned person to launch a new Families Anonymous group In fact, many people who start FA groups have no prior Twelve Step program experience The only things needed to start a group are:
A regular place to meet (in-person) and/or a virtual meeting login (online)
This New Group Starter Kit
FA’s Suggested Meeting Format with Basic Readings (#5003)
FA recovery resources (printed literature and e-resources) to offer attendees and to use during meetings
A few potential members
If you have never attended an FA meeting, you may find it helpful to visit a nearby group or one of our virtual meetings. A directory of in-person and virtual FA meetings is available on our website.
Suggested places for in-person meetings include schools, places of worship, addiction treatment facilities (rehabs), hospitals and public buildings. The site where you meet should be well lit, easy to find and in a central location The building manager should understand the nature and purpose of the FA program as well as the fact that our 1½- to 2hour meetings are traditionally held weekly, including holidays.
Howmuchshouldameetingroomcost?
Your search for a meeting room will probably lead you to a community-spirited person or facility that might offer a room at little or no cost If there is no set fee, you should explain that, in accordance with our Seventh Tradition (i e , “ every group out to be self-supporting, declining outside contributions”), the group would like to make a small contribution toward the use of the room.
If you will be hosting an FA meeting in a virtual or hybrid format, an online meeting platform such as Google Meet or Zoom will be needed. In some FA groups, a member may choose to donate the cost of an annual meeting subscription; other groups pool funds to cover the cost of the online platform.
Whatsuppliesareneededforin-personmeetings?
You may wish to provide light refreshments, a clock, a collection basket and signs directing newcomers to your meeting room All supplies used for the meeting (coffee, water, cream, sugar, disposable cups, spoons, napkins, etc.) can be paid for out of group funds.
Howdowefinancethegroup?
The group is financed by “passing the basket” at inperson meetings or by encouraging attendees to make donations electronically (Venmo, Zelle, etc ) These voluntary donations are used to pay for the meeting site or online platform, refreshments and FA literature If donations exceed your group ’ s needs, they can be contributed to your local intergroup or national service board (if any) or to the World Service Office (WSO).
WhatFAliteraturewillweneed?
FA offers a wide variety of recovery resources in the form of books, brochures, pamphlets, bookmarks and digital media The following links will connect you to helpful resources for your new group
Online Bookstore
Literature Catalog
Free Electronic Resources
Full Literature Pack (#8001)
Paquete completo de literatura (#8001S)
Free Downloads
Howisthemeetingconducted?
The Suggested Meeting Format with Basic Readings (#5003) makes it easy to lead a meeting. At in-person meetings, chairs are typically arranged in a circle or other configuration that enables easy communication among members The meeting’s leader (a different person each week) usually selects a specific topic for discussion The topic may be one of the Twelve Steps or Twelve Promises, an FA slogan or a key word or phrase, such as “release with love” or “acceptance.” A meeting topic can also be selected from the index of Today a Better Way (#1015) , from one of FA’s five “basic readings” or from another FA recovery resource.
Whatmakesa"goodmeeting"?
Members make a meeting “good” by being willing to share their personal progress, shortcomings or overreactions in daily-life situations. In this program, we help each other not by giving advice or criticism or by endlessly discussing our problems, but rather by honestly sharing our own experiences, strengths and hope
The discussion may proceed around the room, with each person having a chance to speak in turn Or members who want to speak, make comments or ask questions may raise their hand and wait to be recognized by the meeting’s leader. Regardless of which method is used, participation in discussions is strictly voluntary. The leader’s role is to encourage engagement by all who wish to speak, while ensuring that everyone follows the group ’ s particular understanding of crosstalk Members take turns leading the meetings from week to week, so as to avoid having any one member control the group
Absolutely! We have members of thriving groups who would be happy to work with you In addition, our Group Outreach Committee is here to support you, and our Public Information Committee can also offer valuable assistance.
It is FA members’ compassion and interest in each other that allow newcomers to sense that they will be understood and supported as they work on their recovery One member (usually the group secretary) can be responsible for providing newcomers with a sampling of literature that introduces them to FA but does not overwhelm them with too much information at the outset. Literature selections are often chosen from this list: Howdoweencouragenewcomersto"keepcomingback"?
Welcome! folder (#6002) filled with:
Basic Pamphlet (#1001)
An Open Letter to My Family (#2007)
Letter to the Newcomer (#6001)
To the Concerned Family Member or Friend (#6003)
Do You Need FA? (20 Questions) (#6004) A New Door Opens (#6005)
Other FA publications of your choice
When meeting virtually, it is just as important to reach out to newcomers and help them feel welcome. A proven method is to have a few members remain online after the official meeting concludes to collect their contact information and offer them, and others who have recently started attending, a chance to ask questions about the program We have created a set of electronic brochures you might download and share via email or text message with virtual meeting newcomers
Introduction to Families Anonymous (#5003-1AE) Helping (#5003-6E)
To the Concerned Family Member or Friend (#6003E)
Families Anonymous For Me? (#7003E)
Are You Torn Apart? (#7009E)
Are You at Your Wits' End? (#7014E)
Welcome to Families Anonymous (#7017E)
There are additional ways of helping newcomers feel welcome, such as by providing them with a list of members’ first names and phone numbers. Many groups that meet in person have copies of their list available at the meetings. People attending virtual meetings often use the "chat" feature to enter their name and phone number so that newcomers may write down the information and reach out during the week if they wish
Suggesting (or handing out for free) other FA literature that a newcomer might find meaningful is another thoughtful way to help someone new to the
fellowship. Announcing, as the basket is passed or donations are mentioned, that at their first meeting newcomers are the group ’ s guests also creates a welcoming environment. For more ideas, view FA’s Attracting & Retaining Newcomers video or refer to Growing Your FA Group: A Tip List for New and Established Groups (#5011)
The WSO is the worldwide headquarters of Families Anonymous, Inc. It is supported entirely by donations from our member groups and by proceeds from the sale of FA literature. The WSO serves all FA groups – domestic and international –and carries the message of our program to people everywhere who are concerned about the use of mind-altering substances or related behavioral problems of a relative or friend It is the source of FA’s recovery literature , free e-resources , newsletter (Serenity Messenger) and educational workshops and events.
REGISTERING A NEW GROUP
Howdoweregisterourgroup?
As soon as you have obtained a meeting place and decided on a day and time for your meetings, you have enough information to register your new group with the WSO There are two ways to register:
Option
Option
Register online at New Group Registration
Print out pages 9 & 10 of this kit, and mail or fax the completed form to the WSO
Whatarethebenefitsofregisteringourgroup?
Registering your group with the WSO will add your meeting to FA’s meeting directories. You will also learn of important fellowship information like free recovery workshops and conventions , have opportunities for service and decision-making within the organization and receive our quarterly newsletter, Serenity Messenger
By re-registering your group annually, and by informing the WSO in the interim of any changes to your meeting day, time, location, login or contact person, you can ensure that the information people use to find you will always remain up to date
Please note that anonymity (as stated in our Twelfth Tradition) is the spiritual foundation of our program. Your personal information will not be used outside the WSO or be given or sold to any outside organization.
for quick and easy online registration Click Here
Helpful Registration Information
Section 1: Meeting Start Date – use the date your first meeting will (or did) take place. Group # – leave blank. The WSO will assign a Group Number. Please watch for a Welcome New Group GR#### email.
Last Names: Last names used in the registration process will not be disclosed to the public. They will be used for mailing materials to the Group Secretary in accordance with Tradition 12.
Public Information: Any information about the Group is public and can be published in the Group Directory or on the website.
Annual Registration: Please re-register with the WSO by April 1 each year even if you have an active local intergroup. It’s easy to re-register online or by using form WSOF-24 Existing Group Registration.
Questions? Please contact the WSO at 847-294-5877 or email dmc@familiesanonymous.org.
If you would prefer to complete a paper registration, please use the form provided on the following page If you opt for a paper form, please submit it to the World Service Office (WSO) via mail, a scan attached to an email or by fax
Families Anonymous, Inc World Service Office
701 Lee Street, Suite 670
Email address: dmc@familiesanonymous.org
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Fax: 847-294-5837
FamiliesAnonymousNewGroupRegistrationForm
Welcome! We are so glad you will be starting a new Families Anonymous group, and we thank you for your service to the fellowship! We are here for you If we can be of help, please reach out to us at 847 294 5877 or info@familiesanonymous org Prefer to register online?
Section 1 - NEW GROUP
Meeting Start Date
(to be assigned by WSO) click here:
In what format will your group meet? (please select all that apply)
In-Person Hybrid Virtual
Section 2 - MEETING INFORMATION
GeneralMeetingInformation
- ALL GROUPS
Meeting Day(s)
Start Time AM
Time Zone
Group Contact - Phone 1
Group Contact - Email Address
Group Website (optional)
VIRTUAL ONLY Groups
Group Contact - Phone 2
(optional)
If your group is VIRTUAL ONLY, please enter the geographic information where the hosting member resides and the other meeting information requested below (If your group is NOT VIRTUAL ONLY, please complete the In-Person & Hybrid section.)
City of Virtual Meeting Host State/Province ZIP/Postal Code Country
Meeting Login Information (please enter the Meeting Link, ID and Password)
Other Meeting Instructions or Notes (optional)
Keep Meeting Login Information Private
Please check this box if you do NOT want your group's online meeting link, ID and password listed on the FA website (If the box is checked, people will need to contact you in order to receive login details )
IN-PERSON & HYBRID Groups
If your group meets IN-PERSON or HYBRID, please enter the following meeting information
Facility Name of Meeting Site
Street Address Suite, Unit, etc
City State/Province ZIP/Postal Code Country
Meeting Login Information (please enter the Meeting Link, ID and Password)
Other Meeting Instructions or Notes (optional)
Section 3 - GROUP SECRETARY INFORMATION
Please enter the following Group Secretary information
Group Secretary - Full Name
Keep Meeting Login Information Private
Please check this box if you do NOT want your group's online meeting link, ID and password listed on the FA website (If the box is checked, people will need to contact you in order to receive login details )
Street Address (required) Suite, Unit, etc
State/Province ZIP/Postal Code Country
Group Secretary - Phone 1
Other Contact - Phone 2
City (full name required) (required) (required) (required) (required) (required) (required)
Group Secretary - Email Address
Section 4 - QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
Section 5 - GROUP SECRETARY CONSENT
Consent (box must be checked)
Yes, I give Families Anonymous, Inc (FA) permission to use the Group Contact Phone Number(s) and Group Contact Email Address on the Families Anonymous (FA) website
Signature (required)
If you have questions or comments, please share those here Email Phone Mail Fax Rcv'd via:
For FA WSO Use Only
DB Updated by:
Name Date (required) (please print name)
Date:
FREE RESOURCES
SpreadtheWord
The following pages include links to free resources your group may find helpful for attracting new members, hosting meetings and administering the group
Spread the Word: Raising Awareness and Planning Public Outreach is a resource designed to guide you through various options for sharing the FA program. Many of the tools included in this kit are in electronic format to give you cost-effective, efficient and attractive options for announcing your group and growing its membership.
Spread the Word: Raising Awareness and Planning Public Outreach (#7007E)
Email Templates (#7008E) - for use with #7007E and the #7010E series
OutreachResources-DigitalMediaFormat
These items are full-color, electronic documents for use in raising awareness of your group and the FA program. We encourage you to attach them to emails and share them via social media. (Click the images to access the brochures.)
MeetingResources
The Twelve Promises of Families Anonymous (#2011) Suggested Meeting Format with Basic Readings (#5003) Meeting Location Signs (#5015) Letter to the Newcomer (#6001)
GroupAdministrationTools
Literature Catalog (#WSOF-04)
Literature Order Form (#WSOF-05)
Literature Order Form Instructions (#WSOF-05I)
Group Secretary's Handbook (#WSOF-14)
all the documents on this page are available as a
click the titles to access
(orders may also be placed online)
Secretary's & Treasurer's Meeting Record (#WSOF-18)
New Group Press Release (WSOF-32)
Existing Group Press Release (WSOF-33)
Group Inventory (#5002)
Avoiding Four Destructive Forces (#5013)
Growing Your FA Group: A Tip List for New and Established Groups (#5011) My Part in the Group (#5012)
Setting Up a Group Checking Account (WSOF-25)
OtherFreeDownloads
The Three Cs x 2: An Overview (#1033X)
An Open Letter to My Family (#2007) About Substance Use Disorder (#2010)
A Look Inside the Fellowship (#5006) Supporting Your Fellowship (WSOF-09) Sponsorship Guidelines (WSOF-26)
Hope for Troubled Families for New Groups - Sample Newspaper Article (WSOF-34)
Hope for Troubled Families for Existing Groups - Sample Newspaper Article (WSOF-35)
OnlineWorkshops
FA's Education Committee hosts free workshops and educational sessions for the fellowship. Encourage your Group Secretary to notify the rest of the group members of upcoming sessions by forwarding email notifications of the events and highlighting them at the meetings
PriorSessionRecordings
Recordings of past sessions are available on the Families Anonymous website You will find a variety of recovery topics of interest to your group members In addition, some sessions are designed to meet the needs of those who are leading groups.
SessionsGearedTowardGroupLeaders
Attracting & Retaining Newcomers
Raising Awareness & Growing Your Group
Technology Tips & Help with Hybrid Meetings
RecoveryWorkshops
Designing & Maintaining Boundaries
Setting Boundaries
Family Culture
Help with Holidays #1 and Help with Holidays #2
Assessing Your FA Progress
Twelve Step Workshops (sessions for every Step)
Bereavement, Healing & Hope
Addiction Recovery thru the Eyes of a Recovering Alcoholic
Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder/Emotion Dysregulation
Creating Personal Balance & Achieving Emotional Freedom
Convention Keynote Speaker
RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL (SPANISH RESOURCES)
Materialesparalosgruposnuevos
Comenzando un grupo nuevo de Familias Anónimas (#8004S)
Recursosparareuniones
Formato sugerido para las reuniones con las lecturas básicas (#5003S)
A continuación hay enlaces a recursos gratuitos en español disponibles en el sitio web (Below are links to free Spanish language resources available from the FA website )
haga clic en los títulos para acceder a los recursos gratuitos en español
Formato sugerido para las reuniones virtuales con las lecturas básicas (#5003VS)
Carta para el nuevo integrante (#6001S)
Acta de la reunión del tesorero(a) y del secretario(a) (#WSOF-18S)
Otrasdescargasgratuitas
No más expectativas! (#1012S)
Las tres Cs x 2: Un resumen (#1033XS)
Una carta abierta a mi familia (#2007S)
Carta para el miembro de familia a amigo preocupado (#6003S)
Está usted desgarrado? (#7009S)
Datos de Familias Anónimas (#7012S)
Te agota la desesperación? (#7014S) ? ?
Recursoselectrónicosenespañol
Introducción a Familias Anónimas (#5003-1AES)
Ayudando (#5003-6ES)
Para los preocupados miembros de familia o amigos (#6003ES)
Familias Anónimas para mí? (#7003ES)
Estás destrozado? (#7009ES)
Familias Anónimas y la comunidad profesional ? ?
Salud conductual (#7010ES-Behav)
Líderes comunitarios (#7010ES-Comm)
Educadores (#7010ES-Educ)
Empleadores (#7010ES-Empl)
Líderes religiosos (#7010ES-Faith
Prestadores de servicios de salud (#7010ESHeal)
Cumplimiento de la ley (#7010ES-Law)
Thank you for your interest in FA! Remember, we are here for you If you have questions about facilitating a new group, please reach out to go@familiesanonymous.org. If you would like help with raising awareness, please email pi@familiesanonymous.org We wish you well!
