Al-Anon Suffolk Information Service

ASIS, PO Box 490, Farmingville, NY 11738

Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Every Alateen group needs active, adult members of AI-Anon to serve as Sponsors. The following questions may help you decide if you can say "yes" to Alateen sponsorship.

1. Are you looking for service work that is rewarding, loving and exciting?
2. Have you ever thought about helping Alateen?
3. Are you aware that sponsoring Alateen is a Twelfth-Step opportunity for you?
4. Is there an Alateen meeting in your town?
5. Have you thought of the teens who want help and can't get it because Alateen isn't available?
6. Can you make a commitment to an Alateen meeting for the next six months or year?
7. Are you willing to meet with Alateen members to share with them, laugh with them, and sometimes cry?
8. Can you allow Alateens to conduct their own meeting without controlling or directing?
9. Can you listen with an open mind, giving Alateen members the freedom to express themselves?
10. Can you respect the anonymity of Alateen members by not discussing their comments with their parents or others?
11. Can you say no to inappropriate behavior and explain your reasoning while continuing to love them.
12. Can you suggest program tools (slogans, Steps, Traditions, books, pamphlets) and not give advice?
13. Do you know the difference between guidance and domination? Are you willing to learn?
14. Have you thought, if only you knew how to go about it, you would sponsor Alateen?

Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) Requirements

• Show up to monitor a regular scheduled meeting
• Encourage the members to conduct their own meeting
• Guide the members toward learning the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions
• Keep the meeting focused on Alateen issues
• Keep behavior appropriate at all times
• Encourage members to call/sponsor each other
• To express the importance of anonymity
• At NO time would it be acceptable to disclose any information that is discussed within the meeting room with the member's family or friends
• The Alateen sponsors DO NOT act as a temporary or permanent sponsor for the Alateen members individually. Alateen members are encouraged to sponsor each other.
  

Who can become an AMIAS?

• Any active Al-Anon member who has been in Al-Anon for at least two years in addition to any time spent in Alateen
• Minimum age of 25
• Cannot have any pending charge or conviction for any type of abusive
• Have a working knowledge of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions
• Be wiling to make a commitment to serve a two year term
  

What are the procedures for becoming a certified AMIAS?

Please contact us for the guidelines and the forms.

Alateen-coordinator@al-anon-suffolk-ny.org