The Twelve Concepts of Service

The Twelve Concepts of Service describe how Al-Anon’s service structure works — from individual groups all the way to the World Service Office. They ensure that the fellowship remains accountable, effective, and true to its spiritual principles.

  1. The ultimate responsibility and authority for Al-Anon world services belongs to the Al-Anon groups.
  2. The Al-Anon Family Groups have delegated complete administrative and operational authority to their Conference and its service arms.
  3. The right of decision makes effective leadership possible.
  4. Participation is the key to harmony.
  5. The rights of appeal and petition protect minorities and assure that they be heard.
  6. The Conference acknowledges the primary administrative responsibility of the Trustees.
  7. The Trustees have legal rights while the rights of the Conference are traditional.
  8. The Board of Trustees delegates full authority for routine management of Al-Anon Headquarters to its executive committees.
  9. Good personal leadership at all service levels is a necessity. In the field of world service the Board of Trustees assumes the primary leadership.
  10. Service responsibility is balanced by carefully defined service authority and double-headed management is avoided.
  11. The World Service Office is composed of standing committees, executives and staff members.
  12. The spiritual foundation for Al-Anon’s world services is contained in the General Warranties of the Conference, Article 12 of the Charter.

Why Do the Concepts Matter?

While the Steps guide personal recovery and the Traditions guide group life, the Concepts of Service ensure that Al-Anon’s worldwide structure operates with integrity. They protect the rights of minorities, define clear lines of authority, and keep the focus on serving the membership.

Many members find the Concepts helpful beyond service work — principles like delegation, participation, and balancing authority with accountability apply to workplaces, families, and communities.

Explore the Twelve Steps → Read the Twelve Traditions → Learn more about Al-Anon →

The Twelve Concepts of Service were written by Al-Anon’s co-founder and adopted by the fellowship in 1970. For the official text, visit al-anon.org.