Al-Anon Literature
Remember, when you buy directly from your group, at our local Literature Distribution Center, you support your local Al-Anon services. Literature purchased through a 3rd party website does not go towards Al-Anon programs and services.
LITERATURE ORDER FORM ENGLISH LITERATURE ORDER FORM SPANISH
What is Conference Approved Literature (CAL)?
Al-Anon’s World Service Conference (WSC), established in 1961, set up a process to make sure that Al-Anon literature accurately expresses Al-Anon policies and perspective. Literature bearing the seal and words, "Approved by World Service Conference Al-Anon Family Groups" has been designated “Conference Approved Literature” (CAL) by the WSC and has been through a rigorous committee review process. It was also examined for adherence to Al-Anon’s Traditions and policies. Literature bearing this seal was written by Al-Anon members, approved by Al-Anon members, is for Al-Anon members, and is written from the Al-Anon point of view.



THE ROLE OF LDCs: 

There are many ways to protect Al‑Anon as a fellowship and as an organization. In addition to trademark registration of the Al‑Anon and Alateen name and the Al‑Anon logo, Al‑Anon's Conference Approved Literature (CAL) is safeguarded by copyright protection. The article “Worthy of Protecting” in the July 2025 edition of The Loop discusses the importance of protecting our copyrighted materials and why we use the Request Permission to Reprint form. There are narrow circumstances in which permission is not necessary but the process exists to promote unity and prevent Al‑Anon’s message from being diluted, misunderstood or taken out of context.

In accordance with our Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), the World Service Office can only grant permission for “limited excerpts”—usually a paragraph or less. Members and others can obtain permission by submitting the “Request for Permission to Reprint” form. As the Manual states, “Permission to reprint extensively from our publications is not granted in the United States and Canada to any individuals, within or outside of our membership, or to any outside agency.”

The one exception to this policy is that Al-Anon members may copy or post Conference Approved Literature (and The Forum) for use during Al‑ Anon/Alateen meetings or workshops without obtaining written permission, provided they do so for a one-time use (such as for a meeting topic), the photocopy or post is limited in scope to content possible to be shared and discussed during one meeting, the material is not for sale or distribution beyond the group, and electronic postings do not persist beyond the timeframe of the meeting. When doing so, please include the following credit line: “From [title of book or pamphlet], copyright 20__, by Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. One-time reprint permission granted by Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.”

Copyright law also extends to the internet. Areas, Districts, Al‑Anon Information Services, Literature Distribution Centers, and individuals do not have permission to post Conference Approved Literature on their websites.

Written permission is not necessary for Al‑Anon/Alateen service arms to excerpt items of interest from In the Loop, the “Inside Al‑Anon Family Groups” section of The Forum, or other service tools for inclusion in Al‑Anon newsletters or on websites, provided a credit line is given. In fact, to help spread information, these items may be photocopied or posted in their entirety by anyone. Likewise, three articles from The Forum are designated each month for reprinting in service arm newsletters or on websites, along with the credit line. They are also posted on al‑anon.org.

The above are excerpts from the July and August 2025 editions of In The Loop.


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