Episode 7 of my CAL Chat podcast is now available to listen to! What do I want to be free of? What exactly are character defects? Can Alateen outreach be done to AA members? (To hear this episode, please visit the show’s website at: calchatpodcast.com – or you can subscribe to it for free wherever you get your podcasts & you’ll be notified every time a new episode is posted. 📲 🔔)
In part 1 of 5 of Episode 7, Mark shares how he used the workbook “Reaching For Personal Freedom” (item # P-92) in studying the Steps, Traditions, & Concepts horizontally. He also highlights how a section on page 12 led to a spiritual awakening for him.
Freedom is specifically discussed in part 2 of 5. He compares this book to other Al-Anon workbooks, explains how it differs, & I reveal a surprise… I’ve created an index for this book! (It can be downloaded here: “Reaching For Personal Freedom” – Index Only. **It’s a new updated version as of October 2025! If you prefer an interactive version online where you can jump link to different sub-indexed words, click here for the online index.**) Also, find out what patterns I learned about the Legacies from creating an index by downloading this document: “Reaching For Personal Freedom” – Index Words Repeated.
In part 3 of 5 find out what two words I discovered are inter-related after creating an index for the book. Mark talks about how he used to be before he came in the program & explores what I call a “big ticket item!”
His favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the service tool “Best of Public Outreach” (item # P-90) in part 4 of 5. He shares how public outreach is what first got him into service in Al-Anon & calls out a “Getting Started” part on page 7, as well as pages 12-19 for several lists of outreach ideas. He also explains how the workbook helped with a big outreach project he was involved with that was done in honor of Al-Anon’s founder, Lois W., & how projects don’t need to be big to be effective. Lastly, we discuss what it’s like to talk to people that are not familiar with the Al-Anon program.
In part 5 of 5, the conversation continues about Alateen outreach to Alcoholics Anonymous & how service has helped his program. He shares what moved him emotionally at his first Area Assembly meeting & how it was similar to a Newcomer meeting! Click this link for the free download version of “Best of Public Outreach” from 2012 & you can always view Al-Anon’s current TV public service announcements here: www.al-anon.org/media-kit/public-service-announcements. Before wrapping up, Mark explains how being powerless & being hopeless are not the same thing!
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It’s a different way to enjoy & celebrate Conference Approved Literature. So, as always, I hope you enjoy & happy reading!
"CAL Chat" Blog ~My journey in Al-Anon~ 