How to Invite a Guest to an Al-Anon Group Anniversary
You’d like to invite a friend to an Al-Anon group anniversary. The flyer lists a speaker and refreshments but says nothing about guests. Ask the organizer what visitors can attend before sending the invitation.
Check the event format with the organizer
Ask whether the celebration includes a regular meeting, an open speaker session, a social gathering or some combination. Find out which parts the guest is welcome to attend. If a regular meeting and an open event share a room, check when each starts and whether guests should arrive at a different time.
Al-Anon’s welcome resources introduce the fellowship for people affected by someone else’s drinking. For a person who is coming as a guest or observer, our Al-Anon observer guide explains why it helps to confirm the meeting designation and any arrangements before turning up.
If the guest needs an interpreter, a step-free entrance or another practical accommodation, ask what the organizer can offer. Give the answer with the room number and time. A guest can decide whether to come when they know what the evening actually involves.
Write the invitation for the person receiving it
“Our group is holding an open anniversary speaker session next Tuesday. Guests are welcome from 7:30. Would you like to join me?” Say how long you expect to stay and whether you’ll meet them at the entrance. If attendance at one part is limited, give the correct time for the part they can join.
Keep private reasons for attending out of the invitation. A person can decide what they tell the group and whether they want to be introduced. Tell them how to reach you if they want to leave early or can’t find the room.
An Al-Anon group’s anniversary marks the group. If someone wants to recognize a personal milestone as well, check what the group and recipient would welcome. Our article on Al-Anon tokens gives background on questions to ask about local practices. Use the organizer’s answer for this event.
Plan what can be shared afterward
Ask whether photographs, recordings or public posts are part of the event. Tell your guest before arriving if there is a plan to take pictures. Make sure they know they can choose whether to appear, and check the group’s arrangements before sharing an image yourself.
If someone can’t attend in person, ask whether the organizer already has a way for guests to participate remotely. If no such option exists, you can arrange a short private video call with the guest separately. Check before relaying anything other members shared at the event.
Afterward, thank the person for coming or say you were glad to see them. Give them space to decide whether they want more information. They can appreciate the invitation without making a commitment to attend another time.
If the group decided on an open session, ask whether the invitation can be forwarded or whether the organizer needs a count. Tell your guest what you know about space and timing. Give them the event contact only if the organizer has approved it for guest questions.
Medallions to consider
The options below are AA medallions for a personal milestone someone has chosen to mark.
Both catalog photos show one-year samples. Confirm your choice in the Sobriety Time selector.
Tricolor Enchanted Crimson Topaz Sparkle
Elite crimson design with a stone-set triangle. The selector lists 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 65 years.
Tricolor Glittering Aqua
Deluxe aqua design with a white triangle. The selector lists 24 hours, 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 50 years.
Common questions
Can I invite someone to a regular meeting as part of the event?
Check the meeting’s designation and the organizer’s instructions. Give your guest the details for the part they can attend.
Should I bring a sobriety coin to the group anniversary?
Ask what the celebration recognizes and whether any gift is welcome. A numbered AA medallion ordinarily refers to an individual milestone.
Keep reading
Compare designs and milestone options in Elite Medallions and Deluxe Coins.
