Meetings should open and close on time, but there is no rigid formula for an S-Anon meeting. A suggested meeting format is provided because most new groups find a general outline to be helpful, especially if no one in the group has attended any Twelve Step meetings. Because S-Anon groups are autonomous, not every group chooses to plan its meeting this way. However, this format is Conference Approved, which means that it reflects the experience of a wide variety of S-Anon individuals and groups.
The conferenced approved format and suggested readings can be found in the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual for your reference. They, as well as the Conference Approved “S-Anon Point of View Checklist,” are also available as free downloads below for your convenience (the format can be customized to your group’s needs).
We suggest that you try the meeting format, and then adapt or vary it to suit the needs of your group. We ask only that you keep in mind that “adaptation” does not mean changing the Conference Approved readings or substituting readings from material that has not been conference approved (Tradition One). (Literature published by S-Anon, SA, Al-Anon, and AA is Conference Approved for use in our meetings.)
Further suggestions for successful meetings, can be found in the S-Anon/S-Ateen Service Manual.