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 are also available below as free downloads below for your convenience (the format can be customized to your group’s needs).
We suggest that you try it, and then adapt or vary the format to suit the needs of your group. We ask only that you keep in mind that “adaptation” does not mean 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.