What is the purpose of the Blaine Alano?
The Blaine Central Alano is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been helping local people with alcohol and addiction problems to resume an alcohol and drug-free life since 1980. Its purpose is to help alcoholics & addicts and those impacted by them, by providing a safe place for them, and by being:
A source of information about the diseases of alcoholism & addiction
A meeting place for recovery groups to have meetings on a regular basis
A facility to provide recovery, social & recreational activities for the recovering alcoholic or addict & their families, in a clean and sober environment
A contact point for individuals seeking assistance in the recovery process
The Alano is consistently home to more than 25 meetings a week for 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon, serving many hundreds of people each week.
What happens at the Blaine Alano?
Conveniently located off of the Hwy 65 frontage road, the Blaine Central Alano is a site for recovery meetings, fellowship, and recreation. It is a place of hope for those who are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction; a place to go when afraid, lonely, or suffering. It is a resource to the recovery community, a source of support for the families and loved ones of those struggling with alcoholism and addiction, and most of all, a place where miracles occur.
What is the history of the Blaine Alano?
By its own traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) cannot finance or lend its name to any facility (and thus cannot own property), so “club houses” for recovering alcoholics sprang up in the 1930s soon after AA’s founding. Initially called “24-Hour Clubs,” and operated apart from AA by groups of recovering alcoholics, these institutions met the need among recovering people and their families for providing a place for companionship and sober recreation, and soon came to be called “AA’s second miracle.” Alano Clubs are the most common among the thousands of recovery clubs around the world that provide “safe haven” to travelers who are recovered alcoholics and addicts as well as a social hub for the local recovery community.
In 1980 the Blaine Central Alano was created to be one such Alcoholics Anonymous club, and has since extended its support to other recognized 12 Step Programs, including Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon, as well as some other recovery-oriented groups.
How is the Blaine Central Alano supported financially?
Blaine Central, Inc., which owns the Blaine Central Alano, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which is funded by merchandise sales, sanctioned Bingo events, and donations - primarily made by the 12 Step Squads and Squad members that that meet in the rooms, and by the Blaine Alano Society membership, who are the pledging members of this organization.
Who runs the Blaine Central Alano?
A Board of Trustees that is elected by the membership of the Society manages, controls, and provides governance over the Blaine Central Alano building and the organization’s related assets. All Board members are volunteers elected from among the Society’s membership. They are accountable to the membership, and it is their duty to promote the Blaine Central Alano’s mission, to comply with the organization’s rules, principles, and by-laws, and to report to the membership and seek their input and guidance on matters of business.
How do I start a new 12-Step weekly meeting at the Alano?
If an AA Squad wishes to meet regularly at the Alano, they can petition with the Alano Leadership (the Board of Trustees) for official status, which allows them to host weekly meetings at the Alano and provides additional benefits such as; Cofee, inclusion in meeting lists, input at the Squad Leader’s Council, a key to the Alanoi, nformational pamphlets & materials, access to the Lending Library of books and audio, discounted books for sale.
To receive official Status , these Squads must agree to follow the Alano’s rules, and must meet these basic criteria:
3 Pledging Members: Must have a least three Alano members that pledge to that Squad
Squad Officers: Must have at minimum a Squad Leader & a Squad Treasurer
Contact Info: Must provide a list of names and contact information for all Squad officers to the Board
Squad Leadership changes: Must keep the Board informed of any changes in Squad leadership
To request to create a new weekly meeting (Squad) at the Blaine Alano, email info@blainealano.org with your request, proposed meeting day and time, and a list of the supporting Alano pledging members.
Volunteering at the Alano
The Blaine Central Alano can always use volunteers for one-time projects, for committee membership, and, annually for election to Board positions. Volunteers are always needed to help with the upkeep of the Alano, to help coordinate services and events, and to support the Board in executing their duties and serving the Society membership. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact us and let us know! We appreciate all of the help we can get. Members and non-members alike are welcomed to help by volunteering their time.
Why volunteer for the Blaine Alano?
The Blaine Alano is a membership organization. There are no paid staffs position. All other Club functions are performed by members and volunteers. Serving the Blaine Alano also means serving men and women of all ages, races and backgrounds who seek support in recovery from the negative impacts of drugs, alcohol, and other afflictions on their lives. As a volunteer, you can help these people, learn new skills and experience, improve your resume, utilize your existing skills & expertise, make community connections and give back to your community.
All volunteers should remember at all time, that anything that goes on in or related to the Blaine Alano is protected by anonymity, and must respect the importance of this principle and act accordingly.
