Here is a list of some of the commonly used Al-Anon abbreviations, and their definitions, that you might hear at meetings and in discussions with other Al-Anon members.

• CAL
  Conference Approved Literature
  Conference Approved Literature is what we use in our meeting to promote unity. The Al-Anon pamphlets and books, such as Courage to Change and One Day at a Time in Al-Anon, and many, many others are CAL.
  
  
• CMA
  Current Mailing Address
  Each group designates a trusted servant to receive mail correspondence from the WSO and local service arms and bring the communication to the group. This trusted servant will provide a current mailing address for this purpose.
  
  
• DR
  District Representative
  An Al-Anon member who is elected by the GRs from among their own number. The DR chairs district meetings, represents the groups in their district at Area World Service Committee meetings, and serves as a resource and information source for the groups.
  
  
• GR
  Group Representative
  An Al-Anon/Alateen member who represents the group at District and Area Assembly meetings where the groups share information of importance and brings that information back to the group.
  
  
• LDC
  Literature Distribution Center
  LDCs provide Al-Anon members with local access and quick delivery of Al-Anon books, pamphlets, booklets, kits, posters, films, guidelines, and other Al-Anon material. The closest LDC to Santa Barbara is the Ventura LDC. Another LDC is the Los Angeles LDC.
  
  
• SCWS
  Southern California World Services
  The Al-Anon service structure is divided into service levels beyond the group. The District is the first level and the Area is the second. SCWS is Al-Anon Area 4 which serves the Southern California geographic area.
  
  
• WSO
  World Service Office
  The WSO is the start of support for all Al-Anon members. It is also known as Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.