What is an Alano Club?

The Elgin Alano Club Is…

  1. A source of information about the diseases of alcoholism and addiction.
  2. A meeting place for recovery groups to have meetings on a regular basis.
  3. A facility to provide social and recreational activities for the recovering addict/alcoholic and their families in a clean and sober environment.
  4. A contact point for individuals seeking assistance in the recovery process.
  5. A non-profit corporation owned solely by it’s members and funded entirely through dues, contributions and retail sales.

Membership Benefits

The Board of Directors and volunteers work diligently to provide a “safe environment” for the recovering alcoholic/addict and their families.  No alcoholic beverages or drugs of any kind are allowed on the premises.

We are open 365 days a year and scheduled meetings occur on holidays as a resource to the community.  Our vending machines and kitchen provides options for wholesome food and beverages at moderate prices and facilitate many pot-luck events!

There are a lot of recovery meeting groups held at the club on a regularly scheduled basis, and it is never difficult to enter into a conversation with another person at the club about recovery or to obtain information and literature about recovery.

Social Activities are planned on a continuous basis to provide good food, fun, and the opportunity to make lasting friendships with other alcoholics, addicts, and their families.  All club activities are at discount prices to paid-up members.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If I come to AA, 12-step or Al-Anon meetings does this along make me a ‘Member of the Club?” No. You are a member of the 12-step group you are attending; you belong to the Elgin Alano Club only if you apply for membership & pay dues.
  • What is an Alano Club Membership?  Because AA, 12-step and Al-Anon traditions keep us from engaging in business or owning property, the Alano Club is a separate entity, a non-profit corporation registered with the Illinois Secretary of State.  Club members make dues and/or donations as a contribution towards the operating budget of the club, over and above the contributions he/she makes at group meetings when the basket is passed.
  • How do I become a Member?  An application is submitted to the Club and/or online.  If you meet the minimum requirements, please complete the form and place it in an envelope with cash or check (payable to ‘Elgin Alano Club’) and submit into the office Safe slot or give to a club Board Member.
  • If others in my household and/or family attend meetings and want to join the club, does each of them pay separate dues?  The may if they are able.  However, a pair of related AA’s and/or Al-Anon (husband & wife, two life partners, or a parent & adult child) have have a Family Membership as a discounted rate with two keys.
  • Why is Membership Important?  Membership dues are essential to meeting the income needed for our operating budget.  Our traditions require that we be self-supporting.  Rents from AA, 12-step and Al-Anon group meetings do not cover all the costs of running the Elgin Alano Club.
  • Must I pay Alano Club dues to come to AA, 12-step or Al-Anon meetings?  No.  You are ALWAYS welcome at meetings for which you meet the groups’ qualifications.  However, membership IS required for meeting chairs (open/close) and voting at the Club’s annual business meeting.  Service on our Club Board is limited to dues-paying members whom meet certain sobriety requirements.