FAQ

If you want to reserve space for a 12 Step meeting, read and fill out this form 12 Step Group Application and Policy.  Return the form to the caretaker in the MARVELous Cafe on the lower level of the building. You may also contact one of the Board Co-presidents, Louise B. at 608 221-4313, with any questions or concerns.

Space for events can be reserved by completing the Application for Event Space and Policy   If you have questions, please contact Board Co-president, Louise B. at 832 221-4313

The East Side Alano Club House has numerous 12-step meetings, including AA, Al-Anon, and HA. To see the schedule, visit our meetings page.

The East Side Alano Club of Madison, Inc. (ESAC) is a not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located at 1017 Northport Drive, Madison, WI, 53704. ESAC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of four officers and four directors at large.  Directors are elected annually for one year terms. It is financially supported by donations from members of ESAC, donations in lieu of rent by approximately 40 weekly meetings of Twelve Step groups, grants, and fundraising efforts.

ESAC’s mission is to maintain facilities for meetings and social gatherings for recovering alcoholics and people of other 12-step programs, their families and friends.  It is NOT a 12 step program or group. The Club is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous or any other 12 step group and may not financially support entities such as MAICO, District 20, Area 75 and GSO, nor comparable service groups for other 12 step programs.

RELATIONSHIP

The Club’s relationship with the 12 step groups that meet with in it is that of landlord/tenant.  Meeting space use is provided in exchange for a donation.  The amount of the donation is determined by the ESAC Board of Directors.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. It is self-supporting through 7th tradition donations at AA meetings and donates a portion of its collection to the ESAC for use of meeting space.  AA groups are autonomous entities, governed via the “group conscience” process.  They cooperate with the ESAC, but do not affiliate.  

Al-Anon is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. They believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. They do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.  It self-supporting through the funds donated by persons at Al-Anon meetings. Also, they donate 7th tradition funds to  District 8, Area 61 and WSO on behalf of Al-Anon meetings. Al-Anon meetings provide financial donations to the ESAC for use of meeting space.

Heroin Anonymous (HA) is a fellowship of men and women who have found a better way of life, free from heroin addiction. Their fellowship is based on a twelve-step program of recovery—and if persons wish to join,  they are here to share what they have found. There are no dues or fees for membership; the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop suffering from heroin addiction. They are available to assist the next person seeking help with their own addiction. It is self-supporting through the funds donated by persons at HA meetings.  Heroin Anonymous meetings provide financial support to the ESAC for the use of meeting space.