How to Start a Narateen Group

What is a Narateen Group?

Narateen groups, which are part of the Nar-Anon fellowship, are formed to provide support to teenage family members and friends of addicts.  A Narateen group is a safe environment where teenagers can share and work on their recovery.  The principles that apply in the Nar-Anon fellowship, such as honesty, trust, confidence, safety, and anonymity, also apply to Narateen as do the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.  Adult Facilitators who have been certified and registered with the World Service Office (WSO) guide and share their knowledge. 

How is a Narateen Group Started?

Narateen groups often start from suggestions by Nar-Anon members, NA members, professionals, or from teens themselves.  It is suggested that anyone interested in starting a local Narateen group should first check with their region or area to learn if they have World Service Narateen committee-approved safety guidelines. 

• Click Here to find websites and contact information for established Nar-Anon regions worldwide.

In the absence of a region or area, a group is requested to contact World Service Narateen Committee (narateen@nar-anon.org)

Reach out to your region or area Narateen committee, if there is one.  If a region or area does not have an established Narateen committee, ask regional officers to contact the World Service Narateen committee (narateen@nar-anon.org) who will explain the process and offer support. 

Once these requirements are met, and the group registration form is submitted here, the group can be listed on the Nar-Anon WS Website.

It is important that any changes in group information are kept up to date with WSO.  Narateen Group Registration Form can be found online at Narateen Resources.

Group Requirements for Registration with WSO

• Regions submit Narateen Safety Policy for review to the World Service Narateen Committee (narateen@nar-anon.org)

• Purchase a New Group Packet

• Have at least two certified facilitators registered with WSO and the Region or Area

• Adhere to local Narateen safety policies

• Notify the NTPP of any group changes

Who May Serve as a Narateen Facilitator?

Any Nar-Anon member who regularly attends meetings is welcome to become a Narateen facilitator. It is required that every Narateen group have at least two facilitators certified by the region or area, and registered with WSO, preferably one male and one female. Certification includes the successful completion of a background check that complies with local legal requirements. Relatives and legal guardians of teens may serve as Narateen facilitators; however, this is discouraged as some members of the group may feel uncomfortable speaking freely and openly.

Where Can a Narateen Meeting be Held?

Typical meeting places are schools, community centers, or churches. In keeping with the seventh tradition (“every group ought to be fully self-supporting”), if the venue charges rent, each group must find a way to be self-supporting – i.e., pass a basket around weekly, negotiate service work for the venue or seek sponsorship from an established Nar-Anon group meeting. Once you find and secure a venue, move on to the next step.

• Narateen meetings may also be held virtually. A Virtual meeting is one without a physical location but still adheres to the standard format of an in-person meeting, including a primary focus on the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts. Meetings held virtually must always be guided by Adult Facilitators and participants may only be teen members. Just as is the case with in-person meetings that require rent for physical locations, if a virtual meeting has expenses, the members should find a way to be self-supporting.

Funding and Seventh Tradition

To get started and maintain a Narateen group, there may be a lack of the necessary funds to pay rent, buy literature, etc. The local Nar-Anon group, area, or region may purchase literature or give donations to help a Narateen group.  Each Narateen group is encouraged to participate in area or region fundraising.  The goal of each Narateen group is to become fully self-supporting as suggested by the Seventh Tradition.

Narateen Outreach

Since Narateen is part of the Nar-Anon Fellowship, its members are included in Nar-Anon activities whenever possible.  It is suggested that Narateen members be encouraged to participate in being of service at conventions or events. Parent/Legal Guardian consent is required for all Narateen members prior to attending a convention or event.

In addition, other ways to spread the word that a new Narateen meeting is being launched include:

• Choose a location and time that coincides with a Nar-Anon or NA meeting, as it will help teens attend and the availability of facilitator substitutes

• Encourage Narateens to choose a group name by group conscience.

• Notify nearby Nar-Anon and NA meetings of your Narateen meeting.

• Ensure that teens are represented in Nar-Anon business meetings by electing a GSR (Group Service Representative)

• Making information available through outreach encompassing public information, hospitals, institutions, and websites

• Inform doctors, social workers, clergy, law enforcement and others in your community who have occasion to counsel families of drug abusers

• Free listings in Newspapers, Paid Ads and Meeting List directories

• Create literature for outreach to the public, including pamphlets, posters and flyers

• Audio/Video PSAs

Additional Information