Public Information

PURPOSE

Like all of A.A., the primary purpose of members involved with public information service is to carry the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Working together, members of local Public Information committees convey A.A. information to the general public, including the media.

BASIC COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS

What follows are the essential services, which may be altered or amplified by the group conscience of the P.l. committee or the A.A. entity supporting the P.l. work.

P. l. Visits: Some examples of visits might include schools, local businesses, church and civic groups. Where no C.P.C. committee exists, P.l. committees might also be in contact with professionals such as the clergy, health care providers, lawyers and teachers. In advance of initial contacts, P.l. committees often distribute a simple letter describing their availability and how interested persons can make contact for more information. They might also plan a visit by two or more committee members. A P.l. visit might include distribution of A.A. Literature, a brief talk and/ or showing an A.A. video. It is essential that participating A.A.s agree on the basic outline for the visit, and are familiar with the details in “Speaking at Non-A.A. Meetings” and “Understanding Anonymity.
Public Meetings and Luncheons: Some P.l. committees host informational meetings that are open to the public.
Staffing an A.A. Booth: Many P.l. committees are active in staffing “A.A. booths” at health fairs in the communities they serve. The invitation to participate may come directly to the local P.l. committee or through the G.S.O. staff person on the P.l. desk. The local P.l. committee ascertains if taking part serves A.A.’s primary purpose. The invitation is acknowledged with appreciation whether or not the invitation can be accepted.

COOPERATING WITH THE MEDIA

A.A. has enjoyed excellent relations with print, radio and television journalists.

Anonymity: By Conference Advisory Action, G.S.O. annually sends several thousand Anonymity letters requesting that those working in print, radio and TV journalism observe our Tradition of personal anonymity at the public level for all A.A. members. Some P. l. committees distribute copies of this Anonymity letter locally, while others use the text on their letterhead for a mailing to local media outlets.
Information on Local Events: Upon request, some P.l. committees assist by distributing information about upcoming A.A. conventions or Regional Forums to community and local newspapers.
For Small Communities and Foreign Language Papers or Publications: P. l. committees may request that A.A. information be included in the public service page or community bulletin board. The committee offers a simple description of whom A.A. serves and how to obtain more information locally.
Public Service Announcements (P.S.A.s): Whether for radio or television, A.A. Conference-approved P.S.A.s are widely accepted as a way to provide information on A.A.
A.A. Videos: Conference-approved videos are listed in the literature catalog and serve as an excellent way of telling the A.A. story visually. Occasionally, a TV station is willing to air information on A.A. in more detail than can be included on P.S.A.s. “Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous” is suitable for this purpose, as are the “Young People’s Videos.” Keep in mind that no A.A. video or P.S.A. can be altered without the permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
Requests for A.A. Presence on Radio or TV: Such requests are carefully considered to assure that: a.) Anonymity of members will be protected; b.) A.A. cooperation will adhere to our primary purpose and Traditions.

If you are a professional who deals with alcoholics in your work, and would like to know more about Alcoholics Anonymous and how it can help, please contact publicinformation@area26.net