PUBLIC
INFORMATION
COMMITTEE
Purpose
The purpose of the public information committee is to carry the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Utilizing literature and service material available on the A.A. World Services Website and working together, the members of the committee convey information to the general public, schools, students and media professionals. Questions pertaining to anonymity of AA members at the public level, what AA does and does not do, and how we can be found are our prime focus. The public information chair also works closely with the website committee overseeing our Area 79 Website and maintains the content of the “About AA” pages. It is also important to be in contact and available to DCM’s and District PI Committee Chairs for matters concerning PI at a district level.
As our co-founder, Bill W., wrote: Public Information takes many forms—the simple sign outside a meeting place that says “A.A. meeting tonight;” listing in local phone directories; distribution of A.A. literature; and radio and television shows using sophisticated media techniques. Whatever the form, it comes down to “one drunk carrying the message to another drunk,” whether through personal contact or through the use of third parties and the media.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
The Public Information Committee (formed in 1956) very often overlaps with the Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee (CPC) and vice versa. We work very closely in Area 79, but are separate Committees. Many Districts join the two and find this works very well for them. These two Committees used to be one at the General Service Office and were separated as a result of an advisory action at the 1971 General Service Conference.
A79 Resources...
Resources to assist the fellowship with committee work, along with minutes and reports from the ASC and much more can be found in the libraries.
PUBLIC
INFORMATION
CHAIR
Job Description
Public information (P.I.) in Alcoholics Anonymous means carrying the message of recovery to the still-suffering alcoholic by informing the general public about the A.A. program. Public information, unlike many other service positions, does not usually carry the message directly to the alcoholic who still suffers. The function of public information is to inform the community through the media, schools, industry and other organizations which can report on the nature of Alcoholics Anonymous and what it can do for alcoholics. P.I. not only informs of the existence of A.A., it also informs on what A.A. does and, equally importantly, what A.A. does not do. By this means, the friends, families and employers of alcoholics become aware of what A.A. is and is not, and can pass this information along to the still-suffering alcoholic.
Public information has been, and still is, a vital link in carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as a rewarding service position in- the general service structure of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Duties
- To support our Area 79 P.I. Committees and Districts with their Public Information efforts
- to assist Districts in setting up P.I. Committees through workshops, attending District Committee meetings or providing information to individual P.I. committee members in various Districts.
- Offering to host virtual meetings between Quarterlies and Assemblies, to encourage the exchange of District P.I. Committee shared experience.
- Channel information from GSO to Districts.
- Answer any contacts and requests for information as they apply to Public Information, or steer inquirer to the appropriate resources. For instance:
- Carry out public information presentations and be available to answer media requests.
- Forward all General Service Office news releases to local media for immediate release, always providing a copy of the “Letter to the Media”
- Provide public service announcements upon request
- Working with the Literature Chair, monitor inventory of PSA cards and order as necessary.
- Duties common to all ASC members on the ASC page.
