About Public Information

The Public Information Committee (PI) is responsible to convey accurate A.A. information to the general public, including the media. An understanding of the Twelve Traditions, including a firm grasp of anonymity traditions is essential.
This outreach subcommittee shall:
• provide training for members interested in P.I. work.
• fill requests for A.A. speakers and information.
• investigate ways to carry the A.A. message to the public and media and to take action at the direction of the Operating Committee.
• ensure an adequate supply of Intergroup-approved literature is available for these purposes.
• ensure libraries have an adequate supply of A.A. literature and replenish where needed. From time to time, Tradition breaks may occur at the public level. The P.I. outreach subcommittee is responsible to ensure the appropriate action is taken to address these situations, in communication and cooperation with the Area 79 Delegate.
The outreach subcommittee shall meet regularly and encourage participation.

GVIS Procedures & Guidelines

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The Intergroup Committee shall consist of members of Alcoholics Anonymous duly elected to represent their respective groups as Intergroup Representatives, sitting members of the Operating Committee, outreach subcommittee chairs and a non-voting recording secretary. The Intergroup Committee provides direction in the management and operation of the affairs of A.A. in the Intergroup service area. The Intergroup service area will be defined by the Intergroup committee. Each member is entitled to one vote.

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. Iiterature, 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.”
A few points to remember:
• Open by describing the need for personal anonymity at the public
level; give your first name and A.A. membership.
• Avoid drunkalogs, keep your A.A. story general and brief. Use
humor with good taste; what’s funny to A.A.s may not be laughable to
nonmembers.
• Confine your comments to A.A. information; remember that we’re
not experts when speaking as A.A. members. We don’t try to speak
for A.A. as a whole.
• As nonprofessionals, we do not give any information concerning
the general subject of alcoholism, including on treatment, medication,
prevention, advocacy and legislation.
• If appropriate, offer A.A. literature, such as “A.A. at a Glance,”
“A Brief Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous” or the A.A. Membership
Survey pamphlet. Include information on local open A.A. meetings.
• Be on time. Dress simply and neatly. First impressions are important.


A.A. Guidelines for Public Information

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A.A. Guidelines are compiled from the shared experience of A.A. members in various service areas. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference (U.S. and Canada). In keeping with our Tradition of autonomy, except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole, most decisions are made by the group conscience of the members involved. The purpose of these Guidelines is to assist in reaching an informed group conscience.

What is Public Information work
and Why Should A.A.s Do It?
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. We carry the message by getting
in touch with and responding to the media, schools, industry, and other
organizations which can report on the nature and purpose of A.A. and
what it can do for alcoholics.
This workbook will guide you through the Public Information process. The pages that follow suggest ways individuals can organize and
perform P.I. work, as well as activities that have been successful for local
P.I. committees.
Those undertaking P.I. work for the first time, whether it be at the
area, district, group, or intergroup/central office level, are encouraged
to read and take guidance from the information contained here. It is
suggested that members taking part in P.I. work should have several
years of continuous sobriety.


A.A Public Information Workbook

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This Workbook is service material, reflecting A.A. experience shared at the General Service Office. A.A. workbooks are compiled from the practical experience of A.A. members in the various service areas. They also reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference (U.S. & Canada).


Public Information Suggestions

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The A.A. Group

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Too Young?

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