PURPOSE

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. 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

BASIC COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS

Public Information (PI) committees play a crucial role in carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the still-suffering alcoholic by informing the general public about the AA program. The committee’s basic functions include establishing relationships with media, schools, libraries, hospitals, police stations, and other public institutions, ensuring that accurate information about AA is easily accessible. This can involve activities such as placing literature in key locations, responding to speaking requests, or working with local media outlets. A key resource for PI work is the availability of Area Chairs, who can either serve as speakers or help secure speakers for informational sessions at non-AA entities. These sessions help educate the public about AA’s mission and provide clarity on how AA can assist those struggling with alcoholism. Through these efforts, the PI committee ensures that those in need, along with those in positions to help, know where to turn for support.

Here are some activities that can be done at the district and group level.

Public Library Outreach

Ensure AA Books in Libraries

Make sure every public library in your area has an AA Big Book available for checkout. Keep in mind that many libraries will typically sell donated books, so it’s important to inform them that your intention is to get the book on the shelf for circulation.

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Letter Writing

Letter writing is a suggestion from the Public Information (PI) Workbook. The PI Workbook was copyrighted in 1994, and the letters may not have been updated since then. You can use AI tools such as ChatGPT to help update these letters or to create letters for specific situations.

For example, one letter (available in the linked document) is written to a police officer explaining what AA does in the community. Sample AI prompt

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Pamphlet Stands

Pamphlet stands are ideal for leaving in places where people affected by alcoholism might frequent, such as:

High schools
Colleges
Police stations
Libraries
Soup kitchens
Food pantries
Probation/parole offices
Social services offices
Emergency rooms

Pamphlet Stands
Corrugated Pamphlet Displays: 50 pamphlet stands for $57 shipped ($1.15 per slot or $3.45 per 3-slot stand).

To assemble: You can use any glue, but the cheapest hot glue gun works well.

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Pamphlets for Your Display

Is AA for You? – 12 questions to help decide if AA is right for you. ($0.15 per pamphlet)

A Newcomer Asks – Q&A about AA. ($0.15 per pamphlet)

AA at a Glance

View Pamphlet
Note: This pamphlet is not available for individual online order. To order, use the AA order form.

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Create Your Own Pamphlets for Local Resources

DIY Pamphlet Creation

You can create a custom pamphlet with local intergroup or group information. Here’s how:

Local Resource Pamphlet

Use 65 Lb (or heavier) cardstock for a single panel pamphlet.
You can fit 3 pamphlets per sheet of paper.
Cut with a paper trimmer for clean edges.

Tip: You can also create an information sheet with QR codes linking to local AA resources, such as the Meeting Guide app. The sheet can be folded into thirds to fit into a pamphlet stand. Local Resources QR flier

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