Public Information Committee
Announcements
Who We Are
Members involved in Public Information (PI) of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help carry the message of recovery to the still suffering alcoholic. Working together, we do this by informing the general public about A.A. by providing resources such as literature, discussion, and educational materials. We also can provide Public Service Announcements to radio and television stations.
Imagine someone wanting help but they don’t know who to call. Imagine someone helping a friend get sober but not knowing where to turn for information. Now imagine all the people who are in recovery today because they did have a phone number or a pamphlet with the right piece of information that helped them find their way into recovery. That’s what PI does, and that’s how we can help.
Together we can take action in our responsibility statement: “When anyone anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that… I AM RESPONSIBLE."
Contact District 5 Public Information: pi@district5aa.org
Links to more information:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- A Newcomer Asks
- AA Fact File
- A.A. District 5 Presents: "Oregon Area 58 CPC Workshop" - August 30, 2020. Download or stream.
What We Do
Public Information carries the message by getting in touch with the media, schools, industry, and other organizations, and relaying the nature and purpose of A.A. and what it can do for alcoholics. Some examples of PI work include:
Placing literature racks in high schools, libraries, police stations, doctors’ offices, hospitals and maintaining them regularly with current literature and meeting schedules
- Ensuring every public library has at least one Big Book, 12 & 12, or Living Sober book.
- Contacting local schools, nursing homes, and churches and offering to provide literature or make presentations
- Responding to speaking requests for non-A.A. meetings within the district
- Placing Public Service Announcements with local radio and television stations
Information on A.A.: www.aa.org
Getting Involved
“From the beginning, communication in A.A. has been no ordinary transmission of helpful ideas and attitudes. Because of our kinship in suffering, and because our common means of deliverance are effective for ourselves only when constantly carried to others, our channels of contact have always been charged with the language of the heart.” - Bill W. Co-Founder of A.A.
A.A. members wishing to carry the message to the general public are encouraged to attend District 5 Public Information Committee meetings or contact our Public Information Chair at pi@district5aa.org. Experience shows us that connecting with other P.I.'s is a valuable way to get involved and find out about upcoming events.
Some examples of PI Outreach
- You can “sponsor” a literature rack. This can either be done on an individual level, or your homegroup might wish to sponsor a rack. You can make this a part of your group’s monthly business meeting by describing the need and asking for volunteers to restock literature. Materials may be obtained at Central Oregon Intergroup (coigaa.org/ or 541-923-8199) or by ordering directly from GSO using the literature catalog.
- Community or health fairs sponsored by local colleges or public health organizations often have a need for A.A. information. If asked, a PI would typically staff a booth, answer questions and hand out literature as requested.
- Speaking at middle and high schools is another way that PI’s can contribute. The format can of course vary, but one option is a presentation on alcoholism and recovery in a health or physical education class.
There is some additional info on the PI workbook which has several examples of these types of presentations and information regarding Speaking at Non-AA Meetings in a pamphlet and our PI Guidelines:
This service material is intended as a guide for A.A. members involved in Public Information work.
A.A. Guidelines from General Service Office (GSO) for Public Information Committee
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). The purpose of these Guidelines is to assist in reaching an informed group conscience.
Contact District 5 Website Committee Chair
District 5 Public Information Committee Chair
P. O. Box 7241
Bend, OR 97708
pi@district5aa.org
Need Help?
D5 Monthly Meeting
D5 Monthly Meeting
Second Sunday of the Month
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Trinity Episcopal Church (TEC)
469 NW Wall St, Bend, OR
Downstairs, Down the Ramp
(Please contact DCM for hybrid option)
Calendar and Announcements
Check out the calendar and announcements section for upcoming workshops, etc.