Jump to Links:
- About Public Information (PI)
- About Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC)
- EVI PI-CPC Committee Info
- Suggestions for Getting Involved
- Resources for PI-CPC Service Work
- Focus Areas for Outreach
About Public Information (PI)
The primary purpose of PI, like all of Alcoholics Anonymous, is to carry the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
The PI/CPC committee conveys AA information to the general public through activities such as giving talks and distributing literature at businesses, community groups, and schools.
The committee serves as a resource for local media, emphasizing AA Traditions of anonymity, singleness of purpose and non-affiliation. It also offers AA public service announcements to print media, radio and television stations, and social media.
About Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC)
The primary purpose of CPC, like all of Alcoholics Anonymous, is to carry the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers. The PI/CPC committee brings the AA message to professionals and to students at professional schools, helping them to understand how and why AA works.
AA has always valued friends in all professional fields. These associations have been mutually beneficial and are completely in keeping with the AA Traditions.
The importance of cooperating with doctors, social workers, and other professionals was emphasized by Bill W almost from the beginning of AA. He wrote an inspirational article, “Let’s Be Friendly With Our Friends”, that is reprinted in a 1958 issue of the Grapevine magazine.
CPC informs professionals and future professionals about AA — what we are, where we are, what we can do, and what we cannot do. It attempts to establish better communication between AA and professionals, and to find simple, effective ways of cooperating without affiliating.
This includes anyone who deals with problem drinkers in the course of their work. Examples include:
- Alcoholism or substance abuse counselors
- Armed forces officers, unit commanders or military chaplains
- Athletic coaches
- Corrections and law enforcement officers
- Court officials and judges
- Educators
- Employers or employee assistance professionals
- Faith leaders (clergy, ministers, rabbis, etc.)
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.)
- Juvenile services professionals
- Lawyers (defense attorneys, prosecutors)
- Probation or parole professionals
- Professional students
- Public health officials
- Senior services professionals
- Social workers
- Union officials.
EVI PI-CPC Committee Info
We invite you to learn about this service work and attend our monthly meeting!
Our contacts with the general public and professionals have the potential to carry the AA message to MANY sick alcoholics – this is our 12th Step MULTIPLIED!
Purpose
The PI/CPC Committee provides accurate information about Alcoholics Anonymous to a wide variety of individuals and groups, to help carry the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
Although AA World Services describes PI and CPC separately, EVI has combined them into one committee.
Methods
PI/CPC procedures include responding to requests for information; developing an email or postal-mail Letter of Introduction and sending it to potential audiences; supplying written literature and making in-person or online presentations; identifying and obtaining needed resources such as staffing, tables, banners, pamphlets, and literature racks; and providing reports at monthly committee meetings.
All activities are performed according to The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, particularly Tradition 11: “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.”
Meeting Info
Please join us at the next hybrid PI/CPC committee meeting!
In-person: 7-8 pm on first Mondays of each month
EVI Office, 1855 E Southern Ave. #103, Mesa 85204
Online via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 984 4383 7353
Passcode: 061035
Email the committee for more information at: picpc@aamesaaz.org
We look forward to meeting you!
Suggestions For Getting Involved With The PI/CPC Committee
When beginning a new service commitment, it often is difficult to know where to begin! To get started, here are suggestions on how to get involved with the PI/CPC Committee.
1. Attend each monthly committee meeting.
2. Share the minutes and activities of the meeting with your Home Group.
3. Ask if your Home Group would like to adopt a specific Focus Area to help carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous.
4. Become familiar with available materials including the PI workbook, CPC workbook, pamphlets, videos, and PowerPoint presentations.
5. Talk with the Committee Chairperson to ask questions and discuss ways you may be of help.
6. Attend in-person and online workshops/roundtables for PI and CPC.
EMAIL the committee for more information at: picpc@aamesaaz.org
Resources for PI-CPC Service Work
The Workbook, Kit, and Guidelines for PI and CPC service work below are published by the General Service Office (GSO). They each compile the shared experience of AA members and reflect guidance given through the Twelve Traditions and the General Service Conference (US and Canada).
PI Workbook
PI Kit
PI Guidelines
CPC Workbook
CPC Kit
CPC Guidelines
The Committee Kits organize extensive resources from aa.org with links to AA guidelines, service material, pamphlets, publications, literature catalogs, scripts for Public Service announcements, Grapevine magazine resources, etc.
In keeping with our Tradition of Autonomy, except in matters affecting other groups or AA as a whole, most decisions are made by the group conscience of the members involved. The purpose of these resources and guidelines is to assist in reaching an informed group conscience.
More PI-CPC Literature
These pamphlets provide a foundation of knowledge for PI/CPC service work:
Speaking At Non-AA Meetings
Suggests what to say and how to say it for AA members asked to speak to organizations outside the Fellowship about Alcoholics Anonymous. CLICK HERE.
Understanding Anonymity
Explains clearly what anonymity means both within and outside of Alcoholics Anonymous. CLICK HERE.
How AA Members Cooperate With Professionals
Answers specific queries on working within AA Traditions. CLICK HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers the questions most frequently asked about AA by alcoholics seeking help, as well as by their families and friends. CLICK HERE
Twelve Traditions Illustrated
Presents both the spirit and the practical applications of our 12 Traditions. CLICK HERE.
Focus Areas for Outreach
Literature
Provide books, pamphlets, information cards, and supplies in support of outreach activities.
Outside Events
Participate in events held by private, government, and faith-based organizations (such as health fairs).
Community Services
Contact organizations involved with civic services. This includes social service agencies, police and fire departments (second responders), and veterans organizations.
Education
Contact private and public educational institutions (high schools, colleges, universities) and other organizations involved with education (such as public libraries).
Faith Leaders (Clergy)
Contact multicultural spiritual organizations. This includes denominational and non-denominational religious/spiritual centers of all kinds (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples).
Fellowship
Contact AA members to educate and inform them about PI/CPC activities and how they can carry the message wherever they go. Encourage participation in the PI/CPC Committee.
Government Services
Contact organizations involved with government services. This includes city/county departments and military organizations (including the national guard).
Health Services
Contact organizations involved with health services. This includes health departments at all levels, nursing agencies, senior centers/groups, and professional associations.
Legal & Corrections
Contact individuals and organizations involved with legal matters. This includes courts, department of corrections, parole, probation, professional associations, sole practitioners.
Media
Ask TV/radio stations, newspapers/magazines, and social media to run free PSAs (Public Service Announcements). Offer to participate anonymously in news stories and interviews.
Seasonal
Contact facilities for winter season residents (“snow birds”), such as RV parks.