Carry the Message

By Judy F.

“Remembering to observe the Traditions of anonymity and non-endorsement, the AA member can carry AA’s message into every troubled area of this very troubled world.”

The above quote was from Bill W in February 1958 in an article he wrote, “Problems Other Than Alcohol.” This particular article is also a pamphlet of the same name available at Central Office. 

While Bill was speaking of non-alcoholic drug addicts in alcoholics anonymous when he wrote this article I was drawn to the last part of the quote – we can carry AA’s message into every troubled area. I think of our responsibility statement – “I am responsible when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that I am responsible.

So how do we go about carrying the message outside the regular AA meeting without trampling over most of the Twelve Traditions?

I believe Tradition Nine – “A.A. as such ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve” answers this question for us. In one of Bill’s many articles on the traditions he states “we shall, naturally, take the firm and safe middle course. AA has always violently resisted the idea of any general organization. Yet, paradoxically, we have ever stoutly insisted upon organizing certain special services; mostly those absolutely necessary to effective and plentiful Twelfth Step work.”

He continues on in this same article – “with such assurances, we shall without doubt continue to improve and extend our vital lifelines of special service; to better carry our AA message to others; to make for ourselves a finer, greater Society, and, God willing, to assure Alcoholics Anonymous a long life and perfect unity.”

I am excited to announce the formation of a CPC Committee (Cooperation with the Professional Community) and a PI Committee (Public Information) through your Intergroup/Central Office. Combined, these committees work together to provide accurate AA information to schools, businesses and community meetings (PI). Members also provide information to those who have contact with alcoholics through their professions. This group would include healthcare; educators; faith leaders; lawyers; social workers; and those working in the field of alcoholism. The information provided informs those about where we are, what we are, what we can do, and more importantly what we cannot do.

Through the CPC and PI Committees Central Office has provided literature and information to the SCV Senior Center as well as the staff at the Behavioral Health Unit Henry Mayo Hospital. We have also been contacted by the homeless program here in Santa Clarita to provide information for staff and clients so CPC and PI is busy.

Through guidelines and literature provided by GSO in New York, your local Central Office, CPC and PI Committees are learning how to provide these special services while staying within the traditions and concepts of Alcoholics Anonymous. If anyone is interested in participating in carrying the message and assisting in this important service opportunity reach out to Central Office for more information.