From CNIA Accents for June

HOW CAN WE BETTER REACH THE STILL SUFFERING ALCOHOLIC IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES?

Though the Public Information (PI) Committee has been around since 1956 and Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) Committee since 1970, many members are not familiar with the purpose of these two valuable services. Once learning of what can be done, the opportunities to reach out may seem unlimited. Perhaps there are opportunities in your own community that you have not realized.

Bill W. wrote about Public Information:

Public Information takes many forms – the simple sign outside a meeting place that says “A.A. meeting tonight;” listing in local phone directories; distribution of A.A. Literature; and radio and television shows using sophisticated media techniques. Whatever the form, it comes down to “one drunk carrying the message to another drunk,” whether through personal contact or through the use of third parties and the media.

Our literature describes CPC this way:

Members of C.P.C. Committees inform professionals and future professionals about A.A. – what we are, where we are, what we can do, and what we cannot do. They attempt to establish better communication between A.A.s and professionals, and to find simple, effective ways of cooperating without affiliating.

Want to learn more about PI/CPC?

Workbooks and Kits are available as an excellent source of information to getting started in PI/CPC service. Workbooks are available for a few dollars at aa.org and are suggested as a place to learn a great deal before moving forward. You may be surprised what you will learn and may feel enthusiastic about what you have read. Note: PI/CPC Committee has a few copies.

Sharing Sessions / Workshops are available to anyone interested in learning more, getting questions answered or sharing your own experiences with others.

Contact your PI/CPC Chair at alt-delegate@cnia.org for more details.

Web Sites like AA.org and CNIA.org can be an excellent source to information, pamphlets, helpful links, videos, and much more.

If you feel there may be a need in your community to better reach the still suffering alcoholic, maybe PI/CPC can help. Gain some knowledge about what is involved, form a committee, and consider ways that make sense for your committee members. Each committee has different strengths and resources but there is something for everybody to get started. Do what you can with what you have and build from there. You will learn more as you continue to grow in this service.

Applying Love,

Tom A.

PI/CPC Chair

CNIA 07, Panel 68

alt-delegate@cnia.org

NOTE: Local NorCal PI/CPC meets the third Monday of the Month (except when it is a holiday…then the following Tuesday or Wednesday) at the Redding Shasta County Library at 5:30 pm.