Public Relations in Narcotics Anonymous
In 2006, the World Service Conference approved the adoption
of the "Public Relations Handbook" created by the World
Board of Narcotics Anonymous. This new service handbook
replaces "A Guide to Public Information", last revised in
1993.
This service handbook release marks the beginning of a new direction in our
Fellowship's relationship with society. The evolution of
our fellowship as a viable answer to the addict that stills
suffers is dependent on our relations with government agencies,
non-government organizations and the public at large.
You may
say to yourself, "isn't that what we do now?". This
"new" direction is about focusing on our relationships rather
than just simply conveying information. This is an
evolution, or perhaps we can say a revolution, in how
we view those who can further our primary purpose.
In addition to the service implications of public relations,
the PR Handbook dwells more than ever before into the
responsibility of all members of NA, as individuals, groups and
service committees,
to maintain good relationships with the public. From the
NA member at a meeting to the NA members at a convention, all
share in supporting a positive image of NA as a whole.
From the Public Relations Statement at the beginning of the
PR Handbook:
The Narcotics Anonymous message is “that an addict,
any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use and
find a new way to live.” Our relations with the public
enable us to share this message broadly so that those who
might benefit from our program of recovery can find us. We
perform public relations service to increase the awareness
and credibility of the NA program. We share our message
openly with the public at large, with prospective members,
and with professionals. Maintaining an open, attractive
attitude in these efforts helps us to create and improve
relationships with those outside the fellowship.
Establishing and maintaining a commitment to these
relationships, can help us to further our primary purpose.
The spiritual principles of our steps, traditions, and
concepts guide us in pursuing our public relations aims and
our efforts to enhance NA’s public image and reputation.
These principles apply to our community and service efforts
as well as to the personal behavior and attitude of
individual NA members.
The PR Handbook is now available from the
NAWS website.
Go to the "Online Literature Sales" section to access their
sales site and look for "Service Handbooks".
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