National Coordinator sought – could that be you?

Public Information & Professional Awareness (PI PA) National Coordinator

“The relationship of Alcoholics Anonymous to the professional community is an extremely important and longstanding one. A.A.’s 2022 Membership Survey shows that 21% of A.A. members were introduced to the program via a treatment facility, and fully 52% of members received some kind of counselling (psychological or spiritual) related to their alcoholism before coming into A.A. Given these numbers, perhaps no group of non-alcoholics looms so large in relation to A.A. as those professionals in the fields of health care, addiction medicine, and the law, whose working lives intersect daily with Alcoholics Anonymous.”1

In Alcoholics Anonymous, we understand alcoholism or alcohol addiction has a progressive complex condition. Our literature expresses the progressive nature of alcoholism.

Many of us understand that, whilst for many drinking may start as a teenage behaviour or social experience, over time the problem drinker experiences increasing problems or crises, some of which are potential “rock bottoms” – if the person receives the right help at the right time and introduced to AA in a positive and meaningful way.

Many other people play a part in the still suffering alcoholics life – family, friends, co-workers, bosses, general practitioners, counsellors, police and other parts of the legal system, welfare and community services, often before the person may be exposed the alcohol and other drug related services.

“In a recent article from A.A. North America, some Class A (non-alcoholic) trustees gave some examples of other misconceptions about A.A. “When it comes to the clients we treat, we consider misconceptions about the A.A. program as teaching opportunities. Our clients often have a hard time with the concept of sharing, and we explain how sharing helps them as individuals and as part of an A.A. group. They often misunderstand the concept of sponsorship, too. We say: Your sponsor is not your therapist. He or she is not just a free ride to A.A. meetings. Your sponsor is there to help guide you through the program of A.A.’ “Sometimes with clients, one of the sticking points is religion; they think A.A. is too God-oriented. We work with them on the idea that A.A. is not a religious program, but a spiritual one, and your Higher Power can be whatever works for you, in terms of finding a spiritual solution. We also can direct people to meetings that are welcoming toward atheist/agnostic members.” 2

In Australia, our Public Information & Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee performs a vital role in reaching out to the general public and professional communities to “carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic”.

As our service bodies require rotation of office, as per our 9th Tradition, the position of National Coordinator of Public Information & Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee has become vacant. 

The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Australia is calling for nominations from members with suitable skills, experience and qualifications for apply for the position.