Traditions

I am somewhat confused, as usual. But I thought the traditions, #'s7 through 11 indicate that AA survives through it's membership and word-of-mouth. Why, then, am I seeing some really nifty TV commercials for AA? I am still sober after many years, do not attend meetings, but acknowledge that AA was instrumental in my getting back on track.....it is a shame to see it go commercial. AA used to be useful...now it seems like Avon or Mary Kay.

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Permalink Reply by Robert H on January 24, 2010 at 3:43pm
Hello Peter, and no worries. AA hasn’t gone commercial. Those things you see on TV and hear on the radio are only public service announcements. They only let people know where they can find help. They don’t ask for money nor are they against drinking, they only let people who think they have a problem with alcohol where to find help. They can’t find us unless they know where to look.
Every PSA is approved by the fellowship via the General Service Conference, which the GSR is the voice for the group to the General Service Conference.
Permalink Reply by peter, m on January 24, 2010 at 6:00pm
Robert H. I have respect for you. Yet your answer bothers me. It seems to me that the ads on tv are similar to Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers.

No offense to you, or anyone else, but AA is known by everyone, in my experience. I realize that the ads do not solicit money, but they put AA out in front....to what point?

When I realized I had many problems many years ago....I phoned aa...............no ads, I just knew it was there, and, voila, it was in the phone book.

Most drunks know aa exist, or na, or any of the other xa's...........it is up to them to contact local people. My experience was awesome, and immediate response from a very nice man who took me through a grueling series of meetings...which was all to the good.

BUT................these ads cost many dollars, and don't do much, in my humble opinion. And, I still believe the ads are contrary to the Traditions and 12 steps. Those who need aa will find it.

I realize you have dealt in Execs of aa and whatever.....................don't get cocky.

Thanks for your response. I have always like you and hope you are doing well.


I think it is a shame that the nifty underground organization, that has served many, has decided to advertise unneccarily.

Take care and be safe.
Permalink Reply by DwightMayo on January 25, 2010 at 9:12am
If we hide how is anyone going to find us? When I got sober I only knew of one person in the program. the public service announcments in the paper let me find a meeting. Later I found that others I know were in the program but had never shared that. We have to carry the message. We are not a secret organization.
Permalink Reply by Robert H on January 25, 2010 at 8:45pm
hello Peter. I glad to hear what you think about the PSA…all opinions, pro, con or indifferent should be hear especially those in the minority opinion side. Believe me there has been a lot of discussion on them. Yes they do cost money to make and it does come from the 7th tradition money but most of the time slots on TV and radio are not paid for and are done as a public service on the part of the stations.
I am sure you are right most people do know that AA does exist. But a very large number of them do not know where to find us.. An even a larger number really don’t know how AA works. You would be surprised how many of them think the treatments centers are the AA program.
Please don’t think I am getting cocking but you mentioned “Execs of AA” but the people at GSO in New York actually are there to serve the Fellowship not there to take charge of it. They are truly trusted servants. AA is not run like most business GSO actually listens to the membership. And here is the kicker….. they actually do what the membership wants. I have had the privilege to meet with many of them and always amazed at the dedication to the fellowship. They truly lead by example they don’t governed by mandate.
My hope would be if you feel strongly enough that you might get involved with General Service. We can away use the help.
Permalink Reply by Guy Lewis on July 6, 2010 at 8:16pm
Robert you are 100% correct. The important part of what you reported was that these ad's are in fact approved by the complete body of A.A. Home Groups that take the time to be an active part of the A.A. service structure. Each PSA was sent to each active GSR by way of their district & Area for review and comments. The home group's thoughts were then taken to GSO. Once everyone was heard that wanted to be apart of the flow of information, the PSA was then voted on, starting once more at the home group and working that vote back to GSO. The PSA's are in place and working just as you said. They are working well because the group conscience works well in A.A.

Sober hugs,
Guy
Permalink Reply by Just Some Guy on July 15, 2011 at 7:34am
Do any of you know where we can see these ads?

Guy Lewis said:
Robert you are 100% correct. The important part of what you reported was that these ad's are in fact approved by the complete body of A.A. Home Groups that take the time to be an active part of the A.A. service structure. Each PSA was sent to each active GSR by way of their district & Area for review and comments. The home group's thoughts were then taken to GSO. Once everyone was heard that wanted to be apart of the flow of information, the PSA was then voted on, starting once more at the home group and working that vote back to GSO. The PSA's are in place and working just as you said. They are working well because the group conscience works well in A.A. Sober hugs,
Guy

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