Places of Entertainment – anywhere and everywhere. Leave posters or pamphlets at video stores, movie theatres, cafés or restaurants. A poster can be left on the inside of a toilet door. Visit www.coffee.news to add an advert in your area.
September
Magazines and Newspapers – participate in the FREE community advertising available, write letters to the editor. Write a response to articles you have read. Send a copy of publications with Al-Anon articles to your PO person or delegate. Show gratitude by sending a letter of thanks to publications that have had Al-Anon articles.
October
Hospitals and Health Clinics – leave some reading matter, update or replace old posters. Include Christian, Community and Whanau Health Centres; medical training establishments. “Remember to Forget” a pamphlet or September Forum in a magazine somewhere.
November
Cooperating with Professionals – visit Lawyers, Counsellors, Doctors, Spiritual Leaders, Police. Offer to speak at their meetings. Make new contacts, update existing contacts. Use suggested letters, literature and guidelines from the NZ Al-Anon Service Guidelines (KN17). The September Forum is ideal for waiting rooms, reception etc.
December
Poster Campaign – from letter boxes to supermarkets, car park drops to doctors surgeries, use your imagination. Ask permission, use local phone numbers, replace faded posters, include www.al-anon.org.nz. Put the “Sad House” poster out to show.
January
Personal Outreach (one-to-one) – recognise a need in someone and share your experience, strength and hope. Attraction not promotion (be a good Al-Anon example). Meet them for coffee and take them to their first meeting. To lead another person from despair to hope and love blesses us in turn.
February
Cooperating with AA (AA awareness month). Communicate with the local AA Outreach person and offer Al-Anon speakers to accompany AA speakers during this month. Send a thank you letter to AA for their time and cooperation with Al-Anon during the past year. Invite your local AA group to your meeting or visit theirs (don’t show up unannounced).
March
Focus on Schools – check their library resources; offer books, pamphlets, tapes and videos. Offer Al-Anon/Alateen speakers for their classes on addictions, alcohol or social issues. Visit the counsellors, offer Al-Anon and Alateen information and literature with up-to-date contacts. Posters are useful for Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Universities. Pay to put an advert in a school or institute’s Newsletter.
April
Radio Stations – Read and utilise the Media & Public Outreach Kit and CD. Fax your meeting details and use free community announcements. Respond to Talk Back Radio by sharing about your growth in Al-Anon when related topics come up.
May
Open Meetings (birthday month) – celebrate by telling your story at your meeting, at an AA meeting, at an open Public meeting or to a group of professionals. Explain what your life was like before Al-Anon, how you found Al-Anon and how it has helped you. Open your meeting to the public - use local paper to invite visitors.
June
Community Groups (prepare for displays in July school holidays) – Visit libraries, CABs, Sports Facilities, RSAs, Community Centres - ask where best to display Posters and Table Display cards to be most effective, and listen to their suggestions. Leave “Sad House” bookmark in a book when returning book to the library.
July
Other Recovery Agencies/Groups – offer Al-Anon speakers, ask if starting an institution meeting is appropriate for their facility, provide meeting lists and information, and donate the Al-Anon videos, tapes and books.
For Additional tips on Public Outreach Activities for the
NZ Al-Anon Family Groups, please use Public Outreach Tips
NZ General Service Office
PO Box 6773 Wellesley St Auckland 1141
OFFICE HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10AM - 3PM
Phone 09 309 4792 Fax: 09 309 4790 Freephone: 0508 425 2666 Email:nz-al-anon-gso@xtra.co.nz
