Some meetings in my area are able to run 'free' ads in the local newspaper to let the public know about meetings. Some ppl leave a contact : first name and last initial with a phone # for their groups meeting.
Is this violation of tradition 7 and possibly 11 ?
When Bill W. stood at the crossraods in the hotel lobby it was an ad posted that helped him choose. Br. Bob said," If they don't know how can they know?" The points you mentioned are very much in the spirit of anonymity, Just letting the folks know how to recieve help. Nobody promoting anything. Nice to find you thinking out loud. Of course my understanding has been challenged.
Our meetings are published in our weekly newspaper for this area. Just a list of venues and times. It is taken as read that anyone who does service in Public Informaetion/Health Service Information will be blowing their anonymity.
I have done lots of P.I. service, and one day whilst shopping in town, this guy shouted, 'Ayup Avril how r u?' I looked at him, but no recognition at all, until he said to his group of friends, 'Avril's an alkie and she comes to our school to talk to year 10's, you'll be getting her this term' Bless him, at least if he's remembered that talk and even my name, there's a chance that if he or any of his buddies needs our help, they'll know where to find us.
Whilst I don't shout my AA status from the rooftops, I do want people to know where we are. It comes back to the 'I am Responsible' card for me.
When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that I AM RESPONSIBLE. And if that means I cannot be very anonymous about my membership I don't mind one bit, in fact I have found that the more people who do know who and what I am, the easier it is to mix with people at parties or when out with drinking friends. Everyone knows without asking me what my drink will be (Lime and Soda) and my family and friends are still very vigilant when I am with them in a drinking situation, they usually either smell or taste my drink just in case some idiot might have spiked it.
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Serenity is Wanting what you have, not having what you want
Always remember non-alcoholic beers are for NON-ALCOHOLICS
