Public Information

The 11th tradition states “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion. We need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films”.

The  purpose  of  the  Public  Relations  Subcommittee  is  to  inform  the  public  that  NA exists,   and  to  open  and  maintain  lines  of  communication  between  NA  and  the  community,  so  that  the   message of  recovery  is  available  to  all  addicts.    We  want  the  public  to  know  that  NA  works,  it’s   available,  and  it’s  free.
-As stated in the Roanoke Valley Area’s PR Policy

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.

"NA’s contacts in government, education, medicine, the clergy, community organizations, the public media, and other twelve-step fellowships can carry the message that NA exists; sometimes to places we couldn’t possibly go ourselves. Making such contacts and making them aware of what Narcotics Anonymous is, what we can do, and where our groups meet are very important factors in NA’s growth."  (pg. 53 of "A Guide to Local Services in Narcotics Anonymous")