The year 2023 has been outstanding for the Public Information/Cooperating with the Professional Community Committee. The trusted servants who regularly attended meetings and events, were Warren G., Mandy K., Erika S., Roberto C., Pamela R., Richard L., and me. We held 12 monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month via zoom.
The addition of Mandy K. at the beginning of the year until late summer (sadly she encountered health issues and had to resign) enabled radio spots to being played on Cincinnati radio stations, as well as vigorous outreach and creation of a valuable data base of medical schools, which will provide us a framework to work from for the years to come.
The addition of Erika S. brought her experience in working in the field of social service and opened another targeted population for Public Information, that of enabling nursing home and assisted living residents the ability to have AA literature and meetings available to them. The September and October meetings brought Pam R. on board, and Erika and Pam are formulating plans to head in that direction in 2024. It is indeed a lively collaboration full of enthusiasm and passion as they carry the message to the public.
At the beginning of the year our goals were to attend 3 public events (health fairs, etc.), and to speak at 2 professional events this year. As of Dec. 14, 2023, our committee has attended:
April – Conversations for Change
June – Conversations for Change
July – Camelstock Cincinnati
August – Conversations for Change
August – FOA Rally
August – Overdose awareness Greenville Oh
December – C4C St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter.
We surpassed that Goal and did a total of 7. As for as speaking engagements, Roberto has graciously given of his time and experience by speaking at OVI classes that serve the Hispanic community. He is tireless in the pursuit of Building Spanish AA in Dayton. The committee is searching for opportunities to send fliers about meeting Solo Por Hoy to anyone who may need the information.
Other local activities included distribution of Pamphlets for Clergy, brought about by a request from a church in Cincinnati that was funneled though GSO. Another request through GSO was for Big Books and supplies for a sober living facility in Dayton. Anna personally mailed items and contacted the Pastor and director of the facility. It was exciting to make the connection and to fulfill the responsibility statement “when any one anywhere, reaches out for help” to respond expeditiously and courteously to public inquiries. District 23 spearheaded by Richard, also collected Big Books for people who may have been hospitalized who were needing a Big Book.
As I rotate out of this position, I want to express extreme gratitude to Warren G. for always being a part of our meetings, giving sage advice and showing up at our events! He is gifted in connecting with others, and a wonderful example of Love and Service to others. I am grateful for all the enthusiastic discussions, brainstorming and vision casting that the addition of all the other members bring when they attend our monthly meetings. I am also super excited to see where Erika S. leads us as she begins her chairperson tenure in January.
Thanks to all for participating in our trivia games, Bingo, and area assembly activities. Service is where the fun starts, because service is where the love is poured out by our Higher Power. It has been an honor to trudge the road of Happy destiny with you!
Happy Sober Holidays!
Anna V
Area 56 Panel 72 PICPC Chair
