Public Relations Handbook - Narcotics Anonymous

members put their individual wants and needs aside for NA’s common good.Working together to make NA more visible and viable in our local communities notonly helps addicts find our program, but is a powerful way of practicing the unitydescribed in the First Tradition. How do we put our individual wants and needs aside for the common goodof NA? In our service committees, how do we demonstrate that we are open andwelcoming to members and groups?Attraction…Another important consideration in making our public relations efforts morevaluable is the attractiveness of the behaviors and attitudes of individual NAmembers, and the collective appearance of our fellowship. Attraction means thatwe function, as members and as groups, in ways that naturally draw others to us.When members act in ways that are attractive, this fosters identification and givespotential members a sense of belonging. How can areas practice the principle of attraction in their fellowshipdevelopment efforts? How can members make service more attractive in their fellowship developmentefforts?Public relations and fellowship developmentThere are often a variety of barriers that prevent NA from growing and thriving incertain locations. These barriers can be a result of geography (such as mountainranges separating NA communities), technology, culture, language, physical disability,economic disadvantage, or a result of members being detached from the servicestructure. What this service can do is help to make these detached groups aware ofthe support and resources available within the fellowship. Fellowship development isan opportunity for trusted servants to carry NA’s message by building relationshipswith other NA members.Although we are autonomous, we may offer loving support to othergroups by attending their meetings or offering other help. NAmeetings thrive when groups look beyond their immediate needs tooffer help to each other.It Works: How and WhyP l a n n i n g a n d p r e p a r a t i o n f o r a r e a s a n d c o m m i t t e e sA big part of planning for fellowship development projects is developing anunderstanding of the principles that can help ensure the success of these efforts.Members can also plan by considering what the best approach (or approaches) is toreach groups and areas that are in need, and what obstacles they are likely to facewhen reaching out to these groups and areas. Reviewing the planning steps outlinedin Chapter Three can help with this planning process.Fellowship development principlesPrinciples such as self-support, autonomy, carrying the NA message, and unity areessential to fellowship development service. Trusted servants can strive to find thebalance between carrying the message and respecting individuals’ and groups’106 | Chapter 12 | Fellowship Development