Public Relations Handbook - Narcotics Anonymous

Flexible service structuresA flexible service structure can often be more effective in providing services.Flexibility helps meet local service needs. We have a common message and approachfor providing services through utilizing NA’s traditions and concepts. Implementationof services may differ depending on an area’s abilities and needs. Every NAcommunity has the ability to create a service structure that will best help themprovide effective, efficient, and reliable public relations.No matter how services are structured, it is important that the structure beaccessible for both experienced and inexperienced members. Accessible servicesmeans that inexperienced members feel included and that training and orientationfor those new to service is readily and consistently provided. It also means that thearea has created ways for members with experience to share and pass on thatservice experience. An area is more likely to have a strong base of trusted servants ifthere is an accessible place for members to offer their support. An area’s ability tobe flexible can allow for more members to be of service.Communication and effective servicesPublic relations and NA groupsAn area’s public relations goals can have significant impact on the groups.Thoroughly discussing public relations projects during an area service meeting willhelp group service representatives communicate the area’s discussions and goals totheir groups. Area projects may cause an increase in newer members attendingmeetings. Groups may need to prepare for this influx by developing meeting formatsthat better serve a large influx of new members. Successful PR projects depend onmeaningful group involvement.Group members should take the time to have step-by-step discussions about thearea’s PR efforts. GSRs are the communication link between the area and groups andcan bring members’ concerns or questions back to the area meeting. This link helpskeep groups involved and informed. This link also provides a back-and-forth dialoguebetween the area and groups. Communication helps the area come together to furtherNA’s primary purpose.Who is the audience we want to reach?Defining our public audiences can help make communications more effective.Communication is likely to be an essential component in an area reaching itsprioritized service goals. Our audiences can be organized into three broadcategories: members of the NA community, potential NA members, and the externalpublic. We will communicate in distinct ways for each audience.The NA community: Our communications within the NA community canencourage members to be conscious of NA’s traditions and concepts. One wayto do this is through learning days. Learning days and service meetings canfunction in the following ways:1. provide education regarding the responsibilities of each serviceposition;2. encourage and support trusted servants;3. demonstrate leadership and training; and4. provide traditions and concepts workshops.October 2006 | PR Handbook | 25