Public Relations Handbook - Narcotics Anonymous

chapter5M EDIAOur public relations efforts can be strengthened through the careful use of themedia. This means that media projects are planned so that they address thearea service committee’s greatest needs. This also means that we strive tomake our media efforts more responsive and proactive. We can be creativein the ways we use media to address an area’s goal of making Narcotics Anonymousmore visible. As a result, we are more likely to reach using addicts who may notknow about the NA program.This chapter covers the role of print and broadcast media in our public relations efforts(please see Chapter Ten, “Internet Technology”, for information about the Internet). Printmedia in this context includes newspapers, local magazines, posters, outside advertising,news or feature articles, and opinion pieces. Broadcast media includes public serviceannouncements (PSAs), radio, television (including cable), and film. The questions raised inthe planning and preparation section can be used as part of an area service committee’sinventory process (discussed in detail in Chapter Three) before beginning new publicrelations efforts.Core public relations principlesThis section is excerpted from Chapter Two.Key topicsCore PR principlesPR & the mediaPlanning & preparation forareas & committeesPutting your plan into actionDiscussing & addressingknown challenges in mediaResourcesKey icons Practical experience Preparation and training tips PR principles for discussionAnonymity with nonaddictsTradition Eleven emphasizes that noone personality is more important thananother. When our Eleventh Tradition tellsus that “we need always maintainpersonal anonymity,” it does not say thatwe need to do so under all circumstances.Tradition Eleven says that “we needalways maintain personal anonymity atthe level of press, radio, and films.” Thispublic is carefully outlined within ourEleventh Tradition as the press (print andelectronic media), radio, and films.If we are asked to participate in a radiotalk show about recovery in NA, forinstance, we are strongly encouraged toseek support from experienced NAmembers in our service community; discuss,plan, and rehearse our presentation withcommittee members; and represent NarcoticsAnonymous with another NA member.October 2006 | PR Handbook | 39