Public Relations Handbook - Narcotics Anonymous

Our public image consists of what we have to offer, asuccessful proven way of maintaining a drug-freelifestyle. While it is important to reach as manypeople as possible, it is imperative for our protectionthat we are careful about advertisements, circulars,and any literature that may reach the public’shands.Basic TextPrint projectsP u t t i n g y o u r p l a n i n t o a c t i o nNewspapers and local magazines can be a cost-effective way to publish a localphoneline number, a list of local meetings, or the address of the local NA website.This project can be a simple way for an area to provide the community withinformation about NA. An area can often publish information about NA meetinglocations at a relatively low cost (or sometimes at no cost).Leaflets and posters are another inexpensive way to make NA more visible inthe community. A poster campaign includes choosing where to place posters,contacting facilities to request permission to hang posters, and following up onplaced posters. An area may decide to target local hospital emergency rooms ordoctors’ offices. Ongoing follow-up will ensure that phoneline information andcontact information are up-to-date. We want to work with public contacts so thatour PR efforts make a positive impact on the community rather than a negative one.This type of communication not only attempts to reach addicts in the community,but it fosters a relationship with the public that has allowed us to place these postersor flyers. These print projects provide people who think they might have a drugproblem with a simple and anonymous way to contact Narcotics Anonymous.An area can also consider if flyers for local NA events create a positive image ofNA. Flyers containing offensive images and hard-to-read graphics have the potentialto negatively affect a member of the public’s perception of NA. Clear, simple, andstraightforward information (with the NA logo) may help us create more positiverelationships with the public.Outside advertising, such as billboards, transit signs, and bus benches, iscommonly used to inform the public about Narcotics Anonymous. Areas areencouraged to be creative in finding the most appropriate outside advertisinglocations in their community. Outside advertising (other than billboards and busbenches) is often used in various communities around the world. The followingpoints are important considerations an area may want to discuss before deciding touse any of these print venues: Billboards, transit signs, and bus benches can be expensive. What is the cost ofplacing an announcement? Is the area able to afford this expense? Are theseannouncements likely to reach the identified group of addicts? What will the announcement say? Be sure to spell out Narcotics Anonymousand to mention drugs in general (for example, Drug Problem? Call NarcoticsAnonymous). Will the announcement clearly and simply communicate informationabout NA?October 2006 | PR Handbook | 43