Recently one or more members granted interviews with the press, which were published in a local newspaper but then picked up by other papers in the chain and by the wire services. One member’s first name and home address were listed in the newspaper article, and that member has been inundated with inquiries. This kind of situation creates the problem of not only responding quickly and responsibly to each inquirer but also the problem of follow-up for those who come back and say they want in. The roster of SA members and groups changes daily; to try and duplicate the central files for every member or group would be impossible. It is only logical to have one central office handle all inquiries and responses and follow-up at the national and international levels.
Our national policy on interviews with the media is still what it has been since 1981—we are not granting any. Twelfth Step work is not giving United Press International the go-ahead on SA; we can do that any time. Twelfth Step work is carrying the message of what we are, where we are, and leaving the results up to God. In this day of instant media communications, what is done in a corner may affect the entire membership of SA. Hence, such matters are better left to the General Service Office, as it is responsive to the larger group conscience over time. Otherwise, SA’s right hand won’t know what its left hand is doing. We’ll be giving conflicting messages to the world out there. And those in true need will ultimately be the losers. Bill W.’s wisdom is to the point here: the good can be the enemy of the best. Our “save-the-world” complex can be dangerous.
As we get our own house in order, with some solid long-term sexual and emotional sobriety under our belts all around the country and more responsible groups to help carry the load and support the financial needs arising from national publicity, we’ll be in a better position to select and control such publicity instead of being at its mercy. This was the key to AA’s policy and practice. Let’s make haste slowly and make sure we have something lasting to give—our own sobriety, unity, resources, and the grace of God.
The Numbers Game
This brings up the issue of numbers. I must confess that in the past I’ve probably been SA’s worst offender at being tempted by the numbers game. At times I let myself be seduced into believing numbers were the key to success. As though SA was a secular entity where externals were the measure of the man. If SA is anything worthwhile, it is a spiritual entity, where everything flows from the inside out. Numbers mean very little; quality is everything. And what is the quality of the message we’re carrying today? Remember that the only message you and I can carry is the truth, not what we know or say but the truth of who we are. Who am I today? Who are you?
