Information for the media

Here you will find:

A letter to the media on the subject of anonymity

A link to visit the "General Services Office" web site for information on the history of A.A
Links to additional information sources: Visit the Information to professional page or the General Services Office web site

Anonymity Letter to Media

TO :

Managing Editors; News Reporters and Photo Directors;
Radio, Television and On-line Editors Producers and
Talk Show Hosts .

FROM :

Public Information Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous.

SUBJECT :

ANONYMITY OF A.A. MEMBERS

For many years, we in A.A. have appreciated the support we have received from our friends in the media. You have assisted in saving countless lives. We seek your continued cooperation in protecting the anonymity of our members at the public level.

We ask, therefore, that in presenting A.A. members:

you use first names only
you do not use pictures in which their faces may be recognized.

Anonymity lies at the heart of our Fellowship and assures our members that their recovery will be private. Often, the active alcoholic will avoid any source of help which might reveal his or her identity.

Alcoholics Anonymous is not affiliated with any other organization, although many have adapted A.A.’s Twelve Steps for their own use. A.A. is self-supporting, declining outside contributions; and we are non-professional, offering only the voluntary support of one alcoholic helping another.

Throughout the world, favorable media coverage has been one of the principal means of bringing alcoholics into our Fellowship. You have helped make this possible, and for that we thank you.

Reference: General Service Office web site

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