Public information requests from local media, helping professionals and all others may be handled best by group or intergroup public information committees, if they exist. However, local public information committees and intergroups should refer all requests from national and international media outlets to the Public Information Committee(PIC) of GreySheeters Anonymous World Services at pic@greysheet.org.
To help individual GreySheeters, GSA groups, and GSA area intergroups with their outreach efforts, the PIC has put together a Public Information Manual. The text on this page and on other pages in the "Outreach" section of the website are included in that manual. Printable versions of the letters, pamphlets, and flyers mentioned on this page are also included below.
Organizing a Local PI Committee
The following are suggested guidelines for organizing a local public information committee:
- Membership Requirements—Members of the PI committee have at least 90 days of back-to-back GreySheet abstinence. At least one member of your PI committee might be from the local intergroup and have at least 1 year of back-to-back abstinence.
- Committee Size—Local PI committees are often made up of 2-3 members. Let the size of your group and the area you are serving be your guide. Many groups choose to elect a chairperson.
- Meeting Frequency—Your PI committee establishes a meeting time and frequency based on local needs.
- Goals—Based on your committee’s goals, choose a list of tools provided in this manual.
- Reporting—The chairperson of your PI committee should send a quarterly report of meetings and PI activities to GSAWS PI Committee and to your local intergroup.
Responsibilities of Local PI Committees
Members of local PI committees play an integral role in spreading the word about GSA and responding to requests about our unique solution. To fulfill those responsibilities, members of your local PI committee might:
- Know and understand the Traditions and how to apply them to public information situations.
- Follow-up on your committees’ outreach activities on a local level. Please notify the GSAWS PI Committee and GSAWS Board of Trustees if your activities have an impact either on the national or international level at pic@greysheet.org.
- The GSAWS PI Committee and/or GSAWS Board of Trustees will directly handle all national and international public information inquiries and notify the local PI committees when their efforts will impact their local areas.
- Local PI committees are responsible for handling, resolving, and clarifying local public information inquires. This also includes the national and international interest generated and handled by the GSAWS PI Committee and/or GSAWS Board of Trustees.
Spending Plan for Local PI Committees
Your local PI committee might develop a quarterly spending plan to guide your activities. Budget for PI activities based on your committee’s objectives and anticipated needs and income.
Many PI activities fall into one of the following categories. Use these categories as the basis for the development of your local PI spending plan.
- Telephone calls
- Postage
- Copying/Printing
- Stationery
- Literature
- Transportation
- Contingency fund
Useful Tools for Local PI Committees
Any public information effort requires resources. Use the following list to assemble the tools and resources you will need to mount your public information initiative. Your toolbox might include:
Operating Resources
- GSA Public Information Manual
- Spending Plan
Program Resources
Book(s) containing The Twelve Traditions & Twelve Concepts of AA or GSA.
Pamphlets
Meeting Flyers/Cards
- Can’t Stop Eating Flyer
- Wallet Card
Meeting Lists
Updated Local Meeting List
Library of Letters
- Memo to Media
- Pre-Interview Guidance for GSA Members
- Guidelines for Contacting the Media
- Outreach Letter—General Purpose
- Outreach Letter—Health Professional
- E-Mail Response Letter
- Postal Response Letter
Library of Public Service Announcements/Letters
- Public Service Announcement—30 Second Spot
- Public Service Announcement—60 Second Spot
- CD Enclosure Letter for Public Service Announcement
- Sample Notice for Print Publication
Library of Internet Resources
These are all listed in our Resources section.