The Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) committee met on Saturday morning at 9:50 am. We opened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
The first topic was a discussion of a Conference Agenda Item assigned by our Delegate, Kerri. CPC Agenda Item “E” is a proposal submitted by Area 40 (Montana), requesting that the trustees’ Literature Committee “…develop a pamphlet on A.A. and the Unhoused Person that specifically addresses alcoholism, what A.A. is and is not, and includes personal stories from A.A. members who have experienced homelessness.” Using Kerri’s “Tip Sheet” we reviewed and discussed this item.
There was unanimous support for the creation of this pamphlet. The group discussed the importance of making all alcoholics feel welcome, and able to see themselves as recovering people. The pamphlet would address the alcoholic as well as the professional who works with unhoused alcoholics. It will also assist other A.A.s in sponsoring homeless A.A.s.
A member cautioned that the pamphlet should make clear that our primary purpose, recovery from alcoholism, does not necessarily offer a solution to homelessness.
Another member suggested that the Grapevine might publish a special issue on A.A.s who have experienced homelessness.
The next item, Item D, was a request from the trustees’ CPC Committee, to “Review CPC Videos for Effectiveness and Relevance.” After heroic efforts from Lynda H. and Andy S., we were able to view two of the videos: A.A. Video for Healthcare Professionals, and A.A. Video for Legal and Corrections Professionals. Time did not allow us to view the third, A.A. for Employment/Human Resources Professionals. All agreed that the videos were well done, were relevant and effective. The background materials stated that the revisions were needed to update the language to change references from “professional” to “para-professional” in order to include those who support professionals, such as staff members, students, and future professionals. The committee agreed, that the proposed changes do not justify the $6,100.00 cost of revising the three videos.
It was suggested that the language on the website could be revised to reflect the inclusion of “para” professionals, and that the monies might be better spent on other critical updates.
We then heard from members who reported on CPC activities in their districts:
- District 16 – Has presented to ten different groups of professionals in the past 18 months. Presentations included as few as 2 in attendance, to as many as 35 in attendance.
- District 8 – Planning a presentation to judges and probation officers
- ABQ Intergroup – Has created a new business card with contact information and QR codes to give to Police Departments and Fire Departments to give to folks who might need them.
- District 4 – Is sending letters to physicians in the area, offering to meet and present information about A.A.
We closed the meeting with the Responsibility Statement.
Gratefully submitted,
Paula Stevens – Chair, Area 46 CPC Committee