1. Our Public Image

2. Session Goals Consider the importance of our public image
Identify what is and is not working
Identify individual’s role

3. Our public image consists of what we have to offer, a successful proven way of maintaining a drug-free lifestyle…Our attraction is that we are successes in our own right. As groups, we offer recovery. We have found that the success of our program speaks for itself; this is our promotion.
~BasicText, p75

4. It’s also important to consider how we’re viewed by society
It’s also important to consider how we’re viewed by society. When NA meetings first began in many places, it was illegal for addicts to meet under any circumstances. Even where meetings are legal, the public often views groups of addicts with alarm…If our behavior as NA members is still destructive and selfish, we will once again have difficulty meeting openly…Even something as simple as the name a group chooses may reflect on NA as a whole. If the public reputation of Narcotics Anonymous is somehow impaired, addicts may die.
~IW:H&W, T4, p155

5. “Our events and activities often bring trusted servants- and other members- into contact with the public. Whether it's the business where we print our T-shirts or the hotel lobby where our members proudly wear those T-shirts, when we interact with the public as NA members, we must be mindful of our behavior. One member shared, "At our big convention every year, I'm always thinking of how the hotel workers and convention center staff see us. If we are examples of NA recovery, maybe a worker will think of NA when they have a friend or family member who needs help with a drug problem." No matter what the circumstances, when we're in situations where the public sees us as NA members, our actions can make a difference in an addict's life.”
~Guiding Principles: The Spirit of Our Traditions, T11, In Service

6. Large Group Icebreaker:
What is NA’s image in our local community?
Why is it important to improve?
What are your personal experiences with NA’s public’s image?
(positive and/or negative)

7. Large Group Discussion…
What are some of NA’s public image problems in our local or regional community?

8. Small Group Discussion:
Can our local or regional service community do anything to improve this particular challenge, and if so, what?
What tools or resources do we need to make those changes?

9. My Role as a member of NA…
~Wrap Up~
My Role as a member of NA…
What is my role in our efforts to affect a positive Public Image?
How Can I personally & positively affect our Public Image?

10. In Conclusion… Share what you heard here Issue Discussion Topic
Have your own discussions
Bulletin boards at

11. Our Public Image