Message Stick

 Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to ensure that AA’s message is accessible to all alcoholics, regardless of location within the remote areas of our country

WHO WE ARE

National Remote Communities (NRC) is a general service initiative of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Australia that is responsible for developing, supporting and coordinating AA activities within remote communities across the country. The portfolio is focused specifically on developing unity and communication among service participants and expanding AA services throughout Australian remote communities.
 

RELATIONSHIP WITH VIRTUAL AREA A

Instead of being part of an Australian AA Region, Virtual Area A (VAA) comes under the guidance of the Trustees’ Services Committee (TSC). Similarly, NRC is one of the portfolios of the TRC, which gives the VAA Delegate and PI Coordinator the opportunity to work closely with NRC. The collaboration between VAA and NRC provides service opportunities to a larger pool of AAs whose efforts aren’t constrained by geography. To keep online groups informed of current NRC initiatives and activities, the Remote Communities Coordinator provides regular reports at VAA assemblies, maintaining a strong connection with online AA groups.

WHAT WE DO

· Promoting AA Services: We connect individuals in underserved areas with AA meetings, literature, and support, particularly focusing on those with limited or no internet access.

· Developing First Nations Resources: We are actively creating culturally relevant materials, such as The Message Stick, a collection of stories from First Nations members of AA. We are currently overseeing the development of an audiobook version, voiced by members of these communities. This audiobook will provide a culturally relevant resource to members.
You can purchase The Message Stick here.

· Supporting Trusted Servants: We provide training and resources to AA trusted servants in remote areas to help them organise and lead meetings while maintaining AA traditions.

· Collaborating with Other AA Entities: We work closely with VAA, Hospitals and Institutions Committees, and other service entities to extend AA’s reach to isolated alcoholics.

· Donating Literature: We focus on donating AA literature, including The Big Book, to communities and remote institutions where it would have the greatest impact. We also provide alternative formats for those with literacy challenges.

CURRENT INITIATIVES

National Remote Communities is currently working on several key initiatives to further support remote communities:

· The Message Stick: A collection of stories from First Nations members of AA, highlighting their experiences in recovery. This publication is available for purchase here.

· Audiobook Version of The Message Stick: Currently in the planning phase, this audiobook will be voiced by members of First Nations communities, to provide a culturally relevant resource. This project aims to make these valuable stories more accessible to those who prefer audio formats or are limited by literacy constraints.

· Professional Awareness Luncheons: These luncheons are being coordinated across remote communities in Australia to raise awareness of AA’s services among local professionals, including community leaders and health professionals. For more details or to get involved, view the event information or contact Cliff P. (see contact details below)

CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL REMOTE COMMUNITIES (7TH TRADITION)

National Remote Communities is fully self-supporting, relying entirely on contributions from individuals and AA groups in line with AA’s 7th Tradition of being self-supporting. Your contributions help ensure that we can continue to provide essential services to alcoholics in remote areas.

To contribute, please visit the AA Donations page and select “Remote Communities” from the drop-down menu. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us carry the message to those who may otherwise be out of reach.

RESOURCES AND DOWNLOADS

• Group Handbook: How to Start an AA Meeting in Your      Community
• How to Set Up an Online Meeting
• AA Literature      Order Form
• Purchase      The Message Stick
• Contribute      to National Remote Communities

CONTACT:

Cliff P.

National Remote Communities Coordinator
Phone: 0403 416 854
Email:   natremotecom@aa.org.au 

The Remote Communities Working Group ensures that no alcoholic is left behind, regardless of how isolated they may be. We welcome all inquiries and suggestions regarding carrying the message to alcoholics in remote regions.