Mail Call for All A. A.s at Home Or Abroad

We enjoy The A.A. Grapevine and think it is doing a great work in helping alcoholics. We would like to see more articles on the importance of anonymity as the unauthorized exposing of names has caused several 'slips' in our groups. I do not believe that holding open meetings where groups of non-alcoholics are allowed to attend is good for A.A., especially in small cities. After all, the non-alcoholic considers sobriety as merely normal and considers the alcoholic as "showing off" when he (the non) is invited to attend the group meetings. The ministers who have shown an interest in and sympathy with the A.A. work may be invited to make an occasional appearance as guest speakers. Some doctors, too, who are interested in the welfare and treatment of alcoholics may be invited to give talks or attend as guests. Some local officials may be invited in order to better acquaint them with how it actually works. However, care should be taken that all visitors fully understand that the names of all members must be kept anonymous.