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APPENDIX A: HISTORY


The first survey was conducted in 1968, to respond to a request of Dr.
Jack Norris.  He found that some of our communications to the profes-
sional community had very little credibility because of a lack of
objective data about the Fellowship.  However, the survey was also seen as
useful to the Fellowship itself as a kind of inventory.  In the foreword
to a report on the 1968 survey Dr. Jack said:

"There were two major reasons for undertaking the survey:

1.   "To enable A.A. to furnish more accurate data about the Fellowship
     and its effectiveness to the growing number of professionals -
     doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, law enforcement officials and
     others - who are working today in the field of alcoholism.

2.   "To provide A.A. with more information about itself so that members
     can work more effectively in helping the many millions of alcoholics
     who still suffer throughout the world."

Dr. Jack's desire was implemented by the Public Information Committees of
the board and the Conference (there was no separate C.P.C. function at
that time).  A copy of the first questionnaire is attached.

In 1970 the board formed a separate C.P.C. function.  It is my impression
that, by that time, a third use for survey material had been identified in
the efforts of the P.I. committee to inform the public about A.A.  Thus
the continuance of the survey was assigned to the surviving P.I. committee
rather than the new C.P.C. committee when they were separated.  For
example, in a proposal for the 1971 survey it was stated that:

     As a result of these findings (the 1968 survey)...(1) we have
     prepared and directed specific messages to the family of the
     alcoholic, (2) we are conducting a continuing evaluation of what the
     public thinks about A.A., (3) we are exploring ways and means to
     overcome the negative features of A.A.'s reputation, and (4) the
     Professional Relations Committee has been established to work with
     doctors and interested professionals.

To serve these several objectives of the survey many questions have been
added to the survey questionnaire and reworked by the trustees' P.I.
Committee as time has gone on, resulting in the present questionnaire
(copy attached).  In particular, Dr. Jack and Milton Maxwell made many
suggestions, and both repeatedly urged the importance of the survey
effort.  Suggestions also came from C.P.C. committee members.

Interest has also been expressed in many topics that were ruled out for
various reasons; these included ethnic and religious background, income
level, follow-up procedures, details of drug use, legal involvements, etc.

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