In the August 2024 issue of The Forum, we highlighted a public outreach poster with an image of a woman and child trapped in a bottle and stated that the idea had originated with members in Florida. While trusted servants in Florida had reached out to us to review a public outreach poster containing these elements, in actuality, the idea had originated, as shown here, with the South Africa General Service Office (GSO) many years earlier. The World Service Office (WSO) deeply regrets this inadvertent mistake and the harm it caused, and we sincerely apologize for the inaccurate credit and for the time it took to make this correction and amends to the South Africa GSO.
When South Africa brought this to the attention of the WSO following publication of the August 2024 mention in The Forum, we had an opportunity to research the WSO archival records. We can now place the original image in its proper context.
This powerful image has a long history. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010, the South Africa GSO Public Outreach team funded the “HOPE in a Bottle” media campaign, which was exhibited extensively around South Africa. The South Africa GSO and their advertising vendor developed the poster image through their creative efforts and hard work. In 2012, South Africa hosted the International Al-Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM), where members displayed materials from the campaign, attracting interest and generating excitement among International Delegates and attendees.
We marvel at the good that has emerged from this journey: these compelling images honestly reflect the feelings of those trapped in the family disease of alcoholism. Across distance and time, the unifying message of help and hope continues to reach the truly worldwide fellowship of Al-Anon.
“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.