Jack Alexander's AA Articles: The Spark That Changed Everything

Did a single article, penned by a seemingly ordinary journalist, truly have the power to ignite a movement and transform the lives of countless individuals struggling with addiction? The answer, remarkably, is yes. On March 1, 1941, Jack Alexanders groundbreaking piece in the Saturday Evening Post catapulted Alcoholics Anonymous onto the national stage, forever altering the landscape of recovery.

Before Alexander's article, Alcoholics Anonymous was a fledgling fellowship, a whisper of hope in the face of a devastating disease. The organization was still in its infancy, with limited resources and a modest following. However, the impact of this single piece of journalism was nothing short of explosive. The article sparked the first significant wave of public interest in A.A., leading to a surge of inquiries that overwhelmed the small staff at the then-makeshift headquarters. It was a pivotal moment, a turning point that would shape the future of the organization and its mission of helping alcoholics achieve sobriety.

Alexander, a journalist known for his sharp wit and even sharper skepticism, was assigned the story by his editor, who was eager to explore the phenomenon of A.A. The Post's editor, Bok, chose Alexander, a "hard-nosed" reporter with a reputation for cynicism, to delve into the topic. Fresh off a major expose of the New Jersey rackets, Alexander brought a critical eye to his investigation. This was not a man easily swayed by sentimentality; he was a journalist known for his ability to dissect complex issues with clarity and precision.

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Alexander's article did more than simply report on A.A.; it captured the very essence of the program. He wrote about the sense of humility and service that characterized the fellowship, the genuine camaraderie among its members, and the powerful stories of transformation he witnessed firsthand. His words resonated with readers, many of whom were struggling with their own battles with alcohol or knew someone who was. In 1941, when the article was published, over half of the present members were teenagers, children or not even born.

The impact of Alexander's work extended far beyond the initial surge of interest. His subsequent article, "\u201cthe drunkard\u2019s best friend\u201d" published on April 1, 1950, further cemented his role in popularizing the organization's message and mission. The second article was also a success, solidifying Alexanders legacy. Both articles continue to be requested by the General Service Office archives, a testament to their enduring significance.

Alexander's articles had a profound effect on the early development of AA and its growth as a major organization.

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The impact of Alexander's work on Alcoholics Anonymous cannot be overstated. He gave access to records and offered tours of the significant A.A. locations. The correspondence between Alexander and Bill W. shows the excitement of the upcoming article. On January 4, 1941, Alexander wrote to Bill W., attaching a manuscript of the article for Bill to read. On January 6, Bill replied, and his response clearly shows his impatience for the publication of the article.

The journalist was remembered in his obituary as the newspaperman who made "Alcoholics Anonymous a major organization by the articles he wrote about its work." Even today, the General Service Office Archives continues to receive requests for both articles, highlighting their enduring significance.

In May 1945, four years after his groundbreaking article was published in the Saturday Evening Post, Alexander reflected on his initial doubts about the group in an A.A. publication. This willingness to confront his own skepticism, and to acknowledge the transformative power of the program, further endeared him to the A.A. community and solidified his place in its history.

The impact of Alexanders words was amplified by the circumstances in which they were delivered. The Saturday Evening Post was a highly respected publication with a wide readership, giving Alexander's work an unprecedented reach. His articles were published at a time when alcoholism was a widespread, often stigmatized, problem. His work offered a beacon of hope and a path to recovery for those who felt isolated and lost. It was not merely a journalistic endeavor; it was an act of public service, a contribution that continues to resonate today.

The story of Jack Alexander and his role in popularizing Alcoholics Anonymous is a testament to the power of journalism to effect positive change. He did not simply report the news; he shaped it. His insightful and compassionate portrayal of A.A. helped to dismantle stigma, foster understanding, and ultimately, save lives. The man's legacy lies not just in the articles he wrote, but in the profound and lasting impact they had on the world.

Alexander's legacy is clear: He showed that, despite the cynicism and hard-nosed approach that he was known for, he had the ability to see and communicate the truth of what he was seeing. He wrote about the fellowship, and about the humility and service and his words were heard by the people that needed to hear it most, and thats why his legacy continues to this day.