Kennie Mc.'s heard the message on both sides of the globe - places like Beijing, China, and Canada.

Now she's helping spread the message here.

As public relations coordinator, Kennie is helping bring 800 to 1,000 people to the 63rd annual Texas State Alcoholics Anonymous Convention. The event takes place next weekend in the already booked MCM Grandé Hotel FunDome, 6201 E. Highway 80.

We have a state conference to share experiences because some people are so isolated and don't realize that this (alcoholism) is a worldwide problem, Kennie said. We want to spread the word that no one is alone, and that you can recover.

Members from districts across Texas will attend the convention, which rotates between five other districts in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston.

This involves people outside of our area and adds to sobriety by reminding us that alcoholism happens everywhere, she said.

And while theres a message to spread, Kennie also commented on the effectiveness of anonymity when attempting to achieve sobriety.

We cannot say that sobriety is about one person. We cant rely on one person, she said. Alcoholism is a day-by-day problem, and it never gives way.

She quoted Tradition 11 of Alcoholics Anonymouss The Big Book.

Eleven our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion we need to always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Friday

>> 2 p.m.: Registration.

>> 3 p.m.: Archives Power Point Presentation.

>> 4 p.m.: AA Workshop.

>> 6 p.m.: AA Spanish Speaker Jose S., of El Paso.

>> 7:30 p.m.: ‘Voice of the Convention' Willard M.; AA speaker Scott L. of Nashville.

>> 10 p.m.: Candlelight meeting.

Saturday

>> 9 a.m.: Conference Report.

>> 10 a.m.: G.S.O Speaker Irene K. of New York City.

>> 11 a.m.: Lunch, AA Banquet.

>> 11:15 a.m.: AA Workshop.

>> 12 p.m.: State Convention Business Committee Meeting.

>> 1 p.m.: AA Speaker Palmer G. of Miami.

>> 2:30 p.m.: AA Speaker Deb H. of Yucca Valley, Cal.

>> 4 p.m.: AA C.F.C. Speaker Kenny L. of Borger.

>> 6 p.m.: Old Timers Meeting.

>> 7:30 p.m.: ‘Voice of the Convention' Willard M.; Sobriety Countdown with AA Speaker Jack C. of Hagerstown, Md.

>> 10 p.m.: Dance with live band BrotherZ.

June 15

>> 10 a.m.: AA Speaker Ed. M., of Davenport, Iowa.

>> 12 p.m.: Convention closes.