GaL-AA "Spotlight On Sobriety" 08/03/2025
- Steve N.
- Aug 3, 2025
- 4 min read
In this week's publication:
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Sponsorship In Alcoholics Anonymous
Best Practices for Guiding the Newcomer
Sponsorship has been a foundational element of Alcoholics Anonymous since its earliest days. Though the term “sponsor” wasn’t originally used, the practice began when Bill W., facing temptation, realized he needed to talk to another alcoholic. His encounter with Dr. Bob became the spiritual spark of AA—and the beginning of sponsorship as we know it.
Today, sponsorship remains a vital way members carry the message and deepen their own recovery by helping others.
What Is Sponsorship?
In AA, sponsorship is not a status or formal requirement for membership. Rather, it is a one-on-one relationship where a sober member shares their experience, strength and hope with someone newer to the program. As described in the pamphlet Questions & Answers on Sponsorship, a sponsor offers “constant, close support” and serves as a guide through the AA Steps, Traditions and sober living.
Key Principles of Sponsorship
1. Meet as Equals
The sponsor-sponsee relationship is grounded in equality. We are not gurus or life coaches; we are simply alcoholics sharing what has worked for us. The goal is to foster trust, understanding and mutual respect.
2. Share Experience, Not Authority
Sponsors help others by sharing their own experiences in recovery—not by directing or controlling the newcomer’s path. Listening is as vital as speaking.
3. Stay Rooted in AA Literature
Sponsorship is most effective when grounded in AA’s foundational texts: the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and approved literature such as the Q&A on Sponsorship pamphlet. While there are many third-party workbooks and guides available, sponsors should use discernment and ensure any supplemental tools align with AA principles.
4. Encourage Meetings and Fellowship
One of the sponsor’s key roles is to help the newcomer connect with others in the fellowship. Introducing them to your home group, suggesting service opportunities or just sitting with them at a meeting can have a profound impact.
5. Practice Accessibility Without Dependence
It’s important to be available, especially early on. But as the pamphlet emphasizes, “it is the whole AA program—not the individual sponsor—that maintains the newcomer’s sobriety.” Help your sponsee build connections and independence within AA.
6. Avoid Crossed Boundaries
AA suggests men sponsor men and women sponsor women, to help maintain focus on recovery and avoid romantic entanglements. Some LGBTQ+ members/groups feel an opposite-sex sponsor is more appropriate for similar reasons. Sponsors should recognize when an issue is beyond their scope and encourage seeking outside help if needed.
7. Be Honest About Fit
Not every pairing works out. Either party should feel free to change the sponsorship relationship if it’s not productive. The goal is always to support the newcomer’s recovery.
When Is Someone Ready to Be a Sponsor?
There is no fixed timeframe, but those who have worked the Twelve Steps and are living sober, content lives in AA are often ready to sponsor others. What matters is willingness, a spirit of service and a desire to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
Tips for New Sponsors
Ask Questions: Encourage your sponsee to ask questions, share concerns and challenge ideas that don’t sit right with them.
Set Expectations: Early on, talk about how often you’ll check in, what working the Steps might be like and how you handle challenges.
Use the Tools: Suggest readings from the Big Book and Twelve and Twelve, explore Steps together and share your personal approach—not a rigid method.
Remember: It’s Not About Perfection—It’s about progress, mutual growth and being of service.
Final Thoughts
Sponsorship is a spiritual privilege. It strengthens our sobriety, keeps us connected to the newcomer’s vulnerability and reminds us daily of the grace that brought us to AA. As the pamphlet says: “Sponsorship is a two-way street”—we give it away to keep it.
Steve N.
Las Vegas, NV
Member, GaL-AA Executive Committee
Source Document - AA's Pamphlet Q&A On Sponsorship
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Spotlight On Sobriety features personal stories and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.
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