A sponsor is someone who has been where we want to go in our twelve step program and knows how we can best get there. Their primary responsibility is to help us work the 12 steps by applying the principles of the program to our lives. They lead us by example as we see how the program works in their lives through sharing their personal experiences and stories of where they were and where they are now. We start to learn how to become sober by listening and doing the footwork that our sponsor shows us on a daily basis. In time we make these new changes a habit which helps us to remain sober one day at a time.
AA defines a sponsorship in this way: "An alcoholic who has made some progress in the recovery program who shares that experience on a continuous, individual basis with another who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety through AA"
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"LOVE" devoid of self-gratification, is in essence, the will, to the greatest good...of another.
I completely agree with all that Phil said about a sponsor being a good friend; teacher; tutor; experienced guide; older sister. I have a truly wonderful sponsor and she is certainly all of the above to me.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
The Big Book Chapter, "Working with Others" has good guidelines.... good place to start. There are also AA approved pamphlets on sponsorship, available at your local AA Intergroup Office.
