A.A. Sponsorship Pamphlet
1944 - by Clarence Snyder
This is the first pamphlet ever written concerning sponsorship. It was written
by Clarence H. Snyder in early 1944. Its original title was to be "A.A.
Sponsorship...Its Obligations and Its Responsibilities." It was printed by the
Cleveland Central Committee under the title: "A.A. Sponsorship... Its
Opportunities and Its Responsibilities."
PREFACE
Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is a potential sponsor of a new member and
should clearly recognize the obligations and duties of such responsibility.
The acceptance of an opportunity to take the A.A. plan to a sufferer of
alcoholism entails very real and critically important responsibilities. Each
member, undertaking the sponsorship of a fellow alcoholic, must remember that he
is offering what is frequently the last chance of rehabilitation, sanity or
maybe life itself.
Happiness, Health, Security, Sanity and Life of human beings are the things we
hold in balance when we sponsor an alcoholic.
No member among us is wise enough to develop a sponsorship program that can be
successfully applied in every case. In the following pages, however, we have
outlined a suggested procedure, which supplemented by the member's own
experience, has proven successful.
PERSONAL GAINS OF BEING A SPONSOR
No one reaps full benefit from any fellowship he is connected with unless he
whole-heartedly engages in its important activities. The expansion of Alcoholics
Anonymous to wider fields of greater benefit to more people results directly
from the addition of new, worth-while members or associates.
Any A.A. who has not experienced the joys and satisfaction of helping another
alcoholic regain his place in life has not yet fully realized the complete
benefits of this fellowship. On the other hand, it must be clearly kept in mind
that the only possible reason for bringing an alcoholic into A.A. is for that
person's gain. Sponsorship should never be undertaken to -
1. Increase the size of the group
2. For personal satisfaction and glory
3. Because the sponsor feels it his duty to re-make the world
Until an individual has assumed the responsibility of setting a shaking,
helpless human being back on the path toward becoming a healthy useful, happy
member of society, he has not enjoyed the complete thrill of being an A.A.
SOURCE OF NAMES
Most people have among their own friends and acquaintances someone who would
benefit from our teachings. Others have names given to them by their church, by
their doctor, by their employer, or by some other member, who cannot make a
direct contact.
Because of the wide range of the A.A. activities, the names often come from
unusual and unexpected places.
These cases should be contacted as soon as all facts such as: marital status,
domestic relations, financial status, drink habits, employment status and others
readily obtainable are at hand.
IS THE PROSPECT A CANDIDATE?
Much time and effort can be saved by learning as soon as possible if -
1.The man* really has a drinking problem?
2. Does he know he has a problem?
3. Does he want to do something about his drinking?
4. Does he want help?
*The masculine form is used throughout for simplicity, although it is intended
to include women as well.
Sometimes the answers to these questions cannot be made until the prospect has
had some A.A. instruction, and an opportunity to think. Often we are given
names, which upon investigation, show the prospect is in no sense an alcoholic,
or is satisfied with his present plan of living. We should not hesitate to drop
these names from our lists. Be sure, however, to let the man know where he can
reach us at a later date.
WHO SHOULD BECOME MEMBERS?
A.A. is a fellowship of men and women bound together by their inability to use
alcohol in any form sensibly, or with profit or pleasure. Obviously, any new
members introduced should be the same kind of people, suffering from the same
disease.
Most people can drink reasonably, but we are only interested in those who
cannot. Party drinkers, social drinkers, celebrators, and others who continue to
have more pleasure than pain from their drinking, are of no interest to us.
In some instances an individual might believe himself to be a social drinker
when he definitely is an alcoholic. In many such cases more time must pass
before that person is ready to accept our program. Rushing such a man before he
is ready might ruin his chances of ever becoming a successful A.A.. Do not ever
deny future help by pushing too hard in the beginning.
Some people, although definitely alcoholic, have no desire or ambition to better
their way of living, and until they do........ A.A. has nothing to offer them.
Experience has shown that age, intelligence, education, background, or the
amount of liquor drunk, has little, if any, bearing on whether or not the person
is an alcoholic.
PRESENTING THE PLAN
In many cases a man's physical condition is such that he should be placed in a
hospital, if at all possible. Many A.A. members believe hospitalization, with
ample time for the prospect to think and plan his future, free from domestic and
business worries, offers distinct advantage. In many cases the hospitalization
period marks the beginning of a new life. Other members are equally confident
that any man who desires to learn the A.A. plan for living can do it in his own
home or while engaged in normal occupation. Thousands of cases are treated in
each manner and have proved satisfactory.
SUGGESTED STEPS*
The following paragraphs outline a suggested procedure for presenting the A.A.
plan to the prospect, at home or in the hospital.
QUALIFY AS AN ALCOHOLIC*
1. In calling upon a new prospect, it has been found best to qualify oneself as
an ordinary person who has found happiness, contentment, and peace of mind
through A.A. Immediately make it clear to the prospect that you are a person
engaged in the routine business of earning a living. Tell him your only reason
for believing yourself able to help him is because you yourself are an alcoholic
and have had experiences and problems that might be similar to his.
TELL YOUR STORY*
2. Many members have found it desirable to launch immediately into their
personal drinking story, as a means of getting the confidence and whole-hearted
co-operation of the prospect.
It is important in telling the story of your drinking life to tell it in a
manner that will describe an alcoholic, rather than a series of humorous drunken
parties. this will enable the man to get a clear picture of an alcoholic which
should help him to more definitely decide whether he is an alcoholic.
INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN A.A.*
3. In many instances the prospect will have tried various means of controlling
his drinking, including hobbies, church, changes of residence, change of
associations, and various control plans. These will, of course, have been
unsuccessful. Point out your series of unsuccessful efforts to control
drinking...their absolute fruitless results and yet that you were able to stop
drinking through application of A.A. principles. This will encourage the
prospect to look forward with confidence to sobriety in A.A. in spite of the
many past failures he might have had with other plans.
TALK ABOUT "PLUS" VALUES*
4. Tell the prospect frankly that he can not quickly understand all the benefits
that are coming to him through A.A.. Tell him of the happiness, peace of mind,
health, and in many cases, material benefits which are possible through
understanding and application of the A.A. way of life.
SHOW IMPORTANCE OF READING BOOK*
5. Explain the necessity of reading and re-reading the A.A. book. Point out that
this book gives a detailed description of the A.A. tools and the suggested
methods of application of these tools to build a foundation of rehabilitation
for living. This is a good time to emphasize the importance of the twelve steps
and the four absolutes.
QUALITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS IN A.A.*
6. Convey to the prospect that the objectives of A.A. are to provide the ways
and means for an alcoholic to regain his normal place in life. Desire, patience,
faith, study and application are most important in determining each individual's
plan of action in gaining full benefits of A.A.
INTRODUCE FAITH*
7. Since the belief of a Power greater than oneself is the heart of the A.A.
plan, and since this idea is very often difficult for a new man, the sponsor
should attempt to introduce the beginnings of an understanding of this
all-important feature.
Frequently this can be done by the sponsor relating his own difficulty in
grasping a spiritual understanding and the methods he used to overcome his
difficulties.
LISTEN TO HIS STORY*
8. While talking to the newcomer, take time to listen and study his reactions in
order that you can present your information in a more effective manner. Let him
talk too. Remember...Easy Does It.
TAKE TO SEVERAL MEETINGS*
9. To give the new member a broad and complete picture of A.A., the sponsor
should take him to various meetings within convenient distance of his home.
Attending several meetings gives a new man a chance to select a group in which
he will be most happy and comfortable, and it is extremely important to let the
prospect make his own decision as to which group he will join. Impress upon him
that he is always welcome at any meeting and can change his home group if he so
wishes.
EXPLAIN A.A. TO PROSPECT'S FAMILY*
10. A successful sponsor takes pains and makes any required effort to make
certain that those people closest and with the greatest interest in their
prospect (mother, father, wife, etc.) are fully informed of A.A., its principles
and its objectives. The sponsor sees that these people are invited to meetings,
and keeps them in touch with the current situation regarding the prospect at all
times.
HELP PROSPECT ANTICIPATE HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE*
11. A prospect will gain more benefit from a hospitalization period if the
sponsor describes the experience and helps him anticipate it, paving the way for
those members who will call on him.
CONSULT OLDER MEMBERS IN A.A.*
These suggestions for sponsoring a new man in A.A. teachings are by no means
complete. They are intended only for a framework and general guide. Each
individual case is different and should be treated as such. Additional
information for sponsoring a new man can be obtained from the experience of
older men in the work. A co-sponsor, with an experienced and newer member
working on a prospect, has proven very satisfactory. Before undertaking the
responsibility of sponsoring, a member should make certain that he is able and
prepared to give the time, effort, and thought such an obligation entails. It
might be that he will want to select a co-sponsor to share the responsibility,
or he might feel it necessary to ask another to assume the responsibility for
the man he has located.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A SPONSOR...BE A GOOD ONE!
(* These headings were not in the original draft for this pamphlet. They were
added for the first, and subsequent printings.)