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| 1. | What Constitutes a Good Sponsor, as Minneapolis Sees It (Many groups have used to good advantage the sponsor system, one of which is outlined below. Other methods followed by other groups will be outlined in subsequent issues.) Sincerity in A.A. and dry for certain length of time. Must have friendly attitude toward new member. If that is not possible, do not accept the sponsorship. Work on only one member at a time. Come to all the classes with the new member. Keep in close touch by telephone. See that the new member comes to all the meetings and be there also. See that he meets people. Have older members talk to him. Don't sell the club to new members. Don't quote the big names in the group. ... | July 1945 | |
| 2. | Sponsorship. . . (by R.G.M.) Michigan -- THE chairman had just opened the regular weekly closed meeting when Doc slipped quietly into the room. His lips were white and his hands trembled as he lighted his cigarette. "Ole Bill just hung himself in the jail," he muttered. "Fine sponsor I turned out to be." | May 1950 | |
| 3. | Sponsorship. . . (by R.G.M.) Michigan -- "Is it wise to point out the benefits he can get from becoming a member of AA?" | June 1950 | |
| 4. | Sponsorship. . . (by J. H.) Delaware -- IN a great many cases the individual coming into AA is a helpless dejected one who is mentally, physically and financially bankrupt. We find him (or her) depressed, highly nervous, suffering from malnutrition, emotionally unstable, and dominated by two strong emotions--fear and anger. The elements of faith and courage have become almost non-existent, and the smoldering embers of hope must be rekindled before the remolding process is put in force. Some suggestions follow: | December 1952 | |
| 5. | A Canadian Sponsor's Program (by G. K.) Ontario, presents his individual in -- I PRESUME we have all seen the mother bird trying to lure her new-fledged offspring to the sky; the old tabby teaching her kittens to forage and defend themselves; the duck leading the ducklings to the pond for a swimming lesson. Thus I believe that we must accept that of the higher types of animal life, the inter-dependence of one being upon another, physically and mentally, is part and parcel of the plan of creation; there are no real hermits in the upper strata of animal life, including man. Man, in part, is of the animal kingdom, and the attributes of the higher animals are also found in man. | February 1953 | |
| 6. | Sponsorship--A Dying Art (Editor's Note: From the Metropolitan Rotating Committee the following "Message of Sponsorship" has been received. Issued as a letter to all of Chicago's 5,000-plus AAs, it reminds us that the Big Book says: "Practical experience shows us that nothing will so insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics." To provide space for an interesting approach to sponsorship received from a Canadian AA, we have abridged the letter somewhat.) | February 1953 | |
| 7. | Two Views on Sponsorship (by Anon) Canada -- WHO, besides myself, thinks of their sponsor as a safety valve? I trust (engineers) that a safety valve is used to release excessive steam. For that is exactly what I mean--and do. | June 1953 | |
| 8. | Two Views on Sponsorship (by Anonymous) North Carolina -- THIS isn't the sixty-four dollar question. It is the one hundred and sixty-four dollar one. I suppose it all boils down to the matter of "let your conscience be your guide." | June 1953 | |
| 9. | Some Do's and Don't's on Sponsorship (by A. C. B.) Wisconsin -- FOR many years I labored under the delusion that I knew all the answers. Therefore it took a tremendous amount of softening up by John Barleycorn before I sought AA. On getting sober, I very quickly became a Step One--Step Twelve man, and I am still plagued with the notion that I would much rather be a teacher than a student. Each time I learn a little something (when I force an open mind) I snap it shut with the conclusion, "Now, I've got it." | February 1954 | |
| 10. | Sponsorship (by R. L. O.) Oklahoma -- MOST of us have come to know that in order to keep our sobriety we must share it, that the only way we are able to keep what we have gained in this program is through giving it away. | February 1955 | |
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