The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I have read several post that our some of the member are looking for or considering finding a sponsor. At my f2f meeting last night I found a pamphlet on Sponsorship. Although I can't type all of it, I thought I would post some of the info that I thought was really helpful. It is a really great pamphlet for those looking for a sponsor and those who have been asked to be a sponsor. If you are unable to attend a f2f meeting to get a copy of this pamphlet and would like a copy, send me a pm and I'll be glad to mail you a copy. Peace, Rita
Sponsorship
A sponsor is someone with whom a member can discuss personal problems or questions; someone who willingly shares the experience, strength and hope of the Al-Anon/Alateen program. The need for sponsorship is like being lost in the woods: If we find someone else who is lost, it is comforting when that person says, "I'm lost, too. Let's see if we can find our way out together." It is also comforting to find someone who says, "I was lost, but I was helped to find my way. Come, take my hand and I'll show you the path"
Is Sponsorship Required?
Sponsorship is not required, but experience shows that sponsorship is a valuable aide to personal understanding and use of the Al-Anon program of recovery.
How Do I choose A Sponsor?
Asking someone to be our Sponsor is part our own personal recovery in Al-Anon or Alateen. Being to shy or too proud to do so could mean the difference between finding a new life in the program or returning to misery and loneliness. We look for someone who "has what we want" and with whom we feel comfortable. It helps to choose someone who is committed to using the program in their own life. Ultimately, a sponsor relationship is one of choice, we feel comfortable with a particular member, and ask that person to act as a Sponsor.
How will my Sponsor help me?
Sponsors help us think and encourage us to look to ourselves for answers, using the tools of the program. They share their own experience, strength, and hope. They may prod us occasionally or remind us of program principles. Said one member, "My sponsor had confidence in me, even when I had no self-confidence. Knowing all about me, my Sponsor still loved me in a special way" Sponsors share compassion, but not pity; they offer suggestions, but not advice.
How do I become a Sponsor?
Most Sponsors do not volunteer for the job; they wait to be asked, recognizing that part of another member's personal recovery depends upon a willingness to reach out for help. Some of us didn't decide we were ready until someone asked us.
How Does Sponsorship help the Sponsor?
Sponsorship is not all giving. By helping others, Sponsors find they help themselves.
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No matter what me and my God are going to be ok, even better than OK -
Thank you for sharing that post with us (((Rita))) Sponsership has been the theme for us this weekend. In a meeting on Saturday a speaker talked about the importance of finding a sponser and what to look for in a sponser's program. It's not enough for the sponser to attend F2F but to apply the steps and principles of the program to their everyday life. My AH is looking for his sponser but having a hard time because his curfew does not allow him out past 9pm. This does not give him much time for fellowship. In time he will have his vehicle back and be able to go to any meeting he wants to, So, until then we'll place finding a sponser in HP's hands.
Have a blessed day, Twinmom~
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"The people who don't mind matter and the people who mind, don't matter". (Dr. Seuss)
Brilliant post.. Just what the newbies NEEDED to read.... When I joined Al-anon I was terified to ask anyone to sponsor me... I found a great online sponsor in the chatroom. And she has helped me so much with the spiritual side of things...I listen to her, dont always do what she suggests...(that is my defect..lol)
I was at a f2f open meeting and I listened to an oldtime AA member, he was saing " Get a sponsor", work the steps, work on YOU..When the meeting finished, I walked over to an Al-anon member and I said "Will you sponsor me"..lol She smiled and said YES I will...But am gonna work you hard...lol She is a member of both fellowship...And she has great knowledge of the programme....
I am Lucky to have two special people in my life, to show me the way forward...
I am also sponsoring someone online right now..I felt I was not able for it, or ready as I had not done all steps....But she is happy for us to give it a shot..lol
