​Sponsorship Materials

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• The Principles of the 12 Steps

  • An explanation and listing of the various iterations of (unofficial) principles. Suggested use: Steps 1-3.

• Step 3 Pre-Discernment Exercise

  • An excellent tool for determining the right course of action in one's life. Great for those ending Step 2 and ready for Step 3, or as needed. Not a substitute for prayer and meditation, but rather a concrete pre-exercise for those new to the program (or in need of clarification). Adapted from an Emmet Fox exercise found in Alter Your Life. Suggested use: Step 2.

• What do you want in a sponsor? 

  • The key here is to not give sponsees any guidance on how to complete this. This is simply an exercise to see if there is any unrealistic or counter-productive expectations like "to be a good friend" (that's simply a bonus, and doesn't have to happen) or "make me stay sober" (no human can do this for us). It's also an opportunity to explain what sponsorship is. Suggested use: prior to commencing step-work. ​

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Step Guides for Sponsees 

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These guides require some caveats.

 

First of all, these are optional guides that are intended to provide scope and structure. Remember, these are helpful suggestions, not rules.

 

Second, they are general guidelines which contain exercises and ideas that can be freely changed, altered, or dismissed as needed. In fact, I have generally adjusted them for everyone I have used them with, based on what was needed (printing them will allow you to handwrite new concepts or cross things off, etc.). While I have relied on these less as time passes, they might be a good starting point for new sponsors. 

 

Third, the idea isn't to "taskmaster", but to provide an overview for what is often a bewildering subject to newcomers. The Step Guides simply offer some logical structure for procession and suggest good habits. They also encourage the quintessential "90 in 90" - not because I believe "meeting makers make it", but because immersion is a good way to learn as a newcomer. It is the only time I make this type of suggestion, because newcomers are often still using the tables or other people as their higher power, as mentioned on page 96 of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The guides also include the respective Step prayer for each Step, per the The 12 Step Prayer Book, with one exception: I use the Twelve and Twelve-based St. Francis of Assisi prayer for Step Eleven in addition to the one it provides. I also suggest assigning chapter readings (with discussion later) on the Twelve Traditions (as well as the Twelve Concepts to encompass all 36 Principles), but traditions are not specifically referenced in the guides. 

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And, finally, these are a culmination of my own experience in the program, what my sponsor and mentors taught me, and what worked for me and my sponsees. These ideas are subjective, based on personal interpretation, and not in any way endorsed by A.A. 

 

Guide usage: these were developed for use prior to each Step. They also refer to (and sometimes link to) books and exercises that appear elsewhere on this page. As always, take what you like... and leave the rest.

 

The Step Guides:

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1. Step One Guide

2. Step Two Guide​

3. Step Three Guide

4. Step Four Guide

5. Step Five Guide

6. Step Six Guide

7. Step Seven Guide

8. Step Eight Guide

9. Step Nine Guide

10. Step Ten Guide

11. Step Eleven Guide

12. Step Twelve Guide

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Materials from other sources:

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• The Arch to Freedom.

  • This is a visual guide the arch ("...the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom", p. 62) created by the Steps as described throughout the Big Book. It denotes specific principles for the steps, which are of course open to interpretation. Suggested use: Steps 1-3.

• The Golden Key by Emmet Fox

  • This is a wonderful (and potentially secular) ​thought-substitution device to help reduce anxiety (for everyone, but especially newcomers). An interesting exercise expanding on this essay can be found here. Another one published by Unity (where all faiths as well as the non-religious are welcome) can be found here. While I recommend and typically give out an inexpensive ($3.49) anthology of his for this, this particular essay is available online for free. Suggested use: prior to commencing step-work or Step 1. 

• Emmet Fox's "Forgiveness Technique"

  • As outlined in Sermon on the Mount, this is well-written and concrete forgiveness technique that can greatly reduce anxiety about (as well increase the odds for) forgiveness. I personally prefer this to the "Hate Prayer" (what it is often referred to as) outlined in the Big Book's "Freedom from Bondage" story - but to each their own. Be aware it has a Christian context, but it can still be helpful regardless of any formalized faith system (or absence thereof). ​Suggest use: Step 8. 

• The Bills of Rights (ACA​)

  • I have provided this here because I can no longer find it listed​ from A.C.A.W.S. Good for everyone, not just ACA members. Suggested use: prior to commencing step-work or Step 1. ​

• The Joe & Charlie Complete 4th Step Printable Workbook.

  • Excellent for determining the "causes and conditions." Derived from The Steps We Took.​ Designed for the 4th Step.

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Books Recommendations:

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Assuming you have the Big Book and the Twelve and Twelve (among other great A.A. World Services titles), the following books are my top recommendations outside of A.A.W.S. (although I have two highlighted below). Using the (free) Kindle app and buying digital is a cheaper way for newcomers to purchase some of these, as well as receiving them faster (instantly!) rather than awaiting the mail.

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• Twenty-Four Hours a Day

  • The best daily recovery reading around (still). ​Read the Forwards for a fascinating history behind the book, and the unfortunate (potential) misstep by A.A. (perhaps due to its mildly-Christian bent). While it may be considered blasphemous by some A.A.'s, I find it to be far superior to Daily Reflections. It's also one of the few books I don't read digitally, because it's so small, portable, and cute. Decorative and protective covers are also available via this vendor. Today's' reading is always available for free here.

• The Steps We Took

  • Author: Joe McQ (of "Joe & Charlie").The best companion reader to the Big Book and the 12 x 12.​ I highly recommend the Kindle version (of everything, for that matter), because the title is just a mere $2.99. You do not need a Kindle, just the free app.

• Carry This Message

  • Author: Joe McQ (of "Joe & Charlie"). The definitive book on sponsorship outside ​the Big Book and the 12 x 12.​

• ​Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women 

  • Author: Karen Casey. While Hazelden makes many "daily meditation" books that appeal to just about any demographic, this one is long-standing and beloved title designed specifically for women. ​​

• Drop the Rock ​

  • Authors: Bill P., Todd W., and Sara S. I am not a huge fan of this book, yet it does flesh out many good ideas about the 6th and 7th step and is definitely worth reading. ​

• Drop the Rock: The Ripple Effect​

  • Author: Fred. H. I am a fan of this one, particularly for women. ​References Emmet Fox. 

• A New Pair of Glasses​

  • Author: Chuck C. ( Charles A. Chamberlain). Perhaps the most beautiful open talk I have ever heard. While you can find the audio from this very old talk, it is often difficult to hear - this is great written adaptation. 

• The 12 Step Prayer Book

  • A great ​collection of prayers for the newcomer (or anyone), including prayers for each step. I am not a rote prayer person, but most people enjoy and are helped by them - especially those new to spirituality. 

• Make Your Life Worthwhile​ 

  • Author: Emmet Fox. An excellent book for those prone to anxiety. Be aware it has a Christian context, but it can still be quite helpful regardless of faith (or absence thereof). ​

• ​The Golden Key and Twenty-Two Additional Essays

  • Author: Emmet Fox. An inexpensive and nicely produced small book with The Golden Key  bound with 22 additional (and helpful) essays for an unbelievable $3.49. Great for reducing anxiety. Be aware it does contain a Christian bent - but it can still be helpful without any specific faith or belief system. 

• ​There's More to Quitting Drinking Than Quitting Drinking

  • Author: Dr. Paul O. (author of A.A.'s Acceptance is the Answer, introduced in the Third Edition in 1976). This is a great book by my favorite A.A. Dr. Paul O. - primarily regarding emotional sobriety. 

• You Can't Make Me Angry​

  • Author: Dr. Paul O. A great book about relationships and  communication styles - popular in both A.A. as well as Al-anon. 

• Experience, Strength, & Hope​

  • A must-read. It contains all the stories from every previous edition of the Big Book, many of which change between editions. ​

• Daily Reflections​

  • Though I prefer ​Twenty-Four Hours a Day, this is a good daily meditation book. Today's' reading is always available for free here.

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