What is a service sponsor?
- A service sponsor is an alcoholic who has made some progress in recovery and performance in service, who shares this experience with another alcoholic who is just starting this journey (or possibly with someone that has been around a while). A service sponsor is usually someone who is knowledgeable in A.A. history and has a strong background in the service structure.
- Individuals may feel that they have more to offer in one area of service than another. A service sponsor presents the various aspects of service to the sponsee, for example: setting up a meeting (GROUP); working on committees (COUNTY/DISTRICT/AREA); participating in conferences (AREA), and assists the sponsee in making informed decisions. Whatever level of service one performs, all are toward the same end – sharing the overall responsibilities of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- In selecting a service sponsor one should try to find someone whose service attitudes, experience and style they respect. It is useful to keep in mind that we have three legacies, and that recovery through the Twelve Steps and unity through the Twelve Traditions are equal sides to the AA triangle. Service in conformity with the Twelve Concepts (the third equal side to the triangle), should be seen as closely connected to recovery and unity. So, maybe one consideration when choosing a service sponsor is if you respect their recovery and adherence to the Traditions.
The same attitudes necessary for a General Service Representative (G.S.R.) should be present in a prospective service sponsor: courage, self-humor, and emotional maturity. A service sponsor should be as kind, nonjudgmental and willing to share as a recovery sponsor would be with a newcomer. S.E.N.Y. and some counties/districts have lists of temporary service sponsors for anyone interested. Ask the area chair (Email: servicesponsorship@statenislandaa.org) any other area officer, the SENY Service Sponsorship Chair or your DCM/DCMC if you need one.