Sponsorship is, as we know, one of the nine tools of recover. It’s one member helping another through the steps. When I completed my fourth step, my Sponsor told me that I could begin as a 12 Day Newcomer Sponsor. Curious and willing to help, I looked into it (https://oa.org/documents/temporary-sponsors-newcomers-first-twelve-days/).

The 12 Day Newcomer Sponsor program is a structured introduction for newcomers and as such, was perfect for what I wanted – to help with a defined plan for defined period of time. When I put my name and number in the chat, I also wrote that I was available as a 12 Day Newcomer Sponsor. In short order, I got a call from a newcomer and we began the journey.

Each day, we talked no more than 30 minutes about the assignment, which was a walk through the Newcomer Pamphlet Where Do I Start (https://media.oa.org/app/uploads/2022/06/30133023/where-do-i-start-everything-a-newcomer-needs-to-know.pdf). The newcomer got to thoroughly explore all the sections at a gentle pace and I got to answer questions and share my experience, strength, and hope.
Ultimately, the newcomer would decide whether the program was what they wanted. Sometimes, the newcomer decided this wasn’t for them and stopped before the 12 days; sometimes, we finished all the sessions (sometimes in 12 days, usually in a couple of weeks, because, you know, life). Either way, it was always the newcomer’s choice. When the sessions were complete, I helped the newcomer with resources to find a step/food sponsor. The phone lines are still open for outreach and when we do, it is especially sweet.

It was during this process that I began to understand when fellows talk about how being a sponsor helps them as much as it helps the sponsee. I knew that intellectually, but the 12 Day Newcomer Sponsorship program made it sink into my heart and soul. Now I get it and my program did get stronger. I am forever grateful to both my sponsor and my sponsees for all I have learned.

So, I get the hesitation. If you are curious and willing, give 12 Day Sponsorship a try. It works if you work it. And, you are worth it!

Anonymous