Book on Sponsorship

[Tim]

I am sponsoring a couple of guys in AA and have found Hamilton B's book 'Twelve Step Sponsorship: How It Works' very helpful. He has some useful suggestions for sponsors:

A sponsor's main role is to help the sponsee work through the 12 Steps.

A sponsor can help give newcomers guidance, encouragement and an explanation of what AA is about.

A sponsor can help answer questions about recovery

A sponsor is helpful in the self-examination process that the Steps require.

A sponsor reminds a sponsee to follow the 12-step principles in their lives

A sponsor shares his own experience, strength and hope

A sponsor can monitor progress, confronting when it is appropriate, and generally help us stay on the recovery path.

A sponsor encourages the sponsee to read the Big Book and other AA literature

A sponsor helps the sponsee build healthy relationships.

A sponsor is available during times of crisis.

A sponsor cannot keep a sponsee sober.

A sponsor is not a therapist

A sponsor should never take advantage of a sponsee, attempt to control his life or encourage an unhealthy dependence.

[Dallas]

Tim, thanks for sharing.

I'd like to find a copy of that book you mentioned and check it out.

I do a lot of junkin' in thrift stores picking up old Big Books and other books related to AA. A friend recently found a copy of "Getting Better Inside Alcoholics Anonymous", by Nan Robertson. So far, it's been a really good read!

Dallas

[Tim]

Dallas,

One of the places I find good buys and a huge selection for used books these days is on the Internet. I've found some good deals on used books at Amazon and at half.com.