What and when is Sponsorship Day?

Sponsorship day is observed on the third full weekend of August (including Friday) and is dedicated to recognizing the significance of supporting each other within our Fellowship.

The Big Book tells us that helping others is the foundation stone of recovery and how true it is. Once I finished the 11 steps with my sponsor, she strongly recommended that I promptly seek a sponsee. At the time, I didn’t feel ready but who ever does feel entirely ready. To comply, I consistently put my name in the chat during meetings every day, but despite three weeks of trying, I hadn’t found a sponsee.

Both my sponsor and I shared concerns about my recovery and maintaining abstinence. To find a way to be of service and give back, I turned to my higher power for guidance. It seems my request was answered through a fellow member who shared her practice of noting down names and numbers of struggling OAers and calling them every morning. Inspired by her example, I began following suit by saving the zoom chats and noting all those new to the program or struggling with it. I also started posting my name for outreach and 10th steps on chat lines at least twice a day.

Instantly, I felt relief, and the food, which had been chatting to me, became quiet again. After one week of carrying the message on the phone lines, a fellow asked me to sponsor him. I continue to sponsor today and to make daily outreach calls. I have learned that my recovery depends upon me helping others. When I start feeling sorry for myself or when I am upset with some situation, I have only to think about helping a fellow and I forget about my troubles. Altruistic acts are indeed the cornerstone of the 12 Steps.

Below are some excerpts from our literature that speaks to the 12th step:

“When I give service, I receive more than I could ever give.” (Voices of Recovery, p. 252)

“Service gives me practice at freeing myself from the bondage of self.” (Voices of Recovery, p. 284)

“When all other measures failed, work with another alcoholic would save the day.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th edition, p. 15)

“Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th edition, p. 89)

“Those of us who live this program don’t simply carry the message, we are the message.” (OA Twelve and Twelve, p. 106

Are you ready to sponsor?

How do I get started? What are the various ways to sponsor? Join New Jersey Intergroup by zoom to join the panel discussion, to get answers to your questions and to get tips and handouts.