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ASK-IT-BASKET:  SPONSORSHIP

7/8/2020

1 Comment

 
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At a workshop we held with Snake River Intergroup last year, each participant placed a question about sponsorship in our "Ask-it Basket." Then each person chose a question at random from the basket, read it aloud and shared their own experience, strength and hope on the question.  Here are some of their great shares on sponsorship:

Q. How many sponsees is too many?
  • It varies depending on your life circumstances.
  • You want to have enough time to give them the attention they deserve.

Q. How much in-person vs over the phone/email/text works best? 
  • Virtual sponsorship works if you work it.
  • A mix is great if you are located in the same geographic area.
  • I meet face to face once a week with my sponsor for a "walk and talk."
  • I call my sponsor every morning at a set time for 15 minutes.
  • My sponsor and I do a combo of texts and calls.

Q. What makes a sponsor a "tough" sponsor?
  • Talking truth is important and it may be the first time someone has heard unvarnished truth.
  • Setting clear guidelines and sticking to them is important.
  • Asking hard questions.
  • Asking "What are you willing to do TODAY for your recovery?"

Q. What do I do with someone who can't get abstinent?
  • Ask the same question as above "What are you willing to do today for your recovery?"
  • Nothing changes if nothing changes...
  • Suggest:  Pray for willingness...ask for help...text me before that first compulsive bite...
  • Use the Before You Take that First Compulsive Bite pamphlet as a writing exercise.
  • Use the 12 Step Workbook of Overeaters Anonymous Step One questions.
  • You can't want their recovery more than they do...

Q. What if I can't reach my sponsor?
  • Develop your own OA support crew.
  • Have the phone  number of members of your meetings.
  • Call a newcomer.
  • Listen to a podcast.
  • Attend a phone meeting.
  • Write a letter to your sponsor.

Here are more good questions about sponsorship:
  • Should a sponsee always call me or can I call them?
  • What is a binge? What is a slip versus a break in abstinence?
  • When am I ready to sponsor? 
  • How much time does sponsoring take?
  • How can I find a sponsor?
  • Why should I have a sponsor?  Why should I be a sponsor?

Feel free to share your answers to these questions in the comments.  Together we get better!  

Pat and Nadine - Region 1

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE LAST NAMES IN BLOG POST COMMENTS
1 Comment
Beverly
7/13/2020 12:10:53 am

Re: the question "what if I can't reach my sponsor." What works for me is to leave a commitment on her voicemail that I will call another person. It's important to have a network of support and to take responsibility for my own recovery.

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