Dick B. discusses the neglected A.A. sponsor

Today's radio program is all about sponsors and sponsorship. Its subject will be presented also at our conferences this year in: (1) Portland, Maine; (2) the San Francisco Bay region; (3) the Phoenix and Tucson areas of Arizona; and (4) Roseville, California. There is a recognized need for solid guidance today on learning the 12 Steps, on how to take them, and on how to take others through them. Also on why one needs a sponsor, and on what the sponsor needs to know. Then on what the sponsor should pass along to sponsees. And finally what the newcomer needs to hear from his sponsor and his Fellowship, and then learn. Today, a potential sponsor has many tools that did not exist when A.A. was founded. But the early Akron AAs had Dr. Bob, his wife Anne, Henrietta Seiberling, T. Henry Williams and his wife Clarace, and later, Clarence Snyder. Dr. Bob was their leader. All were Christians and Bible students. All knew their Bibles and much of the Oxford group literature and Christian literature and devotionals they used. Bill W. was thoroughly trained by the Episcopal Rector Sam Shoemaker. And all were highly intelligent teachers and guides. But a great deal of the Akron program and  its origins and ingredients of recovery are virtually unknown today. The Bible has vanished as the standard. The records are there. We've written about them. But most potential sponsors know little if anything about them. Today's talk will explore many qualities, training items, and needs that sponsorship entails; and we believe, if followed, they will greatly enhance the knowledge and success of the fellowship, groups, meetings, sponsors, newcomers, and speakers.