2025 Topic #014 AA Approved Program Resources & Sponsorship Workshops

Topic #014/2025 AA approved Program Resources and sponsorship workshops.

What do you want Conference to do?

Create AA approved Step & Sponsorship Guides, workbooks and resources.

What issue does this proposal address?

Across the Fellowship, a wide range of non-Conference-approved workbooks, worksheets, and sponsorship tools are in use. These materials — including interpretations by individual members, external publishers (such as Hazelden), or structured programs like “Big Book Awakenings” — vary in approach and quality. While some are helpful, they may also introduce confusion or create perceived authority figures within AA. This can be particularly harmful to newcomers who may receive inconsistent messages.

Sponsorship is often approached informally, and in some cases, members may not have the experience or skill to effectively guide others through the Steps in a way that aligns with AA’s spiritual principles.

Background information that supports this proposal

The submitter is a health professional who regularly refers clients to AA and has observed that the varied and sometimes personality-driven experiences of sponsorship can impact the effectiveness of the message being carried. In some cases, the inconsistent use of non-AA materials, combined with a lack of sponsorship training or structure, may hinder the recovery journey of newcomers and affect the confidence of referring professionals.

Developing AA-approved resources could offer clearer guidance and strengthen AA’s cooperation with health professionals by improving how the recovery process is communicated.

How will this proposal benefit the fellowship or the still suffering alcoholic? 

• Encourages a more consistent experience of the Steps between sponsors and sponsees.
• Reinforces the principle of “principles before personalities.”
• May enhance engagement with health professionals by providing accessible, AA-aligned tools.
• Supports sponsors in their efforts to carry the message more effectively and confidently.

What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?

Minimal — such resources could be initially developed as downloadable PDFs or hosted online.

At what level of group conscience (if any) was this topic discussed?

This topic was not discussed at a group level prior to submission.