Finding a Sponsor

The Dream

Anyone looking for a sponsor would love to walk into
a meeting less than a mile from their house, hear
an experienced member give a fantastic
share followed by an announcement
that they are available
to sponsor.

How it usually works

It usually takes time and effort to find not
only an ACA’er who is available
to sponsor, but also someone
who is the right fit for you.

How to Find a Traditional Sponsor

It can be challenging to find a sponsor in the Richmond area, as there are more sponsees than available sponsors. The following steps have proven effective for some area sponsees to find sponsors.
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1. Ask

Members generally identify someone whose program they admire in meetings they attend. They approach potential sponsors and ask if they are taking on sponsees. Set up a time for followup discussion to explore whether the relationship is going to be a fit. Make sure there is agreement on how you will work together and a regular time and place to meet. When the sponsorship is underway, arrange a time to revisit whether it is working for both sponsor and sponsee.

Some members have been known to notify the group during announcements that they are looking for a sponsor and request that available sponsors speak to them after the meeting.

2. Visit other meetings
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Many members do not find a sponsor in their home group and go to other meetings to seek out a sponsor.
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3. Try telephone and online meetings
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If you can’t find a sponsor from the meetings in your area, you may be able to find a sponsor from a phone or online meeting. Many of these meetings have a time at the end where there is an opportunity to exchange contact information.

(Adapted from National Capital Area Intergroup)