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1728 Sponsorship: A Comprehensive Approach to Guiding Recovery

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What Is 1728 Sponsorship?

The 1728 Sponsorship concept within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) integrates the principles of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service to provide a comprehensive framework for guiding recovery. This approach emphasizes a holistic and balanced application of AA’s foundational elements, ensuring thorough support for individuals seeking sobriety.

The term “1728” comes from the product of these three sets of twelve principles (12x12x12=1728). This concept was formalized during board meetings held by AA’s Class A trustees to deepen their understanding of these principles and apply them effectively in service and sponsorship roles.

Combining these elements, 1728 Sponsorship encourages a sponsor-sponsee relationship deeply rooted in all aspects of AA’s philosophy. Sponsors guide sponsees through the recovery steps and help them understand the traditions that maintain group unity and the concepts that govern AA’s service structure. This approach aims to foster long-term sobriety and personal growth by addressing the multifaceted needs of those in recovery.

Holistic Approach

1728 Sponsorship is a structured and holistic approach to guiding individuals through the recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This method emphasizes the importance of a thorough and balanced application of the AA principles, aiming to foster long-term sobriety and personal growth. 

Key Components of 1728 Sponsorship

  • Thorough Understanding of the 12 Steps: Sponsors using the 1728 approach ensure that sponsees fully understand and engage with each of the 12 Steps. This involves working through the steps and applying them to daily life. Sponsors guide sponsees in reflecting on their experiences, identifying behavior patterns, and making necessary changes.
  • Adherence to the 12 Traditions: The 12 Traditions are crucial for maintaining the integrity and unity of AA groups. Sponsors emphasize the importance of these traditions, helping sponsees understand how they contribute to a healthy group environment. This includes respecting anonymity, fostering inclusivity, and prioritizing group welfare over individual desires.
  • Application of the 12 Concepts of World Service: Although the 12 Concepts are often less familiar to newcomers, they are essential for understanding the broader structure and governance of AA. Sponsors introduce these concepts, explaining their relevance and encouraging sponsees to participate in service work. This involvement helps sponsees develop a sense of responsibility and connection to the AA community.

Benefits of 1728 Sponsorship

  • Holistic Development: By focusing on all three pillars of the AA program, 1728 Sponsorship promotes comprehensive personal growth. Sponsees learn to address not only their addiction but also their relationships, responsibilities, and overall well-being.
  • Enhanced Group Unity: Emphasizing the 12 Traditions helps maintain the health and unity of AA groups. Sponsees learn to contribute positively to their groups, fostering an environment of mutual support and respect.
  • Leadership and Service: Including the 12 Concepts encourages sponsees to take on leadership roles and engage in service work. This active participation helps them develop skills, build confidence, and deepen their commitment to recovery.
  • Sustainable Sobriety: 1728 Sponsorship’s thorough and balanced approach supports long-term sobriety. Sponsees are better equipped to handle challenges and maintain progress by addressing multiple aspects of life and recovery.

Implementing 1728 Sponsorship

To effectively implement 1728 Sponsorship, sponsors should:

  • Educate Themselves: Sponsors should understand the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts or at least be willing to learn them. This knowledge enables them to guide sponsees comprehensively.
  • Provide Regular Guidance: Consistent communication and support are vital. Sponsors should meet regularly with sponsees, offering guidance, feedback, and encouragement.
  • Encourage Participation: Sponsors should encourage sponsees to participate actively in their AA groups and service opportunities. This involvement reinforces the principles of the program and strengthens the recovery community.
  • Model the Principles: Sponsors lead by example, demonstrating how to live the principles of AA in their own lives. This modeling helps sponsees understand the practical application of the program.

Sponsors who adopt this approach provide invaluable support, helping sponsees navigate the complexities of recovery and build fulfilling, sober lives. Through education, regular guidance, and active participation, 1728 Sponsorship fosters a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

How Can GSRs help with 1728 Sponsorship?

A General Service Representative (GSR) can emphasize 1728 Sponsorship in their groups by:

  • Education: Regularly explaining the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service during meetings to highlight their importance.
  • Workshops: Organizing workshops and discussions focused on integrating these principles into personal recovery and group activities.
  • Literature: Distributing AA literature that details the 1728 Sponsorship approach, ensuring members can access resources that explain its benefits.
  • Modeling: Demonstrating these principles in their service and sponsorship practices, setting an example for others.
  • Encouragement: Encouraging experienced members to adopt this comprehensive sponsorship approach and mentor newer members.
  • Implementing Study Groups: Encourage your groups to have at least one meeting focusing on studying the 1728 structure.

By integrating these strategies, a GSR can foster a deeper understanding and commitment to the holistic principles of AA within their group.

Is 1728 Sponsorship for Everyone?

1728 Sponsorship is an advanced and comprehensive approach to AA recovery. This holistic method aims to support individuals in their recovery, understanding of AA principles, and involvement in the fellowship’s service structure.

When to Implement 1728 Sponsorship

  1. Foundation of Recovery: 1728 Sponsorship should be considered after the sponsee has established a strong foundation in the 12 Steps. This typically means they have completed the steps at least once and are maintaining sobriety.
  2. Interest in Service: It is especially beneficial for members interested in service work and leadership within AA. This includes roles such as General Service Representative (GSR) or involvement in AA committees.
  3. Broader Understanding: When a sponsee is ready to deepen their understanding of AA’s structure and governance, the 1728 Sponsorship can guide them through the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts, providing a more comprehensive view of the fellowship.
  4. Balanced Growth: For those seeking balanced growth in personal recovery and active service, integrating these elements helps maintain a focus on unity and effective service, ensuring that their recovery is holistic and sustainable.

1728 Sponsorship with New Members

Using the 1728 Sponsorship approach effectively with new members requires sensitivity and a gradual introduction. Here’s how sponsors can do this without overwhelming newcomers:

Gradual Introduction

  • Start with Basics: Initially, focus on the 12 Steps, helping the newcomer understand and work through them at their own pace.
  • Simplify Traditions: Introduce the 12 Traditions by explaining their role in maintaining group unity and why they matter.

Encourage Participation

  • Practical Application: Demonstrate how the Traditions and Concepts apply to real-life situations within AA meetings and service roles.
  • Engage in Service: Gradually involve newcomers in service activities, explaining the relevant Concepts as they become applicable.

Support and Empathy

  • Share Experiences: Use personal stories to illustrate the benefits of following the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts.
  • Regular Check-ins: Maintain open communication, address concerns, and provide encouragement.

Resources

By integrating these elements slowly and supportively, sponsors can help newcomers appreciate the comprehensive approach of 1728 Sponsorship without feeling intimidated.

Objections

  • “I don’t understand the traditions.”
  • “Why should we study the traditions? They don’t keep me sober.”
  • “I’ve never heard of the concepts.”
  • “The Service Manual is so difficult to read.”

Integrating 1728 Sponsorship in Your Groups

  • Balanced Focus: Ensures that sponsees work through the 12 Steps and understand the importance of the Traditions and Concepts.
  • Hands-On Experience: Involves sponsees in service activities, allowing them to learn by doing and seeing the principles in action.
  • Continuous Learning: Encourages attendance at service workshops and conferences to deepen their understanding of AA’s structure and governance.

When Are Service Sponsors Introduced?

A service sponsor within the 1728 Sponsorship approach may play a critical role in guiding members through the practical application of the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of World Service. Here’s how a service sponsor fits into this approach:

Role of a Service Sponsor

  • Educator: Helps sponsees understand the Traditions and Concepts, explaining how they support AA’s unity and effective operation.
  • Mentor: Guides sponsees in taking on service roles within AA, demonstrating how these principles are applied in real-world settings.
  • Supporter: Provides ongoing support and feedback, helping sponsees navigate challenges in their service positions.
  • Encourager: Motivates sponsees to participate in service opportunities, enhancing their commitment to AA’s mission.

A service sponsor helps sponsees embrace a holistic approach to recovery and service within AA by emphasizing education, mentorship, and practical involvement.

Are Two Sponsors Better Than One?

A service sponsor does not replace a primary sponsor. Instead, both roles complement each other to provide a more comprehensive support system for individuals in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Here’s how they differ and work together:

Primary Sponsor

  • Focus: The primary sponsor helps with personal recovery by guiding the sponsee through the 12 Steps.
  • Role: Provides emotional support, shares personal experiences, and helps the sponsee navigate the challenges of sobriety.

Service Sponsor

  • Focus: The service sponsor guides the sponsee through the principles of the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of World Service.
  • Role: Provides mentorship in service roles within AA, helping the sponsee understand and participate in AA’s broader mission and governance.

Complementary Roles

  • Personal and Service Growth: While the primary sponsor focuses on individual recovery, the service sponsor enhances understanding and participation in AA’s service structure.
  • Holistic Support: Together, they provide a well-rounded approach to recovery, ensuring the sponsee grows personally and contributes to the fellowship.
  • Specialized Guidance: Each sponsor offers specialized guidance, allowing the sponsee to benefit from expertise in different areas of AA.

Practical Application

  • Regular Communication: The sponsee should maintain regular communication with both sponsors to ensure they receive support in their recovery journey.
  • Integrated Learning: Lessons from both sponsors can be integrated, helping the sponsee apply the 12 Steps, Traditions, and Concepts in their daily life and service work.
  • Can the Same Person Do Both: Yes, if your current sponsor is also active in service and conversant in the Service Manual.

Having both a primary sponsor and a service sponsor provides a balanced and holistic approach to recovery, addressing both personal and service-oriented aspects of AA. This dual support system helps members achieve a more profound, sustainable sobriety and fosters active participation in the AA community.

Serving the 3 Legacies

The 1728 Sponsorship concept in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is deeply connected to AA’s Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service. These legacies form the foundation of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service, integrated in the 1728 Sponsorship approach.

Recovery

  • 12 Steps: Guides personal recovery and spiritual growth.

Unity

  • 12 Traditions: Ensures the unity and cohesion of AA groups, fostering a supportive community.

Service

12 Concepts: Provides principles for effective service and governance, encouraging members to participate in AA’s broader mission.