Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Every Alateen group needs an active, adult member of Al-Anon to serve as the Sponsor. The following questions may help you decide if you can say "yes" to Alateen sponsorship.

1. Are you looking for service work that is rewarding, loving, or exciting?

2. Have you ever thought about helping Alateen?

3. Are you aware that sponsoring Alateen is a Twelfth-Step opportunity for you?

4. Is there an Alateen meeting in your town?

5. Have you thought of the teens who want help and can't get it because Alateen isn't available?

6. Can you make a commitment to be at an Alateen meeting every week for the next six months or a year?

7. Are you willing to meet with Alateen members to share with them, laugh with them, and sometimes cry?

8. Can you allow Alateens to conduct their own meeting without controlling or directing?

9. Can you listen with an open mind, giving Alateen members the freedom to express themselves?

10. Can you respect the anonymity of Alateen members by not discussing their comments with their parents or others?

11. Can you say no to inappropriate behavior and explaining your reasoning while continuing to love them?

12. Can you suggest program tools (slogans, Steps, Traditions, books, pamphlets) and not give advice?

13. Do you know the difference between guidance and domination? Are you willing to learn?

14. Have you thought, if only you knew how to go about it, you would sponsor Alateen?

If you are an active Al-Anon member and willing to share your program, Alateen Sponsorship may be for you. If you are interested, make contact with your group representative, an Alateen Sponsor, an Alateen Coordinator, District Representative or Information Service (Intergroup) Office.

Alateen Sponsorship - Is it for You? is reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.