24 December

How do I use an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor as a professional reference?

I’m a recent college graduate searching out my entry level job as a preschool teacher or private school teacher. I’ve also been sober for 2 years in Alcoholics Anonymous. My sponsor has offered to be one of my references on my applications for employment but every time it asks "Relationship" I don’t know what to put her as without giving away my anonymity. Does anyone know how to do this??

I’d suggest asking your sponsor if you could do some work for them –housework, yardwork, ect. And then you could say for applying that this person is a family friend who has paid you for odd jobs.

3 Responses to “How do I use an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor as a professional reference?”

  1. Ben Z Says:
    December 24th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    Congrats on getting sober, I will be at 7 years on the 28th! I would probably use a different reference. You could list as associate or friend, but questions may arise and being a recovering alcoholic is probbaly not something the schools are gonna want to hear.
    If your sponser does have a solid job that would make them look like a good ref. then just put down that she is an old business associate, coach, teacher etc. Good luck!
    References :

  2. anon Says:
    December 24th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    This person is probably not your best choice for a reference because of the situation you pointed out, but it’s nice to know they feel comfortable vouching for you. Your best references are people you have actually worked with in a paid position situation, supervisors and co-workers.

    If you really need this person’s input for an application, I think you two should get together and decide your "story" together. I would say something like you two were involved in a community group that helps with substance abuse. It can look very good for you if you’ve had some leadership in the meetings like leading a meeting or helping to organize things with Inter-office (I thinks that’s what AA calls their regional headquarters). Then, your sponsor can truthfully speak of professional qualities you showed like your punctuality, organization, people skills, etc., and not just appear to be a friend that you needed to fill a reference blank.

    My mom would mention AA as the "Friends of Bill W" club. It’s kind of a code way for them to mention it when they feel saying AA invities a negative perception. But, this also means your supervisor may know what group you are referencing, which may or may not work in your favor if they are familiar with AA.
    References :
    son of a 30 year AA member

  3. sweets Says:
    December 24th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    I’d suggest asking your sponsor if you could do some work for them –housework, yardwork, ect. And then you could say for applying that this person is a family friend who has paid you for odd jobs.
    References :

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