A Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor is a letter written by an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor to vouch for the character and behavior of a sober companion or mentee. This letter is commonly required by employers, landlords, or even courts to evaluate an individual’s sobriety, progress, and commitment to recovery.
If you are asked to write a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor, it is crucial to understand its format, content, and purpose. In this article, we will provide you with tips, examples, and frequently asked questions that can guide you in crafting an effective letter.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor
Before we proceed to the examples, here are some tips that can help you write a compelling and accurate Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor:
Tip 1: Understand the request
Make sure you understand the purpose of the letter and the specific requirements of the requester. Ask for clarification if needed, and ensure that you have enough information about the individual’s background, progress, and behavior.
Tip 2: Be honest and objective
Do not exaggerate, downplay, or omit any information about the individual’s behavior, achievements, or challenges. Stick to the facts, provide examples, and focus on the individual’s strengths and positive qualities.
Tip 3: Use a professional and respectful tone
Address the letter to the appropriate recipient, use a formal salutation and closing, and avoid using slang or offensive language. Proofread the letter and check for any grammatical or spelling errors.
Tip 4: Provide your credentials and relationship with the individual
Introduce yourself, explain your role as an AA sponsor, and provide your credentials and experience in helping individuals recover from addiction. Describe your relationship with the individual, how long you have known them, and the progress they have made under your guidance.
Tip 5: Share specific examples and observations
Provide concrete examples and observations of the individual’s behavior, attitude, and character. Highlight their achievements, efforts, and changes, and describe how they have overcome challenges and setbacks. Avoid using generic or vague statements that do not add value to the letter.
Tip 6: Keep the letter concise and relevant
Avoid including unnecessary or irrelevant information, and focus on the aspects that are relevant to the requester’s needs. Keep the letter concise and to-the-point, and avoid repeating information that has already been mentioned in the letter or other documents.
Tip 7: Be respectful of the individual’s privacy
Do not disclose any confidential or sensitive information about the individual’s background, treatment, or behavior, unless it is authorized by the individual or required by law. Respect their privacy and dignity, and avoid making any judgments or assumptions that may be discriminatory or harmful.
Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor Examples
Example 1: Employment Reference
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter in support of John Smith, who has been a member of my AA group for the past year. John has been sober for 14 months and has shown remarkable progress in his recovery journey.
As John’s sponsor, I have witnessed his perseverance, dedication, and positive attitude towards his sobriety. He attends our group meetings regularly, participates actively in discussions, and supports his fellow members with compassion and empathy.
John has also made significant strides in his personal and professional life. He has completed a vocational training program and has been interning with a local business for the past six months. His supervisor has praised him for his punctuality, work ethic, and commitment to learning.
I believe that John would be an asset to your organization, and I highly recommend him for any position that he may be interested in. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Anna Lee
AA Sponsor, XYZ Group
Example 2: Rental Reference
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to recommend Mary Johnson as a responsible and trustworthy tenant. Mary has been a member of my AA group for the past year and has shown remarkable progress in her recovery journey.
As Mary’s sponsor, I have witnessed her commitment, honesty, and diligence in maintaining her sobriety. She attends our group meetings regularly, shares her experiences honestly, and supports her fellow members with empathy and kindness.
Mary is also a responsible and respectful individual who takes her obligations seriously. She has a stable income and has never been late on her rent payments. She keeps her apartment clean and tidy and is considerate of her neighbors.
I have no doubt that Mary will be an excellent tenant and a valuable addition to your community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Tom Brown
AA Sponsor, ABC Group
Example 3: Court Reference
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of David Wilson, who is currently undergoing court-ordered rehabilitation for substance abuse. David has been a member of my AA group for the past six months, and I have been his sponsor during this time.
As David’s sponsor, I have seen him make significant progress in his recovery journey. He has been sober for five months, attends our group meetings regularly, and has completed a 12-step program with outstanding results.
David has also shown remorse for his past behavior and a strong determination to change his life for the better. He has taken responsibility for his actions, apologized to those he has hurt, and made amends where possible.
I believe that David is committed to his sobriety and his rehabilitation, and I recommend him for any leniency or support that the court may deem appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
AA Sponsor, LMN Group
Example 4: Volunteer Reference
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter to recommend Michael Brown as a dedicated and compassionate volunteer. Michael has been a member of my AA group for the past two years and has shown remarkable growth and commitment in his recovery journey.
As Michael’s sponsor, I have seen him develop into a reliable, empathetic, and supportive individual who takes his sobriety seriously. He attends our group meetings regularly, participates in outreach programs, and mentors newcomers with kindness and generosity.
Michael has also expressed a strong desire to give back to the community and help others who are struggling with addiction. He has volunteered with several organizations, including a local homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, and a youth center, and has earned praises for his dedication and positive attitude.
I believe that Michael would be an excellent addition to your volunteer team, and I highly recommend him for any position that he may be interested in. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
John Doe
AA Sponsor, PQR Group
Example 5: School Reference
Dear Principal,
I am writing this letter to recommend Sarah Williams as a dedicated and hardworking student. Sarah has been a member of my AA group for the past year and has shown remarkable progress in her recovery journey.
As Sarah’s sponsor, I have witnessed her commitment, resilience, and positive attitude towards her education and sobriety. She attends our group meetings regularly, shares her struggles and achievements, and supports her fellow members with empathy and encouragement.
Sarah is also a responsible and motivated student who takes her academic goals seriously. She has maintained a high GPA, participated in extracurricular activities, and received several awards for her achievements.
I believe that Sarah has the potential to achieve her dreams and make positive contributions to society, and I highly recommend her for any academic or leadership position that she may aspire to. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Kate Johnson
AA Sponsor, UVW Group
Example 6: Personal Reference
Dear Friend,
I am writing this letter to express my admiration and support for Laura Lee, who has been a member of my AA group for the past six months. Laura is a remarkable person who has overcome many challenges and has shown remarkable growth and resilience in her recovery journey.
As Laura’s sponsor, I have seen her transform into a compassionate, honest, and determined individual who takes her sobriety seriously. She attends our group meetings regularly, listens carefully to others’ stories, and offers wise and insightful advice when needed.
Laura is also a caring and loyal friend who always shows up when needed, listens attentively, and offers her support and encouragement. She has helped me through difficult times, and I know that she has done the same for many others.
I believe that Laura is a true inspiration and a valuable asset to any community that she is a part of, and I am privileged to call her my friend. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Mark Taylor
AA Sponsor, XYZ Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor?
A: A Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor should include your introduction, your credentials, your relationship with the individual, specific examples and observations of the individual’s behavior and character, and your recommendation.
Q: How long should a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor be?
A: A Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor should be concise and to the point, usually between 50 to 80 sentences. Avoid including any unnecessary or irrelevant information and focus on the aspects that are relevant to the requester’s needs.
Q: What tone should I use in a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor?
A: You should use a professional and respectful tone in a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor. Address the letter to the appropriate recipient, use a formal salutation and closing, and avoid using slang or offensive language. Proofread the letter and check for any grammatical or spelling errors.
Q: Can I disclose confidential or sensitive information in a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor?
A: No, you should not disclose any confidential or sensitive information about the individual’s background, treatment, or behavior, unless it is authorized by the individual or required by law. Respect their privacy and dignity, and avoid making any judgments or assumptions that may be discriminatory or harmful.
Q: Can I use the same Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor for multiple requests?
A: You should tailor your Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor to the specific requirements of each requester. Avoid using a generic or vague letter that does not add value to the requester’s needs. Provide specific examples and observations that reflect the individual’s behavior and character in the context of the requester’s request.
Q: Can I decline a request to write a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor?
A: Yes, you can decline a request to write a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor if you do not feel comfortable or qualified to do so. Explain your reasons politely and offer alternative sources or references that may be more suitable for the requester’s needs.
Q: What should I include in the complimentary close of a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor?
A: The complimentary close of a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor should express your willingness to provide additional information or clarification, and offer your support and gratitude. Examples of complimentary close phrases include “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” “Yours faithfully,” “With appreciation,” “Respectfully,” and “Thank you for your consideration.”
Conclusion
Writing a Character Reference Letter From AA Sponsor can be a challenging but rewarding experience that can help an individual in their recovery journey and beyond. By following the tips, examples, and frequently asked questions provided in this article, you can write a compelling, accurate, and respectful letter that reflects the individual’s strengths, progress, and character. Remember to be honest, objective, and professional, and to tailor your letter to the specific requirements of each requester.