"Passing it on" is a key concept in the 12 step community. Since it began, its traditions and knowledge have been passed down by word-of-mouth from one generation of sponsors to the next, rather like elder passing on their wisdom. The text, by a former president of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, applies this knowledge and tradition to this handbook for sponsors. With reading assignments, common questions answered, and procedural suggestions - this how-to programme guides sponsors through their role in reaching out and helping new programme members, from the first meeting through the 12th step and into the years that follow.