What is SLAA HOW?

The SLAA HOW program uses specific tools to support sobriety. Members work with a sponsor to define personal bottom lines and abstain from these behaviours daily. This recovery framework includes writing from SLAA and AA literature, attending at least 3 meetings per week focused on Honesty, Openness, and Willingness, and making 4 daily phone calls (one to a sponsor, 3 outreach). Daily prayer and meditation foster spiritual connection. Service, like helping at meetings, supports recovery. Sponsors guide newcomers through the steps, acting as trusted servants under a Higher Power’s guidance. For a detailed description and beginners guide please refer to: https://www.slaa.org.au/how/

What is the SLAA HOW 20 - Week Workshop?

The SLAA HOW 20-Week Workshop series for those committed to beginning a new sponsor/sponsee relationship and working through the 12 steps the SLAA HOW way. The workshop is weekly, consisting of a speaker share on pre-determined SLAA recovery related topics or the current step and runs for 20 weeks. Interwoven through the step focused themes, there are meetings which focus on “The Withdrawal Experience,” “Healthy Relationships,” “Sober Dating,” and “Sponsoring the HOW Way.” There will also be opportunities in each meeting to connect with other fellows in timed Zoom breakout rooms and an after meeting “Super Fun Parking Lot!” Sessions run for approximately 90 minutes.

You will also gain exclusive access to various WhatsApp groups based on personal preferences to connect with your workshop community for outreach and support.

When is the next Workshop & how do I sign up?

The next SLAA HOW 20-Week Workshop commencement dates are within the  SIGN UP | NEXT ROUND page that has relevant information pertaining to that round. There you will find the intake form to sign up.

What does UTC mean?

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the main time standard used worldwide to keep clocks in sync. It stays nearly the same everywhere—no daylight saving changes. You may access UTC via your iPhone and add it under “World Clock, UTC (in search field)”.Also a UTC time converter may be found here:
https://dateful.com/convert/utc

Why the $60 contribution? Is it required to participate in the workshop?

The $60 workshop contribution helps support the administrative costs of the workshop and donates to SLAA’s fellowship worldwide services (FWS), which have been impacted by a recent decline in donations. Your contribution not only enriches your own recovery but also sustains SLAA’s mission to reach those still suffering. For perspective, the $60 breaks down to a $3 donation per weekly session. To keep this opportunity accessible, a sliding scale and scholarships are available for those unable to pay the full amount.
Click the following link to review the services SLAA FWS provides. https://slaafws.org/fwsinfo/

Do I need a sponsor to sign up for the workshop?

You do not need to have a sponsor to register for the workshop. However, a sponsor is required to begin working the Steps. During the first two meetings, you will have the opportunity to connect with available sponsors and identify someone you feel comfortable approaching. Many members find a sponsor during this time through what we call MIX, MATCHING, MATCHED. Others may find a sponsor outside of the workshop through their regular meetings, outreach groups, or other S.L.A.A. connections. If you find a sponsor outside of the workshop, please let the service team know during your round so we can update your status accordingly.

While the workshop is designed to help facilitate connections between potential sponsors and sponsees, a sponsor-sponsee match is not guaranteed. Our role is to provide opportunities and support for these connections to happen, both within the workshop and through the wider fellowship. Ultimately, the decision to enter into a sponsorship relationship is a personal one between the sponsor and sponsee, and we cannot guarantee that every participant will be matched with a sponsor.

I have a HOW SLAA sponsor. Does my sponsor need to attend the workshop sessions?

No, however, your sponsor will be asked to complete the intake form so the service team may include them in the database to receive materials and other workshop related correspondence. We do encourage sponsors to come to the meetings and we need sponsors to serve as script readers and Zoom guru etc.

Does my sponsor have to be a HOW sponsor in order to take me through the workshop?

Yes, your sponsor needs to have worked Steps 1–3 through the HOW program to guide you through the first 3 steps (30 days) of the workshop. Then at least one step ahead of you for the remainder of the steps.

What is going to be expected of me for this workshop?

During the workshop, the first 37 days are especially important in building a strong foundation for your recovery. Each day, you’ll receive reflection questions based on readings from the SLAA Basic Text and pamphlets, AA’s Twelve and Twelve, the recently published A Framework for Living (SLAAs 12 steps and 12 traditions), the Big Book, and As Bill Sees It. You’ll connect daily with your sponsor to share your reflections. By the end of the first 7 and 30 questions you’ll have identified your personal bottom and top lines and completed Steps 1–3. To recognize this milestone, we’ll hold a beautiful candle “Stepping Up” ceremony to celebrate your progress with your fellows in the workshop. Moving on through remaining steps and subsequent “Stepping Up” milestones are determined between you and your sponsor. You will continue to attend the weekly step focused meetings and connect with your community through the duration of the workshop.

What materials do I need to have to successfully participate in the workshop?

Suggested materials will be outlined in an introductory email (1 week prior to commencement date). Literature needed for each question will be detailed on the day the question is sent to you. Some materials have a copyright and must be purchased. The cost of the items is small. These resources will be required to complete the daily reflection questions and deepen your 12 step recovery experience.

What if I cannot attend all of the weekly sessions?

Although an important part of the experience we understand not every meeting can be attended. There are a variety of SLAA HOW meetings offered throughout the week to support your sobriety and maintain your 3 meeting weekly commitment.

Can I join the workshop at any point during the 20 weeks?

Unfortunately due to the workload involved with creating and organizing the workshop it is not possible to add members during a workshop.

Meanwhile, you are strongly encouraged to continue on your recovery path by attending SLAA HOW meetings and getting immersed in the framework of the program.

In summary

Thank you for your interest in the SLAA HOW 20-week Workshop. This is an opportunity for you to deepen your recovery, build structure, and grow together in a supportive, safe space. Whether you’re starting or continuing your journey, this experience can be truly transformative. We look forward to seeing you!