I want to share a brief concern shared by other SA’s I talk to. It seems that at times — maybe most of the time — the First Steps given during meetings become way too sexually graphic. This morning I spoke to an SA newcomer who is really upset and was not going to return because of the First Step given last week.

I was wondering if maybe a simple one-page guideline could be put out, giving pointers to sponsors and sponsees, perhaps saying things like:

“Giving away explicit, graphic images during the giving of First Steps in meetings is not appropriate. While ‘giving away’ powerful images is sometimes needed in order to dispel their power, this is better done in private with a sponsor or other experienced SA member.” Or, perhaps, “In consideration of other group members, we suggest that sponsors caution their sponsees to use language not offensive to others.”

Thanks very much, and God bless.