Overeaters Anonymous (OA) brochures encourage sponsors to “let everyone follow their own path.” When working with a secular sponsee who is atheist or agnostic, or has a non-Judeo-Christian spiritual practice, it often supports their recovery to be willing to work outside of the OA box. Be open to sponsees reading secular or spiritual Twelve-Step literature in addition to OA literature; this will help sponsees translate the core messages of the Steps in terms they can understand and accept.

Let sponsees know about secular OA meetings  and secular websites (like this one), which feature OA Lifeline secular stories and podcasts that can help inspire them.

So many suffering food addicts leave OA or never even attend that first meeting because they are turned off by the god-talk and moralism in the program. But when secular fellows know they are not alone and that resources and support are available, it helps them stay in the program and find recovery. 

Temporary Sponsorship

If you’re not quite ready to commit to longterm sponsoring, check out our 10-week Temporary Secular Sponsorship Program.

Secular Sponsor Speaker Panels

Each panel includes secular sponsors sharing how they became sponsors and how they work with their secular sponsees, followed by a Q&A with workshop attendees.

013022 | Secular Sponsor Panel #2 | 93 min 
Features secular sponsors Meghan, Patrice, Sarah, and Staci. 

100321 | Secular Sponsor Panel #1 | 75 min
Features secular sponsors Ashley, Jenne, Kathie, and Steve.

Secular Sponsoring Resources

Secular Sponsoring Resources (pdf)
Free resources for secular sponsors.

Secular Sponsor Kit (mailing)
Get a free copy of OA’s “A Guide for Sponsors” and a print copy of Secular Sponsoring Resources.

Where Do I Start? (36 pages, pdf)
Read OA’s official newcomer brochure.

Secular Newcomer Information (4 pages, pdf)
Secular Overeaters advice