Dear SMART Volunteers,
As we enter this month of gratitude, I’d like to open with my thanks for all that you are doing today and every day to serve our participants. I know how much time and effort you put in for SMART, and it is appreciated. Please read on for three important updates.
New Lower Self-Paced Training Prices!
First, I am pleased to announce that we are lowering the prices of our online self-paced facilitator training to $79. In addition, in response to your feedback, the cost of our combined Family & Friends facilitator training will now also be $79, meaning that there is no additional cost to prepare yourself to run F&F meetings versus regular 4-Point Recovery meetings. Please help spread the word about this good news! The website for our online training programs is https://t2.smartrecoverytraining.org/moodle/
Facilitating in Troubling Times
There are many troubling things occurring in the world today. It’s normal for us to be moved to activism in one form or another as a result. Of course we have an individual right to speak our minds, wear clothing with slogans that reflect our views, and advocate publicly for what we believe in. No question.
As SMART Recovery volunteers, though, it’s our job to create neutral spaces for individuals to come together to discuss their recovery from problematic addictive behaviors. The same events that might move us to activism are creating unsettling feelings for many of our meeting participants as they pursue their recovery. For the 60-90 minutes that we are in a position of power as a facilitator, it’s important that we check our activism at the door and focus completely on creating a safe environment for everyone seeking support to overcome their addictive behaviors.
If we become aware of language that we’ve used, or clothing that we’ve worn, that has had a negative impact on a meeting participant, it’s our job to say “thank you for pointing out that blind spot,” and then adjust our behavior so as not to make people feel uncomfortable in our meetings.
As a facilitator myself, I take heart in the fact that individuals who are finding support in our meetings may just be the people that help our societies heal in the future. Can you please join me in embracing that possibility, and do everything you can to create safe, inclusive spaces for all?
Town Hall Meeting
I will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting for all volunteers on Thursday November 16th at 8:00pm Eastern Time. You can register for the Town Hall Meeting here:
https://smartrecovery.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkdeuqrT0qHNLiLKYfqVW9uZ3MsvHfWR1C
Have a great Wednesday!
Peace,
