VolunteerCONNECTION - February 2025

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Subject: VolunteerCONNECTION - February 2025

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As we move through February, I find myself reflecting on the incredible growth we’ve experienced as a community—both in the number of SMART meetings and in the ways we continue to support one another. Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the connections we build, the knowledge we share, and the impact we have in the lives of those seeking support.

One of the most exciting opportunities for connection is coming up in April at the SMART Recovery National Conference. While I’ve had the privilege of working with many of you virtually, I can’t wait to meet as many of you as possible in person. The conference is not just a chance to learn and grow—it’s an opportunity to strengthen the relationships that make our volunteer network so special.

As you read through this month’s updates, I encourage you to reflect on how you’ve grown in your role and the ways we can continue fostering meaningful connections—whether through your local meetings, the Volunteer Support Committee, or even a quick check-in with a fellow facilitator. Every small action adds up to something greater.

Thank you for all you do to make SMART Recovery such a strong, welcoming, and empowering community. I hope to see many of you in April!

Warmly,

Director of Meetings and Volunteers

Reminders

Conference Registration and Scholarships

📢 Are you ready to connect, learn, and be inspired? Join us in Charlotte, NC, for the 2025 SMART Recovery National Conference—a chance to meet fellow volunteers, hear from incredible speakers, and gain new insights into how we can build SMART communities of empowerment for all.

💡 Exclusive for Volunteers: We’re pleased to offer a scholarship to help support our amazing facilitators in attending this event!

🌟 What to Expect:

✔ Dynamic speakers and interactive sessions designed to empower you in your role

✔ Opportunities to network with SMART volunteers and professionals from across the country

✔ A shared experience of growth and connection with like-minded individuals

🎟 Want to join us? Visit the conference page for details on registration, scholarships, and everything you need to know!

SMART Recovery Handbook Update

📚 The wait is almost over! We’re pleased to share that the new SMART Recovery handbooks will begin shipping soon.

🚀 What to Expect:

✔ 4-Point Handbooks will be shipped first, with Family & Friends Handbooks following soon after.

✔ Facilitators’ advanced copies are expected to start arriving around March 15th.

✔ Orders for the general public will open in early April.

📌 Action Needed: To ensure your facilitator copy reaches you without delay, please double-check your address and update it if needed by filling out this short form (it only takes a minute!).

Thank you for your patience and support throughout this process. We’re excited to get these new resources into your hands soon!

Confirm Shipping Details

Is Your Meeting Listing Up to Date?

🔍 Let’s start the year off right by making sure every SMART Recovery meeting is easy to find!

As we continue growing, it’s important that meeting listings in SMARTfinder stay accurate and up to date. Now is a great time to check your meeting details!

✅ Please take a moment to:

✔ Review your meeting listing in SMARTfinder.

✔ Confirm that your meeting details are correct.

✔ Let us know if any updates are needed by reaching out to VolunteerHQ@smartrecovery.org.

Your help ensures that participants can easily find and access the support they need. Thank you for taking a moment to check your listing!

Announcements

Expanding Volunteer Support

💡 Exciting changes are happening within SMART’s volunteer support network!

To better serve facilitators and enhance peer support, Regional Coordinators (RCs) have transitioned into Volunteer Support Coordinators (VSCs). Additionally, we’re inviting those who previously served as Local Coordinators to join the Volunteer Support Committee (VSC) to continue supporting volunteers in meaningful ways.

🌟 What Do VSCs Do?

VSCs are experienced SMART Recovery volunteers dedicated to mentoring and supporting facilitators while fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for volunteers to build connections and thrive. They help:

✔ New facilitators gain confidence in planning and leading meetings.

✔ Navigate meeting dynamics, including participant conflicts and engagement challenges.

✔ Brainstorm practical solutions for meeting logistics, such as finding locations and choosing the best times.

🔎 Are you interested in joining the VSC? Are you currently serving as a Local Coordinator?

We’d love to hear from you!

Please fill out this short survey 👉 https://forms.office.com/r/MyhLhnqdzH to share your past experience and interest in helping us build a strong, engaged volunteer community.

This transition is all about growth, connection, and strengthening support for SMART Recovery facilitators. Thank you for being a part of it!

I Want to be a VSC

New Resources in VolunteerHQ

📢 We’ve updated key facilitator resources in VolunteerHQ to better support you in leading meetings!

Facilitators play a vital role in creating a welcoming and empowering space for participants. To ensure you have the most up-to-date tools and guidance, we’ve refreshed several key resources. These updates provide clearer expectations, reinforce SMART Recovery’s values, and offer additional support when challenges arise.

🆕 What’s New?

✔ Opening Statements for 4-Point and Family & Friends meetings – Refreshed language to better reflect SMART’s approach.

✔ Meeting Guidelines – Clear expectations to support effective, inclusive meetings.

✔ Volunteer Code of Conduct – Reinforcing SMART Recovery’s values of respect, empowerment, and accountability.

✔ Facilitator Support Policy: Navigating Personal and Health Challenges – Guidance on what to do if challenges arise while leading meetings.

📌 These resources are now available in VolunteerHQ in the Meeting Resources section under Volunteer Resources.

We encourage all facilitators to review them and ensure they are aligned with the latest best practices.

Thank you for your commitment to making SMART Recovery meetings a supportive and engaging space for all!

Facilitator Training & Support

Working Out Loud Lunch & Learn

📢 Join Us for a "Working Out Loud" Lunch & Learn!

SMART Recovery facilitators and trainees, this is your chance to come together and share what’s working in your meetings! These interactive sessions provide a space to swap ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other in a supportive and engaging environment.

🌟 What’s even better? We’ll compile the insights shared into a handout and post it on VolunteerHQ, ensuring facilitators can continue learning from one another.

🗓 Upcoming Sessions:

📅 March 2, 2025 | 12:00 PM EST

🔹 Working Out Loud: Inclusion & Belonging

💡 How do you create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued? Have you found ways to make your meetings more inclusive? Are there ideas you’re still hoping to try? Let’s discuss what’s working and where we can grow.

📅 March 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM EST

🔹 Working Out Loud: Harm Reduction in SMART Recovery Meetings

💡 Have you facilitated discussions around reducing alcohol or drug use rather than abstinence? How do you support participants pursuing harm reduction while ensuring abstinence-focused members feel comfortable? Let’s explore how we navigate these conversations in a SMART way.

📌 Don’t miss these opportunities to learn and collaborate! Keep an eye on VolunteerHQ for more details and registration links.

New Resources in VolunteerHQ

🗓️ Daily Sessions
We offer training sessions throughout the work week, accessible via Zoom and scheduled to fit your busy day. Dive into Motivational Interviewing practice, attend interactive Lunch & Learn discussions, and participate in our SMART Meeting Management (SMM) sessions. Get the latest insights and practical tips directly from SMART staff and experienced volunteers!

💬 Get Answers and Support
Have questions? This is your chance to ask SMART staff directly and get real-world advice from seasoned volunteers. Gain insights, refine your techniques, and build confidence in a supportive learning environment.

📅 Check Out the Schedule
Ready to join us? Visit VolunteerHQ to see the full schedule and add these events to your calendar. Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and grow with SMART Recovery!

Final Thoughts

As we move forward into 2025, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for each of you. The dedication, passion, and support you bring to SMART Recovery are what make this community so special. Every meeting you lead, every conversation you facilitate, and every person you empower contributes to real change—and that is something truly incredible.

🌱 “We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges together.” – Unknown

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through connection. Whether it’s in your meetings, the Volunteer Support Committee, or upcoming training sessions, I encourage you to keep finding ways to support one another and grow together.

And if you’re looking for a chance to connect in person, don’t forget to register for the SMART Recovery National Conference! This is an opportunity to meet fellow facilitators, gain valuable insights, and celebrate the impact we’re making together. Register now!

Thank you for being part of this movement. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the months ahead!

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to SMART Recovery

Your group donations to SMART Recovery help empower individuals nationwide with tools and communities to reduce or resolve any addictive behavior. After you've covered any local rent or supply expenses, please send the surplus to the National Office. These funds are important to our ongoing support of meetings and volunteers nationally.

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SMART Recovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Subject: VolunteerCONNECTION - February 2025