VolunteerCONNECTION

Subject: VolunteerCONNECTION - May 2025

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Dear SMART Volunteers,

This spring has brought powerful reminders of the impact we’re making together. On April 30, the New England Journal of Medicine — one of the most respected medical journals in the world — recommended SMART Recovery as a mutual aid group for addiction recovery. It's the third time in just four months we’ve been recognized in its pages.

This kind of national visibility doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thousands of volunteers showing up, week after week, to create compassionate, science-based spaces where people can find support. Whether you're currently facilitating, co-facilitating, or preparing to launch a new meeting, your role is essential — and we’re so grateful to have you as part of the SMART community. Thank you for helping to create spaces where change and connection can happen.

In this issue, we’re highlighting some important updates — including new meeting participation guidance, details about the updated 4-Point training, and more. We hope you find these resources helpful as you continue to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive meeting spaces.

With gratitude,

Senior Director of Program Delivery

Announcements

Updated Online Participation Policy

Starting May 30, 2025, all SMART Recovery online meetings will welcome participants regardless of whether they choose to turn on their camera or participate by microphone or chat.

This update reflects the guidance in the newly released 4th edition of the SMART Recovery Participant Handbook and furthers our ongoing commitment to making meetings more accessible, inclusive, and supportive for all.

This shift is about ensuring participants can engage at the level that feels right for them—whether that means joining quietly, listening in, or fully participating. Facilitators are encouraged to:

Use warm, inclusive language to invite participation (e.g., “We value seeing one another and hearing check-ins. We encourage participation when and how you feel ready.”)

Honor participant comfort and autonomy while still creating a safe and welcoming group environment.

We recognize that some meeting types—like women-only, men-only, teen-only, or those held in treatment facilities—may have additional safety or structural needs. If you're facilitating one of these and aren’t sure how this update applies, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Thank you for helping make SMART meetings welcoming spaces for all.

New 4-Point Facilitator Training Now Live

We’re excited to announce that the new SMART Recovery 4-Point Facilitator Training is officially live! And coming in July, the completely updated Family and Friends Facilitator Training!

This updated course aligns with the SMART Recovery Participant Handbook – Version 4 (released in April 2025) and reflects our most current language, tools, and approach. Whether you’re a longtime facilitator or recently trained, we strongly encourage you to take the new course to stay aligned with the materials being shared with new facilitators nationwide.

Here’s what to know:

🎓 All currently registered facilitators will receive a one-time-use coupon code by June 2, 2025, to take the course for free (check your inbox!).

🔐 You’ll have lifetime access once you enroll — no rush to finish

🗓️ Coupon codes expire July 31, so don’t wait too long to register

💬 Your feedback is welcome — there’s a short survey at the end of the course, and you’re invited to share any additional thoughts with the training team

📅 And coming in July, the completely updated Family and Friends Facilitator Training!

If you facilitate with a co-leader who isn’t listed on the website, they may not receive a code. Reach out to VolunteerHQ@smartrecovery.org if they need to be added.

And if you know someone who’s been waiting to take the training — it’s now live to the public at an introductory price of $49!

If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to training@smartrecovery.org.

Thank you for your continued commitment to providing supportive, engaging, and up-to-date SMART Recovery meetings. 💙

Reminders

Help Keep Our Meeting List Up to Date

Keeping SMART Recovery’s meeting list accurate is essential to helping participants find the support they need — and we need your help!

We regularly review all meetings and reach out when no updates have been made in the past 12 months. If you facilitate a SMART Recovery meeting, please take a moment to confirm your meeting details:

👉 Use the form

👉 Or email us at VolunteerHQ@smartrecovery.org

✅ Why It Matters:

Participants can find support more easily — without frustration
Our directory reflects only active, available meetings
We can remove or update listings as needed to keep everything current

✔️ Still facilitating? Let us know and confirm your meeting details.

✔️ No longer facilitating? Please tell us so we can update our records.

Thank you for helping us keep SMART Recovery’s resources accurate, welcoming, and easy to access for all.

Confirm Meeting Status

Opportunities

Help Expand National SMART Meetings

We’re working to grow our national meeting offerings so that more participants across time zones can access the support they need, when they need it.

If you’re a trained facilitator for either 4-Point or Family & Friends, and you’re interested in hosting or co-facilitating a national SMART meeting, we’d love to hear from you!

Email Melina Gilbert at mgilbert@smartrecovery.org to learn more or express your interest.

Together, we can make SMART Recovery more accessible to people across the country.

Coming Soon: Share Your Thoughts With Us!

Watch your inbox for a quick survey about your experience as a SMART Recovery volunteer — we’d love your feedback!

Expanding Volunteer Support

SMART Recovery’s Volunteer Support Committee is looking for engaged volunteers to help mentor and support facilitators.

If you’re interested in supporting fellow volunteers as a Volunteer Support Coordinator (VSC), we’d love to hear from you!

Help us strengthen support for SMART Recovery facilitators—join us today!

I Want to be a VSC

Facilitator Training & Support

🗓️ 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

Whether you’ve been facilitating for years or just recently completed training, we’re grateful for the time, heart, and experience you bring to SMART Recovery.

As we continue to expand our offerings, update our tools, and increase access to support, your voice and leadership make all the difference. Keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks for a quick survey about your experience — we’d love your feedback.

Wishing you a smooth start to summer, and as always, thank you for all you do.

Submit Your Group Donations
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.

Submit Your Group Donation

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

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Subject: VolunteerCONNECTION - May 2025