History has shown us that we can do together what we can’t do alone. This is evidenced by a number of social movements during which discriminated populations united to fight for the most basic civil rights. Today, the recovery community is coming together to eliminate the stigma attached to addiction and recovery. We’re advocating for great recovery support services (RSS) in communities across New York State.

We know that strong, local recovery community organizations help to erase the feelings of shame and isolation from which those in recovery have historically sought relief. In fact, research shows us that peer-based, peer-driven advocacy creates solutions for ending the discrimination and shame around addiction and recovery. Peers know what’s best for themselves and the members of their community. This has been the case with countless grassroots organizations that have sprung from the need to form a collective voice and effect meaningful social change.

Inside the Toolkit

We developed the FOR-NY RCO Toolkit based on lessons learned from local and national partners involved in the Recovery Movement, including Faces & Voices of Recovery, noted Addiction & Recovery researcher, William White, and local RCOs throughout the state. It’s intended to provide you with the nuts and bolts of how to develop an RCO in your community.

Building and maintaining Recovery capital requires patience, understanding of group processes, and appreciation of cultural differences. This toolkit has been designed to provide you with the background, tools, and tactics you’ll need to engage all members of the recovery community. It will help you work together to build an infrastructure that will support and sustain recovery for local individuals and families impacted by addiction.