Recovery Community Organization
WHAT IS AN RCO?
A Recovery Community Organization is an independent, nonprofit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. These communities organize recovery-focused policy advocacy activities, carry out recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and/or provide peer-based recovery support services (P-BRSS).
RCO Core Values
- Recovery Community Organizations, their staff and programs always focus on recovery first
- RCO’s gear their services to all people. Their programs and services reflect cultural diversity and inclusion
- Decisions are made through the participatory process from the staff, stakeholders, partnerships, and individuals receiving services
- They run on the peer-helping-peer model
- Programs allow for leadership development in staff, volunteers and individuals receiving services
- All programs, services, communications and policies are strength-based
- All programs and services encourage individual autonomy and choice
RCO Core Principles
- Recovery vision: Long-term recovery from substance use disorder happens
- Authenticity of voice: person’s in long-term recovery drive the programs and services within the Recovery Community Organization
- Accountability to the greater recovery community to help and support
- Continued public education & awareness to reduce stigma and help community members understand that recovery is possible
- Continued policy advocacy
- Offer peer-based and other recovery support services that support multiple pathways of recovery
- Mutual trust and respect for all participants
- Recognition of strengths and contributions of all participants
- Shared leadership, decision-making power, resources and credit among members
- Assurance that each member is treated equally
- Promise of a safe environment for clear and open communication that values feedback from all members
- Respect for the knowledge and expertise of members
- Belief that community input is essential
- Commitment to the value of diversity
- Understanding that relationships must be nurtured and that they evolve and change .
