Our Pledge to be Safe and All Inclusive

Our group endeavors to provide a safe meeting space for all attendees and encourages each person here to contribute to fostering a secure and welcoming environment in which our meetings can take place. We ask that all individuals refrain from any predatory behavior and unwanted sexual advances which conflict with carrying our message of wellness and recovery. We recognize and respect the diverse beliefs, values, and experiences that each person brings to the group. The following principles represent our commitment to safety and inclusivity:

1.    RECOVERY IS OUR PRIMARY FOCUS
Our primary purpose is to provide a welcoming environment that focuses on recovery through peer-to-peer mutual support. Our community strives to create and maintain a safe space where the emphasis is on understanding and achieving recovery goals. Please confine your discussions to issues pertaining to recovery.

2.    PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT
Our community offers an environment for a variety of peer-to-peer support meetings where individuals who share similar experiences with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both, can interact in an effort to provide mutual recovery support. We are not professionals or experts in recovery. We do not provide treatment or medical advice; and have no opinion on outside issues including medications. Treatment options and medical advice should come from a qualified physician or mental healthcare professional. 

3.    NO OPINION ON OUTSIDE ISSUES
We do not wish to engage in any controversy. Our space is designed to be a mutual support aid for individuals recovering from mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. We discourage expressions of opinions that advocate any particular world view, proselytizes any particular belief system, or any commentary regarding sex (i.e., no politics, no religious or anti-religious rhetoric and no sex or gender based discrimination). 

4.    ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY
We encourage diversity, recognizing that recovery is a deeply personal and varied journey. Whether your journey is guided by personal beliefs, scientific principles, or a combination of both, we affirm your right to make choices that align with your values. Our aim is to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance where individuals can freely share their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment. Our objective is to nurture a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and respected, and thus fostering a culture of open-mindedness.

5.    PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT
Our group encourages a sense of personal empowerment where individuals take responsibility for their own recovery journey. Individuals are empowered to make decisions that resonate with their values, fostering a proactive and self-directed approach to healing. Our aim is to promote an environment where every individual feels capable of manifesting positive change in their lives.

6.    ANONYMITY
Please respect the anonymity of individuals both inside and outside of our meeting spaces. We want to provide a safe space which allows individuals to share their personal experiences and encourage the principle that what is shared within the meeting remains confidential. We respect individuals’ freedom to divulge as much or as little as they feel comfortable sharing. Who you see here, what you hear here, let it stay here when you leave here.

7.    SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
Our group strives to safeguard the anonymity of individuals; however, keep in mind that anonymity is not a cloak for unsafe and illegal behavior. Addressing such behavior and/or contacting the proper authorities when appropriate, does not go against our principles on anonymity and is meant to ensure the safety of all in attendance. A reminder that safety comes from within. We discourage victimhood. We should take responsibility for our own safety. If safety concerns arise, individuals can inform our group’s Chairperson or co-chair, through the chat feature. We also advise following up with your sponsor or support network. 

8.    LOVE AND TOLERANCE IS OUR CODE
Intolerance of any kind will not be tolerated.
 

We wish to always provide a safe environment for our recovery community. Contact us anytime.