Unite and Support
The Association of Recovery Community Organizations (ARCO) at Faces & Voices of Recovery unites and supports the growing network of local, regional, and statewide Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs).
ARCO is a membership program that brings together new, emerging and established RCOs to build the unified voice of the organized recovery community.
ARCO links RCOs and their leaders with local and national allies through networking opportunities and sharing resources. We are committed to advocating for policies and funding to develop and strengthen organizations led and governed by the recovery community.
ARCO Members are Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) that have applied for membership and, through a peer-review process, received a recommendation for ARCO membership.
ARCO members are organizing across the US to work more effectively with local, state, and national recovery communities and stakeholders to affect positive change.
Chances are that no matter where you live, a dedicated group of recovery advocates is working to change perceptions, policies, and laws to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use.
To ensure fidelity to the recovery community organization model, Faces & Voices of Recovery, RCOs across the nation, and stakeholders have identified a set of national best practices for recovery community organizations.
Benefits of Membership
ARCO members receive front-line information on issues and join the national voice unified to advance recovery, peer services, and support recovery community organizations. For example:
- Advocacy Action Alerts on critical public policy and funding issues affecting peer services, recovery community organizations, and their recovery communities.
- An annual Hill Day, held for members across the country to meet with their Senators and Representatives to advocate for recovery in Washington, DC.
This annual conference is open to ARCO members and affiliates to attend, with ARCO members receiving a discounted rate. ARCO members also receive a complimentary ticket to the America Honors Recovery Awards Gala. When held in Washington, DC, ARCO members receive additional resources and support to conduct advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
- The Recovery Leadership Summit hosts nationally recognized speakers and workshops, and offers networking opportunities with other ARCO members, recovery allies, and policy labs.
- Registration fees apply; travel and lodging are not included.
ARCO members' staff and volunteers are invited to attend a monthly virtual ARCO All Member Meeting. This meeting is held on the second Tuesday of each month, at 3:00 PM ET.
- Each month, attendees receive a public policy update, special topics presentations by ARCO members or other guest presenters, and ARCO announcements.
- Meeting topics are announced quarterly. ARCO members are encouraged to submit requests for topics to mhorowitz@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.
Faces & Voices of Recovery offers several discount programs to ARCO members. These programs support sustainability; development; continuing education of staff, volunteers, and stakeholders; and enhance data collection practices. ARCO members also receive discounts on Faces & Voices of Recovery merchandise.
- ARCO members receive a 20% discount on the National Recovery Institute (NRI) curricula. Faces & Voices of Recovery NRI curricula is NADAAC approved for continuing education and meets the IC&RC education domains for peer recovery support services (PRSS). Learn More
- ARCO members receive a significantly reduced subscription fee of 50% off licensing, for use of the Recovery Data Platform (RDP). Learn More
- ARCO Members receive 20% off all online purchases.
ARCO members receive national recognition through prominent listing on the Faces & Voices of Recovery website with over 30,000 unique visitors per month.
- ARCO members are featured on the ARCO Members on the Map page.
- ARCO member's profiles are updated yearly and information is shared across email, social media, our website, and other virtual platforms.
- ARCO members have multiple opportunities to present to the ARCO network and to new or emerging networks of RCOs, engage in regional networking opportunities, and participate in national workgroups.
The National Rally for Recovery HUB event is hosted each September by an ARCO member organization, selected through an application process, to deliver a recovery-centered program that focuses on and celebrates the recovery of individuals, families, and entire communities all across America. While this event is hosted by an ARCO member organization, ARCO membership does not guarantee selection as the host organization for The Rally for Recovery HUB event.
ARCO members who have been selected as the National Rally for Recovery HUB event recipient will receive support from Faces & Voices of Recovery to highlight this national event occurring during National Recovery Month.
Support includes:
- Quarterly attendance, by a Faces & Voices of Recovery staff member, of the National Rally for Recovery HUB event steering committee
- Facilitation of invitations, to government officials from SAMHSA and ONDCP, to attend the National Rally for Recovery HUB event
- Event promotion strategies, marketing materials, and a National Rally for Recovery HUB event page on the Faces & Voices of Recovery website
- A Faces & Voices of Recovery onsite exhibit table at the National Rally for Recovery HUB event and Faces & Voices of Recovery give-aways
- Monetary sponsorship
ARCO members receive a welcome packet that includes a membership certificate and use of the ARCO name and logo on their website and other online platforms.
ARCO member's staff and volunteers have access to a closed Facebook group for intra-organization discussions.
ARCO members receive a monthly, members-only, e-newsletter that may include topics such as new member updates, sustainability resources, advocacy updates, training announcements, and more.
ARCO members have access to the RCO Emergency Preparedness Toolkit consisting of downloadable templates, policies and procedures, and handouts that are a collection of materials that have been provided by multiple resources and compiled in order to be easily accessible for the public needs.
ARCO members receive a self-appraisal tool to utilize at their yearly renewal to self-appraise their organization in the areas of RCO governance; programs and activities; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
ARCO members receive an ARCO transparent window cling.
ARCO members receive access to the Faces & Voices of Recovery: Our Stories Have Power training curriculum and receive a training of facilitators at no cost.
News
2021 ARCO Programmatic Evaluation Report
In February of 2020, I began my position with Faces & Voices of Recovery. With experience in grassroots organizing, working with RCOs and state systems, and peer training facilitation and…
Read MoreVirtual Shift
2020 was a challenging time. It may have looked different. We may have had less hugs and more virtual high-fives, but we were still able to accomplish amazing things. This…
Read MoreEvents
Free Virtual Learning Community: Words Matter- English
This free Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is sponsored by the Opioid Response Network. Topic: Words Matter: Utilizing Powerful Language to Eliminate Stigma Language is one of our most powerful tools when combating the effects…
Read MoreReview & Renew: A Conversation About Hope and Moving Forward Together
Since July of 2021, we have welcomed more than 300 people to four forums highlighting issues of equity in recovery spaces, such as recovery housing, mental health in the BIPOC…
Read MoreYouth Recovery Ambassador Training
This training will consist of two 3-hour training sessions focused on enhancing skills and competency for young leaders in recovery to advocate for positive change in their communities. Participants will…
Read More2022 Recovery Month Kick-Off
Celebrate Recovery Month with this year’s Kick-Off Event! The Recovery Month tagline, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” reminds people in recovery and those who support them, that…
Read MoreReporting on Addiction: Elevating Stories About Recovery
Join us on Tuesday, July 26th, at 2pm EDT for an engaging webinar co-sponsored by Faces & Voices of Recovery and Reporting on Addiction. During the conversation, you will get…
Read MoreEmergency Preparedness for Recovery Community Organizations (RCO’s)
Target audience Recovery Community Organization staff (both admin and direct service clinicians/peers), board members, volunteers, community allies, etc. The goal is that attendees can share knowledge, skills and tools within…
Read MoreARCO Mid-Year Retreat
The 2020 ARCO Mid-year Retreat will focus on Leadership Development. Connecting with both new and experienced RCO leaders helps to build local capacity and grows the national RCO movement. Come…
Read MoreMembers on the Map
There are over 140 ARCO members and growing steadily, apply today to be part of the family and grow with us.
ARCO members are organized across the US to work more effectively with national organizations (ARCO Partners) to affect positive change. We’re also organizing internationally and welcome our friends from abroad to join us.
Supporting Our Members
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Resources
RCO Toolkit
The Recovery Community Organization Toolkit is a must read if you're interested in starting up a recovery community organization or want to think about the next steps for your group. Find out about the core strategies that grass roots organizations around the country have used to develop strong local and statewide groups.
Advocacy with Anonymity
There are tens of thousands of people across our country just like you who want to speak out about their recovery experiences while honoring the principles that have worked so well for so many. This pamphlet answers questions that people who want to speak out are asking as they think about how to share their experiences and make it possible for others to get the help they need.
Lobbying Rules for Non-Profits
Keeping it Legal: Lobbying Rules for Nonprofits
Guidelines and rules for making the most out of your advocacy efforts.
Federal policy and Advocacy Priorities (2021-2022)
on January 21, 2021, Faces & Voices announced federal policy and advocacy priorities for 2021 and 2022. We invite you to take these priorities with you. Cultivate the diverse voices of individuals and their families affected by addiction. In your community or on Capitol Hill, carry these priorities with intention. Sow the expectation of recovery and raise your voice – we’ve got growing to do.
FAQs
A recovery community organization (RCO) is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery that does any, one, or combination of the following activities. These activities are available to all community members and are not restricted to individuals enrolled in a specific educational, treatment, or residential program.
- Conduct ongoing local recovery support needs assessment surveys or focus groups
- Organize recovery-focused policy and advocacy activities
- Increase recovery workforce capacity and expertise through training and education
- Carry out recovery-focused outreach programs to engage people seeking recovery, in recovery, or in need of recovery-focused support services or events to educate and raise public awareness
- Conduct recovery-focused public and professional education events
- Provide peer recovery support services (PRSS)
- Support the development of recovery support institutions (e.g., education-based recovery support programs, recovery community centers, recovery cafes, recovery ministries, recovery-focused employment programs, recovery-focused prison reentry programs, etc.)
- Host local, regional, or national recovery celebration events
- Collaborate on the integration of recovery-focused activities within local prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, and treatment initiatives
RCOs increase the visibility and influence of the recovery community and engage in activities that fall under one or more of the three core activities of policy and advocacy activities, recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and peer recovery support services (PRSS).
All recovery community organizations (RCOs) are welcome to apply for ARCO membership.
An RCO is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery that does any number of activities. These activities are available to all community members and are not restricted to individuals enrolled in a specific educational, treatment, or residential program.
Prior to application, interested applicants should review the National Standards of Best Practices for Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) RCO definition and 10 best practices for RCOs at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/arco/rco-best-practices/. Interested RCO’s may create an account at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/my-account/ and apply for ARCO membership after their account has been set up.
Annual ARCO membership dues are determined by the organization’s fiscal budget for the current year. ARCO annual membership dues levels are shown below.
- For RCOs with a fiscal budget of < $50,000, annual ARCO membership dues are $250.
- For RCOs with a fiscal budget of $50,000 - $149,999, annual ARCO membership dues are $550.
- For RCOs with a fiscal budget of $150,000 - $499,999, annual ARCO membership dues are $850.
- For RCOs with a fiscal budget of > $500,000, annual ARCO membership dues are $1,400.
Just as there are Multiple Pathways to Recovery, there are multiple pathways to membership with Faces & Voices of Recovery. In addition to ARCO membership, we have individual and affiliate membership options for individuals and organizations that are not RCOs. Learn more about our membership options at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/get-involved/membership-options/.
Yes, Faces & Voices of Recovery is organizing internationally, and we welcome our friends from abroad to join us.
The ARCO logo is only approved for use by current ARCO members. To access the ARCO logo, please log into your member account at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/my-account/ and locate the downloads option. You will be able to download the ARCO logo from there.
Apply for ARCO Membership
Faces & Voices of Recovery welcomes all local, regional, statewide, and national non-profit organizations that are led and governed by the people in recovery from substance use disorders and their families, friends, and allies to apply to join.