In the recovery community, we often hear the phrase “your story matters.” It’s true — our personal experiences with addiction, recovery, and healing have the power to transform lives. But the way we tell those stories, the language we use, and the messages we share, matter just as much. That’s why effective and non-stigmatic messaging in recovery advocacy is crucial — it can open hearts, change minds, and break down barriers.
This is the core idea behind an upcoming *FREE* training session we’re offering: **”Recovery Advocacy Training: Empowering Your Recovery Voice”**. Whether you’re in recovery or a dedicated ally, this course is designed to help you define and communicate your recovery message in ways that are authentic, impactful, and stigma-free.
Why Does Messaging Matter?
Recovery is a deeply personal journey, but it’s also one that shapes how others see and understand addiction and healing. Unfortunately, much of the narrative around substance use has been shaped by stigma and negative stereotypes. Words like “addict,” “failure,” and “hopeless” are commonly used to describe people in recovery — but these labels do more harm than good. They create barriers to understanding and access to support.
By learning how to communicate our stories in a non-stigmatic and clear way, we can transform the conversation around recovery. The way we share our experiences can challenge misconceptions, build empathy, and help others see that recovery is not only possible, but something to be celebrated.
What This Training Will Teach You
This training, which will be held virtually on **Thursday, December 19th, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM**, is designed to equip you with the tools and confidence to advocate for recovery in a way that is positive, clear, and compelling. The course will be taught by **Rodasi Campbell** and **Sierria Connon**, both of whom have extensive experience in the recovery field. They will guide you through two key areas of focus:
1. Crafting Your Personal Recovery Message
In the first half of the session, you’ll learn how to define your own recovery message in a way that doesn’t perpetuate stigma. Whether you are speaking to a large group, a friend, or a family member, the words you use matter. This section of the training will help you find a language that is both empowering and truthful — language that reflects your strength and resilience, rather than the shame often associated with addiction.
2. Understanding the Bigger Picture and Advocacy
In the second half of the training, you’ll dive into the broader issues of recovery advocacy. You’ll explore how substance use is marketed and why it’s so important to challenge harmful narratives. You’ll also learn how to advocate for recovery using non-stigmatic language that opens doors to more compassionate, accessible care. The training will introduce you to the “Bill of Recovery Rights,” a set of principles that emphasize the importance of keeping recovery at the center of our lives, no matter the challenges we face.
By the end of the session, you’ll not only have a clearer understanding of how to communicate your own recovery story, but also how to advocate for systemic change and help others who may be struggling.
Why This Training Is Important for the Recovery Community
When we think about recovery advocacy, it’s easy to imagine formal campaigns, political action, or media representation. While these are critical, advocacy starts with the individual — with each of us who has a personal story to share. Your words can influence the way people think about addiction, the way they understand recovery, and, most importantly, the way they respond to those who need help.
By using non-stigmatic, empowering language, we break down the walls that separate those in recovery from the support they deserve. We challenge the idea that addiction is a moral failing and shift the narrative toward one of hope, growth, and resilience.
Take Action — Sign Up Today!
If you’re ready to empower your recovery voice and become a stronger advocate for change, this training is for you. Spaces are still available, but they’re filling up quickly, so don’t wait to register.
Training Details:
– Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
– Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
– Location: Virtual via Zoom
– Cost: Free
– Credits: 6 MCBAP credits awarded for full attendance
This is a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals who are all working toward the same goal: creating a world where recovery is seen as a path to strength, hope, and transformation.
The Change Starts with Us
The recovery journey is not just about overcoming addiction — it’s also about reclaiming our voices and using them to make a difference. By learning to communicate our stories with authenticity and without stigma, we can inspire others and build a more compassionate world for everyone in recovery.
Your voice matters. It always has. Let’s use it to change the narrative.
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Register HERE for the *Recovery Messaging Training: Empowering Your Recovery Voice* and start your journey toward a stronger, stigma-free recovery community.
