THREE CORE PRINCIPLES OF RCOS

RECOVERY VISION:
All RCOs share a Recovery Vision that focuses on the solution to the addiction problem, which is recovery. An RCO’s primary goal should be to enhance the support and services available to people seeking and sustaining (or “living in”) long-term recovery from addiction. This includes embracing an “all pathways approach” to recovery.

AUTHENTIC VOICE:
All RCOs share an Authentic Voice which means that the interests of the community are represented by organizations that draw their leadership from members of the recovery community. In other words, the majority of board members, staff, and volunteers are members of the focal recovery community. This safeguards against competing interests and ensures that the voice of the RCO is valid.

ACCOUNTABLE TO THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY:
All RCOs are Accountable to the Recovery Community and as such, are subject to being responsible and sensitive to its needs To ensure that accountability, RCOs are independent, nonprofit 501-C (3) organizations with autonomy to members, and relationships· and partnerships with external recovery allies – most often local councils, community prevention coalitions, and treatment or diversion· programs in the health or court systems This is all to say that RCOs are not influenced by clinical or legal entities, but rather speak with the authentic voice of the recovery community.