National Standards

The Alliance follows the National Standards set forth by Faces and Voices of Recovery

Governance

1. Non-profit Organization

The organization is a non-profit with a current 501c3 status. In some cases, a recovery community organization will have a fiscal agent where a fiduciary relationship exists between an RCO and another agency. In these instances, the role of the fiduciary agent is limited to managing assets and distributing funds to the recovery community organization, free from conflicting self-interests, for the purpose of supporting the recovery community organization’s mission. The recovery community organization is autonomous in their decision-making, program development, recovery services provided, and advocacy efforts through the leadership of an executive or advisory board.

2.Led and Governed by the Recovery Community

The organization is peer-led. More than 50% of the Board of Directors or Advisory Board self-identify as people in personal recovery from their own substance use disorders. Additional board members may include family members of persons impacted by substance use disorders and recovery, allies, and persons with co-occurring mental health disorders.

Programs and Activities

1. Primary Focus is Recovery from Substance Use Disorders

The organization’s mission and vision include a primary focus on recovery from substance use disorders. Some organizations also provide ancillary activities such as prevention services, housing, other addictions, and/or mental health peer services. However, the primary function of an RCO is focused on recovery from substance use disorders and related programs.

2. Grassroots

Community engagement is grassroots and reflective of the community served. The organization provided supportive recovery opportunities to the broader community for all community members to get involved in. This may include volunteering; participating in activities; and planning outreach, events, and programs. Examples of ways to engage local communities of recovery are visible on the website and evident in program delivery.

3. Participatory Processes

The organization has accountability to the recovery community through processes that promote involvement, engagement, and consultation of people in recovery, their families, friends, and recovery allies. These processes may include town hall meetings, listening sessions, surveys, committees, task forces, or volunteer opportunities. Participatory Processes (PP) are specific methods employed to achieve participation by all members of a group in priority and decision-making processes.

4. Peer Recovery Support Services

RCOs provide primarily non-clinical, peer recovery support services. Some examples of non-clinical services are recovery support groups, recovery coaching, telephone recovery support, skill-building groups, harm-reduction activities, and other events. In resource-scare communities, RCOs sometimes offer clinical services to better meet the needs of their communities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

1. All Pathways Toward Recovery

Arkansas Recovery Community Center honors and supports all pathways toward recovery. We recognize that recovery is a personal journey and that individuals choose the pathway that best fits their needs, values, and lived experiences. Our organization provides space, support, and opportunities for anyone seeking wellness, stability, and long-term recovery.

This includes support for harm reduction approaches that reduce negative health consequences and promote safety, dignity, and wellness for people who use drugs and/or alcohol. We respect every person’s right to access services without judgment and without exclusion based on their chosen recovery pathway.

2. Equitable Access to Recovery Support Services

Our organization is committed to ensuring that recovery support services are accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of all people in our community.

We recognize that some individuals and families experience barriers to care due to social, cultural, economic, or historical factors. Arkansas Recovery Community Center works intentionally to reduce these barriers by offering recovery support that is culturally informed, person-centered, and grounded in respect for lived and living experience.

Our focus is on equitable access to recovery, not institutional DEI frameworks. We strive to ensure that every person, especially those who have experienced marginalization, has meaningful opportunities to engage in recovery support, build recovery capital, and participate fully in our programs and community.

3. Recovery‑Centered Language

We use person-first, recovery-oriented, and stigma-free language in all communication, materials, and online platforms.

Our language reflects national standards promoted by Faces & Voices of Recovery, including:

Referring to individuals as people in recovery, people with a substance use disorder, or people who use drugs
Avoiding stigmatizing terms such as addict, alcoholic, abuser, clean/dirty, or relapse
Using terms such as recurrence of use, positive/negative, and medication-assisted recovery

We regularly review our website and materials to ensure they reflect current best practices and promote dignity, respect, and hope for everyone seeking recovery.

4. Code of Ethics and Grievance Policies

Arkansas Recovery Community Center maintains a clear code of ethics and an accessible grievance process to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of all participants, volunteers, and staff.

Our code of ethics is rooted in core recovery values: respect, compassion, integrity, and peer support and is designed specifically for Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs). It reflects the unique role of peer-based recovery support rather than clinical or institutional models.

Our grievance procedure is available online and in our physical locations so that any individual can raise concerns, provide feedback, or request support. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone we serve.