Dear SMART Recovery Volunteers,

I hope that you’ve been well since my last email update. As I mentioned in that message, I intend to improve our communication about the various fundraising efforts we participate in throughout the year. To that end, I am writing to inform you about an upcoming fundraising campaign called Sober October.

This campaign, organized and run by an external agency, is designed to increase the financial resources available to fund SMART Recovery International (SRI)’s efforts to support the growth of SMART Recovery throughout the world. In return for our efforts to raise those funds, SMART Recovery USA (SRUS) will receive a portion of all donations raised.

The Sober October campaign invites individuals to show their support for persons in recovery by abstaining from alcohol for the entire month of October in return for monetary pledges for their efforts. In addition to the funds raised for SRI and SRUS, we hope that the conversations that happen during the campaign will help expand the support networks of and reduce the stigma experienced by individuals in recovery.

As you receive invitations to participate in this effort, please know that we recognize that not everyone will find this campaign compelling. That’s ok. Please also know that we absolutely appreciate the impact that your contributions of time have on our ability to support those working to build a life beyond addiction. In fact, using Independent Sector’s $29.95 figure for the average value of a volunteer hour, we estimate that our volunteers contribute the equivalent of over $4M per year to SRUS! Thank you!

I’ve included a link to a calendar showing the various ways that we have or will attempt to both raise funds and recognize the members of our community who consistently give of their time. This calendar is a living document that will evolve over time. Some items will fall off if we determine that the return is not worth the effort. Others will be added in the hopes of finding the “just right” mix of sustainable support for achieving our mission and living up to our values.

Thank you for your continued support of SMART Recovery USA in every way. You are appreciated!

Warm Regards,