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Grow the Movement: Build a Team of Facilitators

We want to see more SMART Recovery meetings across the United States—and an in-person meeting in every town. The only way that happens is with your help.

Growing SMART Recovery isn’t just about starting new meetings. It’s also about keeping the meetings we already have active and available. One of the most effective ways to do that is through team facilitation and training new facilitators.

Many meetings close not because they aren’t needed, but because one facilitator steps back due to burnout, a job change, illness, or a move. When there’s only one trained facilitator, a meeting can disappear overnight. With a team approach, meetings are more resilient, more welcoming, and more likely to last.

Some of the benefits of having more than one facilitator include:

  • When new participants join, one facilitator can welcome them while the other gets the meeting started.

  • Facilitating every week can be a lot. Sharing the role makes it easier to take a break, go on vacation, attend events, or handle life when it happens.

  • Meetings stay open and consistent, which matters deeply to participants and strengthens communities over time.

Here are a few ways to start growing your team:

  • Look around your meeting. Is there someone who’s been attending regularly and might be a good fit? A simple conversation can open the door. Training scholarships are available if cost is a barrier.

  • Reach out to your Regional Coordinator. They receive lists of recent training graduates and may know someone nearby who isn’t ready to start a new meeting but could help with an existing one. If your state doesn’t have an RC, the National Office can help.

  • Talk with friends, family members, or trusted community members who may be interested in training and supporting your meeting.

 

Your Next Step

You don’t need to do this all at once. Small steps make a big difference.

  • Identify one person who might be a good future facilitator or co-facilitator.

  • Start a conversation—share why SMART Recovery matters to you and how having a team of facilitators will help to guarantee the meeting continue well into the future. 

  • Point them toward training, and let them know scholarships are available.

  • Reach out for support if you’re unsure where to start. Your Volunteer Support Coordinator or the National Office is here to help. 

Questions? Need help growing your team? Send a note to support@smartrecovery.org!