Welcome SMART Recovery Volunteers!

This page includes resources and reference materials that you may find helpful for conducting your meeting.

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Meeting Guidelines

The Meeting Guidelines handout provides clear expectations for participants and helps create a safe, respectful, and productive environment. Facilitators can use it to set the tone for their meetings while adapting it to fit their style.

How to Use the Handout:

1. Setting Expectations

• Some facilitators find it helpful to read through the guidelines at every meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Reference the guidelines when addressing disruptions, privacy concerns, or questions about group norms.
• It’s okay to skip the guidelines if your meeting is full of regulars, but we suggest reading aloud whenever a new person joins the group and every few weeks.

2. Adapt, but Keep the Essentials:

• Feel free to adjust the language or format to match your facilitation style.
• Ensure all key points are retained: responsibility, confidentiality, respect, empowerment, focus on SMART tools, supporting SMART, and non-judgment.

3. Make It Accessible:

• Have copies available for participants to review or take home.
• Consider printing it as part of a welcome packet for new attendees.
• Consider having a large text version on hand for those who with vision issues.

Some facilitators have the group pass the handout and take turns reading aloud. Be sure to announce that participants can pass if they prefer not to read before you pass it around.

By integrating the Meeting Guidelines into your facilitation routine, you help create a consistent, empowering, and welcoming experience for everyone.

 

Get the Meeting Guidelines Handout

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Meeting Openings

Key Reminders for Your Opening

Adapt the Script: Use the provided opening as a guide but adjust it to suit your style or meeting needs.

Cover Key Points: Be sure to mention:

• What SMART stands for (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
• Confidentiality and meeting safety
• Everyone is welcome
• The 4-Point Program®
• Donation information (if applicable)

Add Local Information

• Share practical details like:
  • Parking instructions
  • Bathroom locations
  • Other logistics specific to your meeting space

Build Confidence Over Time

• The script is a starting point—you’ll naturally memorize it as you gain experience. Some facilitators read it each week; choose what feels right for you.

Be Welcoming and Inclusive

• Help attendees feel comfortable by introducing yourself and encouraging participation at their comfort level.
•  Use a warm, supportive tone.
• A friendly smile goes a long way toward making everyone feel welcome.

4-Point Meeting Opening

 

Family & Friends Meeting Opening

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Meeting Resources

• Recommended Meeting Outline
• Passing the Hat: Raising Standards
• Meeting Script Guidelines
• Meeting Verification Form (fillable and printable)

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Facilitator Reference

• Volunteer Code of Conduct
• Facilitating Made Simple
• An Overview of Peer Helping
• Matching Tools to the Stages of Change 
• REBT ABC Emotional Disturbances
• One-Minute ABC For Meeting Facilitators
• Avoiding Facilitator Traps 
• The Dreaded Deadzone
• Facilitator Best Practices for Addressing Mental Health Disorders and Suicide in SMART Recovery® Meetings
• SMART Recovery Dictionary
• SMART Recovery Policy on Facilitator Slips and Relapses
• Clearing Web Browser Cache – Manual