CLICK HERE to find your Volunteer Support Coordinator.
While some localities may not yet have a designated Volunteer Support Coordinator, we are actively seeking volunteers to expand our coverage. If you’re interested in this role, please refer to the information at the bottom of the page for details on how to get involved.
Your Local Resource for Volunteer Support
Volunteer Support Coordinators (VSCs) are experienced SMART Recovery volunteers dedicated to mentoring and supporting facilitators while fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for local volunteers to build connections and thrive. They assist in building confidence for starting new meetings, such as supporting a new facilitator in planning their first session. They also help navigate meeting dynamics—for example, addressing participant conflicts—and can brainstorm practical solutions for finding meeting locations or determining the best days and times to host sessions. Whether you’re starting a meeting, navigating challenges, or seeking guidance, VSCs are here to help.
VSC Goals:
The primary goal of Volunteer Support Coordinators (VSCs) is to provide comprehensive support for volunteers and meetings in their regions. This includes:
- Offering mentorship and practical guidance to volunteers as they facilitate SMART Recovery meetings.
- Sharing regional trends, challenges, and successes with the National Office to inform training, outreach, and policy development.
- Facilitating communication between local volunteers and the National Office to ensure effective feedback loops.
- Building strong, supportive connections among volunteers to foster a thriving local and regional network.
VSCs are here to ensure you feel supported in your role as a volunteer. Here’s how they can assist:
Building on the VSC Goals, this section highlights the practical ways VSCs support volunteers through mentorship, guidance, and collaboration.
- Regular Check-ins and Guidance: VSCs will reach out monthly to see how you’re doing, share helpful resources, and provide encouragement. We encourage volunteers to respond to these check-ins to foster open communication and ensure they receive the best support possible.
- Meeting Logistics Assistance: VSCs can help you evaluate whether online or in-person meetings might be a better fit for your community. They can also brainstorm in-person locations, suggest the best days and times for meetings, and assist in connecting with the National Office to obtain an insurance certificate if needed.
- Troubleshooting Challenges: VSCs are here to support you with practical solutions to challenges such as low attendance, participant conflicts, or adapting to new schedules. Their guidance ensures your meeting remains effective and welcoming for all.
- Volunteer Well-being: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need to take a break, VSCs are here to help. They can assist in coordinating coverage, guide you in placing your meeting on hiatus if needed, and ensure that both you and your participants have the support necessary to return to meetings when ready.
Becoming a Volunteer Support Coordinator: Step into Leadership and Make a Difference
If you’re an experienced facilitator with at least one year of service, you have the opportunity to expand your impact by becoming a Volunteer Support Coordinator (VSC). VSCs play a vital role in mentoring and supporting SMART Recovery volunteers while contributing to the growth of meetings in their communities.
Here’s how to apply:
Submit Your Application: Write a letter of interest to the Meeting and Volunteer Department at [email protected], detailing:
- The region you wish to coordinate, which can be localized (e.g., Austin, TX) or broader (e.g., Alabama). Coordinator positions are also available for specific focus areas such as Military, Veterans and First Responders; Family & Friends; national meetings; and specific language-based meetings. These focus areas align with SMART Recovery’s mission by addressing the unique needs of diverse communities and ensuring that volunteers and participants feel supported and included.
- Your background and experience with SMART Recovery.
- Why you’re interested in becoming a VSC.
- How you envision supporting volunteers in your region.
Review Process: Your application will be reviewed by the National Office and Co-Chairs, who look for qualities like strong communication skills, reliability, and a commitment to SMART Recovery.
Final Approval: The Executive Director provides final approval for all new VSCs.
What Happens Next? Once approved, you’ll receive onboarding guidance to help you transition smoothly into your new role.
Questions? Need Assistance?
Your VSC is your first point of contact for volunteer support. If you can’t reach your VSC, please email the Meeting and Volunteer Department at [email protected].