Refuge Recovery World Services
RRWS
Group Rep/Q&A Meeting- March 2026
Group Rep/Q&A Meeting- March 2026
Group Rep/Q&A Meeting- March 2026
Thursday 26th March 2026
Group reps, board members and volunteers share how Refuge Recovery keeps meetings safe, connected and supportive for people in addiction recovery.
45 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Honest
Encouraging
Authentic
About this podcast
Author:
Refuge Recovery World Services
Overview:
Categories:
Mindful Recovery
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Creative Recovery Journeys
Recovery from Trauma
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
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Episodes:
123 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Behind the Scenes of Refuge Recovery: Board Changes, Meeting Safety and Community Service
Episode Overview
- Group reps are asked to promptly update closing or paused meetings so newcomers aren’t turned away by out-of-date listings.
- Refuge Recovery has expanded its board and is revising service roles, ethics and essential elements to support a growing sangha.
- The existing Refuge Recovery book is still current, and a new edition is delayed, so groups are advised to keep using and buying the present version.
- Meetings are autonomous and can rename roles like door person, as long as responsibilities and safety guidelines remain the same.
- Safety issues, including threats of harm, should be handled through group conscience, reference to the safety statement, and, where necessary, contacting appropriate authorities or crisis services.
Don’t wait for the new book. Buy the old one, buy the existing one.
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This Refuge Recovery group rep Q&A gives a behind-the-scenes look at how a Buddhist-based, peer-led recovery community keeps itself safe, organised, and connected. Vanessa, a board member and volunteer with Refuge Recovery World Services, hosts a monthly Zoom call where group representatives from both in-person and online meetings bring questions, concerns, and new ideas.
Right away, you’ll hear how practical this space is: Sebastian reminds reps to update meeting changes so newcomers aren’t left turning up to cancelled meetings, describing how “it’s kind of like a harsh first impression” when someone in early recovery finds a meeting isn’t actually happening. Noah shares a brief financial and retreat update, plus honest news about the long-awaited revised book: as far as timelines go, “the short answer is no… don’t wait for the new book.
Buy the old one.” The conversation then shifts into community-building, as Vanessa introduces a refreshed, bigger board. Members like Colette, Brie, Lisa, Bernie, Harlan, Sebastian and John briefly share their recovery backgrounds, their long-standing ties to Refuge, and why this service role matters to them. You’ll also hear thoughtful discussion around meeting safety and ethics.
Group reps ask about renaming the “door person” role to “spiritual bouncer” or “co-host”, and the board supports autonomy as long as responsibilities stay the same. A difficult question about someone expressing an intent to harm a minor leads to a candid look at the limits of peer support, reference to the Refuge safety statement, and suggestions about when to involve authorities or crisis lines.
This episode is ideal if you’re already involved in Refuge Recovery, curious about service, or simply want to understand how a non-theistic, Buddhist-based recovery fellowship holds both compassion and clear boundaries. It might leave you asking: what part could you play in keeping recovery spaces safe and welcoming for everyone?