about our organization
What is Recovery Dharma?
Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement and community that is unified by our trust in the potential of each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. We believe that the traditional Buddhist teachings, often referred to as the Dharma, offer a powerful approach to healing from addiction and living a life of true freedom.
We believe that recovery means empowerment, and we support each other as partners walking the path together. We believe that recovery is rooted in finding our own inner wisdom and individual journeys.
Recovery Dharma is founded on, and inspired by, Buddhism that originated in India and later on flourished in other regions of Asia (e.g., South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia). We deeply appreciate the Buddhist heritage that was protected and freely offered by the ancestors of these cultures.
What is Recovery Dharma Global?
The non-profit, Recovery Dharma Global, is committed to taking concrete actions to support the inclusion of all members of the global sangha. This sangha elects board members who serve as volunteers for the organization. In addition to the legal duties of a nonprofit board, and the organization’s core intentions, the board’s responsibilities include the following four tasks:
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- Develop, publish, and distribute recovery-oriented material
- Maintain a listing of Recovery Dharma meetings and communities
- Provide support for social media communication, websites, and other online collaboration.
- Coordinate and support regional and global conferences, and training opportunities
Recovery Dharma Global Board of Directors
The Recovery Dharma Global (RDG) Board of Directors is a sangha of volunteers who work to ensure the safe, effective, and compassionate operation of the nonprofit and manage the assets of the organization.
Bryant Belarmino (he/him)
Board Member
I want to give back to the community, help others share their stories, create new materials, and reach out to new communities and help them start sanghas.
Lauren Ero (she/her)
Registrar
I want to help local meetings reach out to their local recovery community and introduce people to Recovery Dharma. Additionally, with my expertise in nonprofit governance, I can focus on the growth of the organizational structure.
Cherri Hendricks Hostetler (she/they)
Treasurer
While serving I would like to understand the needs of the Global community. I want to learn ways that I can facilitate and support members to serve at all levels and in every capacity.
Scott Jaworski (he/him)
Board Member
Recovery Dharma introduced me to a supportive community and the practice guided me through a transformative healing process. I hope that everyone who can benefit from RD will have the opportunity to do so.
john mullenix (he/him)
Board Member
I want to be a part of increasing the reach of Recovery Dharma, and I would like to increase the online presence of Recovery Dharma and ease of accessibility to meetings globally.
MADI NITZKY (she/her)
Board Member
I hope to assist Sanghas with strengthening mentorship programs. I hope to cultivate strong connections and support systems. I hope to increase awareness of RD.
Tracie Story (she/her)
Vice President
I would like to help make RD Global, truly Global … I am also very interested in expanding the Mentor and Wise Friends resources, research, and being on the Events Committee.
Darling Valentine (they/them)
President
I’d love to create an official workbook or handouts that help members map out their holistic recovery. I’d like to create this by merging Buddhist Wisdom and modern holistic recovery knowledge.
Vanessa Wang (she/her)
Board Member
Recovery Dharma has been such a refuge for me. It is where I cultivated a community and designed a life that I can be proud of. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be of service for this wonderful sangha.
“The Recovery Dharma Board of Directors, who serve at the behest of the Recovery Dharma global sangha, is gathered to ensure the ongoing existence of Recovery Dharma meetings and service throughout the world by functioning as a unified support to its members.”
—RDG Mission Statement
Governance
Bylaws
The document that guides the core responsibilities of the Board
Board Minutes
Minutes from the monthly board meetings, including reports from the Treasurer and other committees.
Core Intentions
The Recovery Dharma Board of Directors have adopted the Core Intentions for ourselves.
Statement Against Oppression of All Kinds
The RDG Board of Directors commit to these concrete actions to support the inclusion of every member of our global sangha.