A recovery community organization (RCO) is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery that does any, one, or combination of the following activities. These activities are available to all community members and are not restricted to individuals enrolled in a specific educational, treatment, or residential program. 

• conduct ongoing local recovery support needs assessment surveys or focus groups

• organize recovery-focused policy and advocacy activities

• increase recovery workforce capacity and expertise through training and education

• carry out recovery-focused outreach programs to engage people seeking recovery, in recovery, or in need of recovery-focused support services or events to educate and raise public awareness

• conduct recovery-focused public and professional education events

• provide peer recovery support services (PRSS)

• support the development of recovery support institutions (e.g., education-based recovery support programs, recovery community centers, recovery cafes, recovery ministries, recovery-focused employment programs, recovery-focused prison reentry programs, etc.)

• host local, regional, or national recovery celebration events

• collaborate on the integration of recovery-focused activities within local prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, and treatment initiatives