This sample is based on a letter that Sue G. sent out to substance abuse treatment providers in the Buffalo area when she opened the meeting. It has generated a good response, and the meeting receives referrals from some of the providers. It proves that letters of this type needn't be complicated. It probably didn't hurt that Sue G. is herself a social service professional with name recognition in the local service provider community. -- Ed.
Dear Service Provider:
I am writing to introduce a new self-help group to your agency. SOAR (Secular Organization for Addiction Recovery) is a local group for people suffering from addictions, which is based on the principles of LifeRing Secular Recovery.
SOAR is an alternative concept that doesn't use the twelve-step philosophy in addiction recovery, rather, it is based on individuals using self-help and learning through experimentation. Steps to recovery are not the focus, but total abstinence from the addictive behavior is the goal. This philosophy recognizes that there is no set pathway to recovery, that no one approach will work for every person. Group members are encouraged to share with each other what works for them, and members can pick and choose their own approach to staying clean and sober.
I have enclosed some more detailed information for your perusal. Please feel free to copy anything that you would like to post or hand out, and to call me at the number on the flier if you have any questions.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Susan J. Gibbons, Convenor
Posted 11/26/00
