This free Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is sponsored by the Opioid Response Network. The VLC features a series of six 1-hour sessions with subject matter experts on a weekly basis. The format for each session includes a brief presentation on the topic and then a discussion and Q&A session with the presenter.

Register once for the entire series; attendance at all six sessions is highly encouraged. This is a learning cohort model where participants are encouraged to be engaged in the discussion, ask questions, share their experiences, and learn from peers.

(NOTE: If all of the dates of this series do not work for you, please consider waiting until the next VLC is offered.) Please see the descriptions below for a more comprehensive description of each session:

Topic: Words Matter: Utilizing Powerful Language to Eliminate Stigma
Date/Time: August 9th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Gretchen Bergman
Description: Language is one of our most powerful tools when combating the effects of stigma within the recovery community. This session will focus on how to utilize our words to create greater inclusivity, apply strategies to de-stigmatize individuals with Substance Use Disorder, and perform language audits within your organization.

Topic: The Science of Addiction and Recovery
Date/Time: August 16th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Ariel Britt
Description: Science of Addiction & Recovery (SOAR) is a curriculum developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This training provides individuals with a better understanding of the science behind addiction and recovery. While experience changes beliefs, the facts about how substances dramatically affect the brain are a key component in helping the public understand the recovery process.

Topic: Pathways To Recovery
Date/Time: August 23rd, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Dr.April Stallworth
Description: Recovery and healing are not One Size Fits All. This virtual workshop will explore the abundance of pathways  people find towards recovery. This training aims to change perspectives and help participants learn about the diverse ways that individuals can get into and maintain recovery​. Learning community participants will discuss the three pathways to recovery: clinical pathways, non-clinical pathways, and self-management.

Topic: Guiding Principles of Recovery
Date/Time: August 30th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Brandi Vore
Description: This webinar will explore definitions of recovery and the 10 guiding principles, drawing on research, practice, and personal experience of recovering individuals. Participants will advance their understanding of the four major dimensions that support a life in recovery: home, health, purpose, and community. Understanding the guiding principles will help advance recovery opportunities and apply these concepts for use by peers, families, funders, providers, and others.

Topic: The Importance of Lived Experience in an ROSC
Date/Time: September 6th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Catherine Lovvorn
Description: This powerful training session will dive into the significance that personal experience has in a recovery-oriented system of care. Participants will learn how the power of sharing our experiences can ensure sustainability, help us build stronger communities, and help us work toward a recovery-ready ecosystem model.​

Topic: Advancing Harm Reduction Principles
Date/Time: September 13th, 2022 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST/1:00pm – 2:00pm CST/11:00am – 12:00pm PST
Presenter: Dr.JK Costello
Description: In this training, participants will gain an understanding of common-sense practices on how to better serve under-acknowledged populations, learn how to apply the principles of harm reduction to your work with peers & educate community members in hopes to decrease and eventually eradicate the stigma against people who use drugs in our communities.