My name is Aza A. Shukura. I am the founder and CEO of Authenticity of Recovery LLC and the founder of the Recovery Reform Movement. Many peers in recovery communities have experienced exploitation and abuse in environments meant to be safe havens. These experiences have propelled me to start this movement for change.

Recovery programs are designed to be sanctuaries where individuals can recover out loud and find support amongst peers. Yet, in many of these spaces, there exists a pattern of exploitation and abuse that silences many in the community. The state of Georgia encourages people to "Live your recovery out loud" but the reality is that those who experience abuse are conditioned to endure their recovery in silence. This blunt contradiction must be addressed. 

The lack of protective legislation and policies surrounding peer interactions in these programs lead to repeated instances of harm. Without proper frameworks and oversight, many vulnerable individuals continue to suffer in spaces that should be nurturing empowerment and healing.

Ø This is not a problem confined to Georgia—it's indicative of a global issue in recovery communities all around the world. To truly foster a supportive environment, we urgently need policies and legislation that protect peers from exploitation and abuse.

Many programs with reported harm continue to receive state and federal funding provided by taxpayer's dollars and individuals that are at the core of this abuse remain in their positions and continue to have access to vulnerable peers. 

How can you help?

Join the Recovery Reform Movement to establish empowerment and collaborative initiatives to maintain the safety of peers in recovery communities.

Stepping Up & Taking the Initiative 

Begin addressing this issue in your community by implementing:

·      Training programs & awareness workshops

·      Panel Discussions 

·      Community Events

·      Supportive Healing Spaces

·      Empower peers to speak up and know their rights.

Peer protection is paramount to fostering genuine community recovery. We need your support to bring about these essential changes. Please sign this petition to help us push for the implementation of policies and legislation that protect those seeking recovery, ensuring that programs provide the safe and supportive environments they promised to be.

For more information on the Recovery Reform Movement please visit:
www.authenticityofrecovery.com