Founded in 2006 by Scott Strode, The Phoenix is a national organization with a new approach to recovery. They have helped over 38,000 people rise above addiction by building community through virtual and in-person activities for everyone from weightlifting and boxing to running, hiking, meditation and yoga. The goal is to help people grow stronger together, overcome the stigma of addiction, and rise to their full potential. #Sweatember is how The Phoenix is encouraging active participation in observation of national recovery month. 23 days of activities for the estimated 23 million Americans in recovery.
The only cost of membership is 48 hours of continuous sobriety!
Intrigued by the concept, I decided to check out some of the virtual classes. I went online expecting to have to pony up some type of membership fee and was pleasantly surprised to find that the only cost of membership is 48 hours of continuous sobriety. Check! And a promise to treat each other with respect and understanding. Check, check!
I was a little intimidated as I imagined I was going to be stepping into some kind of super-intense situation with lots of yelling and then considered hitting escape, backspace, delete, delete, DELETE! But then I read the promise that The Phoenix is for everyone at all fitness levels and offers a welcoming space no matter where you are on your recovery journey. Members and staff not only understand what you’re going through but provide support to help rise above substance use disorder. However, like any good recovery program, it is up to you to take the first step. I like the first steps so, I took 3.
Working out virtually but in community has a positive impact
I signed up for 3 different virtual classes and actually showed up for all 3! So technically, I took the first 3 steps and I’m so glad I did. Community Fitness with Thomas in Denver kicked my butt in 30 minutes. Yoga with Sophie in Boston was so completely relaxing that I forgot I was working out. Meditation with Chris in New Jersey was exactly what I needed to destress from a long workday. As promised, these instructors were incredibly patient and kind. They had complete command over their material, were able to answer questions, and facilitated socializing to help build community.
The members went out of their way to welcome me. I am thrilled to find an online option for incredible fitness classes. I did not realize how much I missed working out in the community until I experienced The Phoenix. I’m definitely going to make these virtual classes part of my trying to stay sane, in the pandemic daily routine. You probably should too. But The Phoenix seems like something more- and it is.
But, wait! There is more… a lot more.
I met with Steve Vega, Director of the Dallas chapter, to learn more about what makes The Phoenix so special. The Phoenix’s mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live. Vega stressed that The Phoenix prioritizes community, inclusivity, accessibility, and honors all pathways to recovery. I authentically felt this sense of community just through my first few classes.
The Phoenix is a nonprofit operating strictly from donations and grants. The devoted 38,000+ members participate in fundraising by creating personal fundraisers on social and sporting super cool sober swag. This is on a volunteer basis only. This speaks to the strong impact The Phoenix has on its members. The SOBER shirt is a frequent sell-out, which makes me happy!
SOBER Swag from the Phoenix. Get you some!
The Phoenix Merch
Check our additional recover Merch at #ADDTOCART
Vega is also creating partnerships with local treatment centers to offer classes for their clients. Each of the local chapters offers a variety of events such as photography and meditation walks, hikes, painting at the park, kickball, volleyball, mindfulness with Priya Patel of @theintentiontable, and volunteer service activities. Who doesn’t like a good photography walk?!
Each event is led by a peer in recovery who is there to answer any questions on sobriety. While there is an element of physical fitness involved in most events, Vega explained that friendship and connection are what is most important. The Phoenix wants to help smash the stigma surrounding addiction just like The Sober Curator does. This is why we will be sober friends with The Phoenix forever!
Here are 8 ways you can help our new SOBER friends at The Phoenix soar while building community and strengthening your own recovery:
1.) Donate to the Phoenix now through Dec 31, 2020, and your donation will be matched
2.) Enroll to become part of the tribe
3.) Sign up for virtual classes
4.) Join your local chapter on social
5.) Host a fundraiser on social
6.) Show up for their in-person events
7.) Show them some love on Facebook and @riserecoverlive
8.) Start sporting cool SOBER swag
Check out how founder, Scott Strode found Recovery on a mountaintop and brought it back down for all of us in this moving TedTalk.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
