Ever hear of #RecoverOutLoud? What about Recovery Walks!, a 25,000-person celebration of recovery as a positive force in Philadelphia?
Did you know that people gather to celebrate recovery in the United Kingdom, Japan, Zanzibar?
These are all elements in a worldwide recovery movement. And now Pittsburgh is claiming our place in it.
This September–led by City Council President Bruce Kraus, the Office of Mayor Bill Peduto, and a dedicated workgroup of community organizations–we’ll host our first inaugural downtown Pittsburgh Recovery Walk.
It’s to be held September 10, 2016 at 10am. Mark your calendars. In fact, register now (it’s free!).
But wait–why are we celebrating recovery? What does that even mean?
Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus has experienced addiction himself. He spearheaded this event because “”In these troubling times when addiction is so present, it’s important to take time to celebrate grace, and the people living happy, sober, and free lives.”
Pittsburgher Jordan Pearlman is also in long-term recovery. His take? “Public recognition of recovery means a lot to me. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and motivates me to keep striving and gives me confidence that I can be who I really am without fear of disapproval. It’s a chance to have a positive effect on someone else’s life by being open about my own process.”
Historian Bill White has written extensively about the new recovery movement. As he tells it, “Collectively, these [recovery] communities without boundaries are expanding local recovery support services, advocating for the needs of addicted and recovering people, and finding creative ways to make amends and carry hope to others.”
It can get better.
Here’s a simple reason to come out and celebrate recovery with us on September 10. Because you’ll send the message that it can get better. Substance use disorders tend to create mayhem and health problems, but lots of people come out the other side.
Remember the It Gets Better campaign? Our Recovery Walk promotes a similar idea. Not that it always does, but that it really can get better. So many of us are testaments to that.
More about the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk
The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. The morning begins at 11th and Liberty. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto will lead the Recovery Walk down Liberty Avenue, which will be followed by a Recovery Expo in Market Square with speakers, music, wellness activities, workshops, and more. Learn more at pghrecoverywalk.org.
