Honoring Our Text Based Recovery Volunteers
The Written Lifeline: Our Forum, eGroup, and ePals
In the landscape of recovery, some find their strength in the spoken word, while others find it in the quiet processing time that writing offers. This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are turning our focus to the dedicated individuals who maintain LifeRing’s vital email-based communities: our Forum Moderators, eGroup Moderators, and ePals.
These volunteers provide a service that is distinct from our online meetings. They manage spaces where the conversation never stops, ensuring that whether it is 3:00 PM or 3:00 AM, a supportive secular community is always just a few clicks away.
Our Forum & eGroup Moderators: Cultivating Connection
The LifeRing Forum and our various eGroups are more than just message boards; they are living libraries of shared experience. Unlike the "no crosstalk" rules found elsewhere, LifeRing thrives on the active exchange of ideas and personal stories. Our moderators work daily to:
- Encourage Dynamic Dialogue: Create the space where members can engage in meaningful crosstalk— asking questions, and offering support.
- Support the Whole Person: Ensure these venues remain safe places to talk about all aspects of life, recognizing that sobriety is built on the reality of our daily experiences.
- Bridge the Gap: For those in different time zones or those who prefer to process their thoughts through writing, moderators ensure the "Ring" stays unbroken and accessible to all.
Our ePals: The Power of One-on-One
Our ePals don't lead a crowd; they walk beside a single person. When someone reaches out to an ePal, they are looking for a personal connection to share in their journey. Our ePal volunteers provide essential, one-on-one validation that proves recovery is possible, one email at a time.
2026 Honor Roll: Our Digital Champions
We would like to publicly recognize the following individuals for their tireless service to our Forum, eGroups, and ePal programs. Your dedication is the reason our community remains a safe and supportive harbor.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Pete A, Brian B, Tom F, Jason G, Karl H, Margit H, Jen M, Michael M, and Craig W for their commitment to keeping our digital doors open and our community connected.
Beyond those named above, we also want to honor the moderators and ePals who have chosen to remain anonymous. Whether you are troubleshooting technical issues, managing member lists, or responding to a cry for help in the middle of the night without seeking the spotlight, please know that your work is seen and deeply valued. To all our volunteers: thank you for being the "LifeRing" for those of us who find our voice through the keyboard.
If you'd like to check out any of our Text-Based Recovery groups for yourselves, our eGroups can be found here, our ePals here, and the LifeRing forum here.