Online Meeting Format and Code of Conduct

Video Meeting

Introduction

  • Meetings are based on the "3-S" Philosophy of Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Empowerment. You can find a full overview of the LifeRing 3-S philosophy here.
  • The Convenor is the host of the meeting and controls the flow and speaking times of the individuals in the meeting. The convenor will occasionally appoint others (co-host) to help out in the meeting. 
  • Meetings are normally one hour long, but the convenor and others will frequently stay afterward if demand warrants it.
  • Meetings can be formatted in the following ways:
    • How was your week? (HWYW) — This format is used for the majority of the meetings. The attendee checks in with their first name and, if they want, recovery time. They then talk about their past week in recovery and whether there is anything coming up in the following week related to recovery which may be worrisome or exciting.
    • Focus meeting — LifeRing Focus meetings bring together specific communities of individuals with commonalities that may not be adequately represented in LifeRing general meetings. Click on the titles below for more information about these unique meetings.
    • Topic meeting — This meeting format is usually reserved for smaller groups or for special meetings. The convenor or attendees will introduce a recovery topic to discuss during the meeting.
    • WorkBook meeting (WB) — These meetings are based on LifeRing’s Recovery by Choice, A Workbook which offers a structured approach for the recovering person to build an abstinence-based “Personal Recovery Program (PRP).
Controlling the flow of the meeting.

An "Opening Statement" will be read or presented as a slideshow at the beginning of the meeting.

  • Since the quality of the connections over the internet varies with each person, the convenor will turn off the mikes of those people who are not speaking. Therefore, during the check-ins (HWYW format), it’s best to mute your connection while others are checking in.  You can indicate (make some visible sign, raise your hand, or type in chat) if you wish to respond with positive, supportive cross-talk and the convenor will acknowledge you.
  • The convenor might need to turn off your mic when you are not talking and possibly your video if deemed necessary. This is to prevent disruption in the online meeting environment. The convenor can remove someone from the meeting if an extreme case warrants it. We want to provide an open, non-judgmental meeting where everyone can participate in a free manner.  If you’re not actively sharing, please mute your mic so as not to distract others with background noise.
  • Additional examples of when the convenor might need to turn off an attendee’s video or sound or remove an attendee from the meeting.
    • Attendee is having a conversation with someone in their location or on the phone. If the conversation is in person, and the attendee is not wearing headphones, they should turn off the sound so the meeting cannot be overheard.
    • Something inappropriate visible in the background. e.g. a naked child, someone drinking.
    • Attendee is being abusive or disruptive to other meeting participants or the convenor. (e.g. critical/non-constructive feedback, personally attacking other individuals at the meeting, continuing a disruptive behavior after being advised to stop, etc.)
    • Use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking/vaping on camera. 

Chat Box Policy

  • Conduct yourself as you would while talking in the meeting. If it wouldn’t be appropriate to say in the meeting then it isn't appropriate to type it in chat.

Time Management

  • Please be mindful of the number of people in attendance and adjust your speaking time to allow everyone a chance to participate. The convenor may manage the time as well.

When to Be Silent 

  • If you are under the influence of alcohol or non medically indicated drugs, we appreciate the courage that it takes to attend   but we ask that you please remain silent during the meeting. Please identify yourself using chat and indicate if you would like to speak with members afterward if they are available.

Outside Attendees

  • If you are not in recovery but would like to attend the meeting, please identify yourself and tell the group why you are there.

Anonymity — This is the internet and things can happen beyond our control.  Please see our Code of Conduct posted here for preventative measures LifeRing enforces to promote safe, judgment free meetings.

  • LifeRing enforces a strict no recording policy. Screenshots, photos, or recording of any sort is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of membership.
  • If you have concerns, please change your screen name and leave your camera off. Use voice only. You may also choose to phone into the meeting.
  • Please feel free to share what you have learned in the meeting but please do not do or say anything that could reveal who was present there.
  • Use headphones or be somewhere where the meeting cannot be overheard.
  • LifeRing does not record recovery meetings.

A "Closing Statement" will be read or presented as a slideshow at the end of the meeting. Following the meeting, participants may request a verification of  attendance:

Verification of attendance

Meeting verification is about recognizing your dedication to recovery, not about being "checked up on." Understanding the process ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

Pathcheck, a service of Pathminder — the leading recovery meeting management system — makes verifying your attendance easy, especially for LifeRing public online meetings.

Here's how Pathcheck benefits you:

  • Proof of Progress: A clear testament to your proactive steps in recovery.
  • Efficient Process: Incredibly efficient and automated for online attendees.
  • Immediate Results: Get your attendance proof within minutes, not days.
  • Total Control: You choose who to share your verification with.
  • Reduced Stress: Eliminates the hassle and wait times of manual approvals.
  • Simplified Journey: Brings immediate peace of mind and simplifies your recovery path.

For more information and support resources, explore the new Attendance Verification 101 overview. [Sue to add]

Code of Conduct

These guidelines encourage a supportive and respectful environment for all members who are actively participating in LifeRing online meetings. 

 

  • Behavioral Consistency: Members are expected to apply the same behaviors in online meetings as they would in in-person meetings and as outlined in the Terms of Use. This includes being mindful of actions and behaviors that other members can see and hear, as well as the attending member’s location/environment.
  • Convenor Meeting Management: Meeting convenors reserve the right to take immediate actions to manage participation in online meetings. This may include muting or removing members who are being disruptive.
  • No Recording Policy: LifeRing does not record weekly online recovery meetings, and members/convenors are prohibited from recording recovery meetings for any reason. Screenshots, photos, or recording of any sort is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of membership.
  • Appropriate Comments: LifeRing does not tolerate divisive and incendiary comments of any sort. Violation may result in the removal and banning from additional meetings. 
  • Confidentiality: Members must ensure the confidentiality of the meeting by attending meetings in a space where their screens are not visible to people not attending the meeting, and where other members cannot be heard. This can be achieved by using headphones and selecting a private location.
  • Muting Etiquette: When not speaking, members should mute themselves to avoid potential noise distractions.
  • Prohibition of Addictive Substances: Meeting attendees may not consume or otherwise display addictive substances, paraphernalia, or advertisements of these during meetings.
  • No Smoking or Vaping on Camera: Members should refrain from smoking or vaping on camera, as this can be triggering to other members.
  • Respectful Chat: Meeting chat must remain respectful, and members should apply the same language and tone as they would at in-person interactions.
  • Observers under the Influence: Anyone under the influence of addictive substances may attend as observers, but they are asked to remain silent with their cameras off during the meeting. They may indicate in chat if they would like to speak with members after the meeting, if they are available.
  • Reporting: If you believe a convenor or other meeting member has overstepped these guidelines or has breached the Terms of Conduct, please complete the Feedback Form to initiate review. 

For further clarification, please refer to LifeRing Policy Statements.