We are excited to announce that the Michigan Association of Recovery Community Organizations has officially launched its new Membership and Certification Process, a major milestone in our ongoing work to strengthen, unify, and elevate Michigan’s peer-led recovery movement.

For years, Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) across the state have shown what’s possible when lived experience leads the way: connection, healing, advocacy, and real pathways to long-term recovery. As this network continues to grow, MARCO recognized the need for a clear, consistent structure that upholds the values of peer-led recovery while supporting organizations at every stage of development. Today, that vision becomes reality.

Certification Overview

The new MARCO Certification Process establishes a statewide framework that recognizes and supports Recovery Community Organizations that are independent, nonprofit, and peer-led. Certification demonstrates that an organization meets MARCO’s standards of quality, transparency, and alignment with our Core Organizational Beliefs.

To achieve certification, organizations must demonstrate:

• Nonprofit and Independent Status: Either a 501(c)(3) in good standing or operating under an approved fiduciary relationship.
• Peer-Led Governance: At least 51% of board and leadership positions held by individuals in recovery or their family members.
• Non-Clinical Service Delivery: Programs focused on peer-based, person-centered recovery supports rather than treatment or clinical services.
• Ethical and Transparent Operations: Clear governance, fiscal accountability, and adherence to participant rights and ethical guidelines.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Use of feedback, evaluation, and data to strengthen recovery support quality and community impact.

MARCO also recognizes that many Michigan RCOs already hold national accreditation through the Alliance for Recovery Centered Organizations (ARCO) by Faces & Voices of Recovery. To honor this national standard and prevent duplication, MARCO’s framework grants expedited certification to ARCO-accredited RCOs upon verification of current accreditation and alignment with MARCO standards. This ensures that organizations meeting national benchmarks are more easily integrated into Michigan’s statewide recovery network.

Together, these standards reinforce MARCO’s commitment to building a unified, high-quality network of organizations that elevate peer leadership, promote collaboration, and strengthen recovery support across every Michigan community.

Why Certification Matters

Certification isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about lifting up the organizations that are doing recovery right through services that are peer-led, person-centered, non-clinical, inclusive, and grounded in hope. By defining what it means to be a Recovery Community Organization in Michigan, MARCO helps:

• Strengthen public trust in peer-based recovery support
• Increase consistency and quality of recovery support services across the state
• Elevate the voice and leadership of people in recovery
• Build a collaborative network positioned for advocacy, funding, and impact

Certified RCOs become Voting Members of MARCO, playing a direct role in governance, statewide planning, and shaping the future of peer-led recovery. Additionally, non-RCO Affiliate Members, organizations that support the recovery ecosystem, have an opportunity to join MARCO, remaining an essential part of our network and benefit from learning, training, communication, and collaboration opportunities.

Supporting Emerging RCOs

One of the most exciting components of this launch is MARCO’s pathway for Provisional Certification.
This ensures that emerging RCOs can still be recognized, supported, and fully included in MARCO’s voting membership during their developmental period. MARCO will provide technical assistance, mentorship, and guidance to help these organizations reach full certification.

Get Started Today

All membership and certification materials, including the full standards guide and question lists, are now available on our website. The online application is open and ready for organizations across Michigan’s recovery community.

If your organization is ready to take this next step, we invite you to begin the process and join us in building a stronger, more connected, more empowered recovery network.

Access the application and resources at: www.MichiganARCO.org/membership
Questions? Contact us at membership@michiganarco.org

Together, we are strengthening Michigan’s recovery community—one RCO, one partnership, and one voice at a time.