In the midst of the vibrant In Between Days Festival, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sydney Durand, the Director of Philanthropic Advancement for The Phoenix. Our conversation centered around their mission to break down the stigma surrounding addiction recovery and make sobriety accessible to everyone, including those who are "sober curious." The Phoenix is a national sober, active community, with a strong presence in Boston, and it's on a mission to change the way we perceive sobriety.
Creating a Sober Oasis: The 1 Million Strong Retreat Tent:
At the heart of the festival, I found the 1 Million Strong Retreat Tent, a safe haven for those exploring sobriety. The 1 Million Strong Retreat is hosted in partnership with The Phoenix, Stand Together Music, and Stand Together Foundation. Sydney explained that its purpose is to break down stereotypes and provide a welcoming space for anyone impacted by addiction, whether personally or indirectly. It's about making sobriety fun, accessible, and empowering for everyone, especially at events where substance use is prominent.
Understanding "Sober Curious":
Sydney highlighted the concept of being "sober curious." This term, gaining traction in recent years, represents an interest in sobriety that goes beyond addiction recovery. It's about recognizing that you don't need alcohol to have a good time and wanting to explore life without it.
The Phoenix's Nationwide Impact:
The Phoenix's reach extends far beyond Boston, touching the lives of over 250,000 individuals nationwide since its inception in 2006. With a presence in 46 communities, both in-person and digitally, they're making sobriety accessible to all. Their digital suite of offerings, including an app and live virtual classes, ensures that anyone can connect with their supportive community anytime, anywhere.
Breaking Down Barriers: Free Access to Empowerment:
One of the most impressive aspects of The Phoenix is that all its services are entirely free. The organization's goal is to eliminate any barriers to accessing a safe and supportive community. With a wide range of programming options, from fitness events to socials and dance parties, they aim to cater to everyone's needs.
Evolution and Impact in Boston:
Since joining The Phoenix in 2016, Sydney has witnessed remarkable growth in the organization's impact on the Boston community. What started as a small team has blossomed into a bustling community hub, with hundreds of volunteers dedicated to providing support and empowerment.
Creating a More Inclusive Society:
Our conversation also touched on the changing landscape of sobriety awareness. The rise of mocktails and the acknowledgment of alcohol's pervasive role in our culture signal progress. However, there's still work to be done. Sydney emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' choices, whether they're sober, in recovery, or "sober curious." Creating spaces like the One Million Strong Retreat at music festivals helps make room for sobriety and normalize it.
Joining The Phoenix: Welcoming and Nurturing:
For those who might be hesitant about joining The Phoenix, Sydney offered words of encouragement. The community is known for its warmth and acceptance. Regardless of where you stand in your relationship with sobriety, The Phoenix aims to create a space where you not only feel included but truly belong.
Conclusion:
The Phoenix is on a mission to empower sobriety, foster inclusivity, and change the way we view addiction recovery. Through their free and accessible programs, they are creating a supportive community where everyone can find their place, regardless of their relationship with alcohol. Sydney Durand's passion for this cause shines through, and her message is clear: The Phoenix is here to welcome, nurture, and empower all those seeking a sober and supportive lifestyle.
Listen to our conversation:
We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with Sydney at the In Between Days Music Festival. However, regrettably, our discussion took place while a band was performing on stage, resulting in audio quality that falls below our usual standards. If you're still interested in listening, you can find it here:
