What is LIRA? Founded in January 2000 as part of the national recovery advocacy movement, LIRA is an organization of men and women committed to gaining equality for the all-too-often overlooked recovery community. By providing a face and a voice, we hope to end discriminatory practices and level the playing field for those impacted by alcoholism and other chemical dependencies. What is the Recovery Advocacy Movement? A nationwide movement working on behalf of those afflicted with chemical addictions as well as their family members. For too long our community has been discriminated against and discounted in matters of public policy. For the most part, we have remained silent on issues of public concern. As a result, we have allowed others to define us, disregard us and discount us. We view these concerns as civil rights violations. Is LIRA a 12 step program? No. LIRA is not affiliated with any specific recovery program or self-help group. We are mindful to respect the sanctity of such entities, and seek only to improve the standing of our community in matters of public interest. Many LIRA members are not in recovery from addiction. Of those who are, each individual makes his or her own choice regarding disclosure of their own recovery status. How can I join LIRA? You can request a membership application through the mail or by calling (516) 747-2606. You are also welcome to attend a LIRA meeting to learn more about what we do. LIRA usually meets once a month, alternating between Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Is there a fee to join? Are there membership dues? No, there is no cost to join LIRA, which has operated primarily through the contributions and donations of our members and friends. Recently LIRA membership voted to seek not for profit status (501c3) in an effort to gain eligibility for grants. Why does LIRA need money? Additional resources allow us to expand our scope via public education. Through our efforts, we hope to: • End discriminatory practices against chemically dependent persons • Increase availability of and access to treatment services on local, county, state, and federal levels • Gain insurance parity for addiction treatment services similar to other medical diseases and without arbitrary and random bias • Repeal the discriminatory and punitive Rockefeller drug laws • Support drug court and other supportive initiatives • End the stigma associated with addictive diseases • Encourage the creation of additional, quality, affordable recovery housing