Become a Member

Voting Membership is reserved for Certified Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) that meet MARCO’s certification standards or hold national ARCO accreditation. Voting members have full participation and governance rights within MARCO.

Affiliate Membership is open to organizations, coalitions, and initiatives that support MARCO’s mission but do not meet or seek certification. Affiliates are non-voting members who engage in MARCO trainings, events, and collaborative initiatives.

To become a MARCO-Certified Recovery Community Organization, applicants must:

• Be an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit (or have a qualifying fiduciary).
• Maintain peer-led governance with at least 51% of board members in recovery or family members.
• Provide non-clinical recovery support services.
• Operate ethically, transparently, and in alignment with MARCO’s Core Organizational Beliefs.
• Demonstrate community engagement, advocacy, and ongoing quality improvement.

Yes. Emerging Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) that are in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status may be granted Conditional Certification if they meet all other eligibility criteria. RCOs must be able to reasonably demonstrate ability to secure nonprofit status in the near future.

Organizations holding current accreditation from the Alliance for Recovery Centered Organizations (ARCO) through Faces & Voices of Recovery automatically qualify for MARCO certification. ARCO-accredited RCOs only need to complete a shortened version of the application and upload proof of current ARCO accreditation.

If your RCO operates under a financial fiduciary (or fiscal sponsor), you may still apply for certification. You’ll need to provide documentation including:

• A signed MOU or MOA outlining the fiduciary relationship.
• The fiduciary’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter and certificate of insurance.
• A description showing that your RCO maintains programmatic independence while the fiduciary provides fiscal management.

Clinical services include medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic activities performed by licensed professionals, such as counseling, therapy, assessment, diagnosis, or medication management.
RCOs must remain non-clinical to preserve their peer-led and community-based identity. However, RCOs are encouraged to collaborate with clinical providers to ensure coordinated, person-centered care for participants seeking clinical support.

Applications are reviewed by the MARCO Certification Committee, composed of board and staff representatives. The committee ensures that all applications meet MARCO’s membership and certification standards.

No. MARCO does not currently require standardized data collection or the use of a single evaluation framework across all member organizations. MARCO recognizes that each Recovery Community Organization (RCO) operates within unique community contexts, funding structures, and capacities, and that flexibility is essential to honoring authentic, peer-led approaches.

However, MARCO is deeply committed to advancing best practices in evaluation and outcome measurement across Michigan’s recovery network. By fostering collaboration and consensus among members, MARCO aims to build a shared understanding of what success looks like for peer-based recovery support.

You will receive confirmation of receipt via email. The MARCO Certification Committee will review your submission and may request clarification or additional documentation.

• If approved, you’ll receive a Certification Letter (for voting members) or Membership Confirmation (for affiliates).
• If provisional certification is granted, MARCO will provide an Action Plan outlining steps to reach full certification.

Certification is valid for three years (or until the expiration of current ARCO accreditation, whichever comes first). Certified RCOs must submit an updated application for renewal to maintain active membership and voting status.

Yes. MARCO may suspend or revoke certification if an organization no longer meets standards, engages in unethical conduct, or fails to maintain alignment with MARCO’s Core Organizational Beliefs. Members will be notified in writing and have the opportunity to appeal.

Conditional Certification is a temporary status granted to organizations that substantially meet MARCO’s certification standards but need additional time to complete certain requirements. This option allows eligible Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) to become fully engaged as voting members of MARCO while working toward full compliance.

Conditional Certification may be granted for reasons such as:

• The organization has submitted most, but not all, required documentation.
• A policy or governance element (e.g., updated bylaws or board composition) is in progress.
• The organization is newly established and actively developing certain administrative systems.

Once all requirements are met, MARCO will issue a full Certification Letter. Failure to meet conditions within the established timeframe may result in an extension (with cause) or revocation of conditional status.

MARCO recognizes that many Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) are in different stages of development. The Conditional Certification process is designed not only to maintain accountability but also to provide meaningful support and technical assistance to organizations building their capacity to meet full certification standards.