Megan Bolinder (she/her) is a SHE RECOVERS Together Online Zoom Gathering host and a recruiting support volunteer. She has been volunteering as a host in our meetings since the summer of 2023 and started helping out with recruiting in the spring of 2024. Megan does anything she needs to do to get gatherings going, including hosting from her car! As a recruiter, she leads with excellent ideas for streamlining processes, keeps things extremely organized, and records the training videos. Megan’s enthusiasm for life is palpable, whether in a SHE RECOVERS Dance session joyfully having a boogie in the woods, or making a difference behind the scenes as a volunteer, her presence in our community is a boon for all!
She has recently been recognized as a SHE RECOVERS Gem.
SHE RECOVERS Gems are volunteers who have been acknowledged by their peers for their profound and life-altering contributions and service to our community.
We had the honor of interviewing Megan Bolinder about her role as a SHE RECOVERS volunteer.
What does being a SHE RECOVERS Foundation volunteer mean to you?
Being a volunteer gives me something to engage in that I really care about and feel authentic when I am doing it. It keeps me present and gives me perspective that feeds my true self.
What made you want to become a SHE RECOVERS Foundation Volunteer?
Being a SHE RECOVERS Foundation Volunteer keeps me engaged in the community. While giving to a good cause is reason enough, it also supports my recovery and reminds me why caring for myself matters.
What three words would your friends and peers use to describe you?
Giggly, flexible, and (hopefully) reliable.
How do these aspects of who you are show up in your everyday life?
Giggly does show up. I am fortunate to be able to find joy even amidst some very stoic and deeply felt times. I like to make things work, and when I can offer different ways of getting things done, that feels like a success. In terms of reliability, I like to show up when I say I will and keep at it even when it is hard.
What is something of which you are proud?
When I am able to meet people where they are, be really present, and feel with them.
What do you do outside of your SRF Volunteer role for work and/or play?
I like to play outside any time and as often as possible. I am recently getting back into pottery and enjoying it. I work for a large corporation and am mostly appreciative of my career, although it is a journey of waves.
What does radical self-care look like for you?
Prioritizing retreating. While I love weeks away with others in recovery, for me, finding those moments on a micro level – each day, sometimes each minute is really how I am learning to honor myself.
Tell us a little bit about your recovery journey. What are you recovering from? What tools and resources do you weave into your patchwork of recovery?
I am in recovery from grief, self-doubt, and alcohol misuse. My patchwork includes regular therapy, parental supports, SHE RECOVERS community time, time for connection, outside time, sleep, DIY projects with short timelines, organizing spaces for functionality, and learning to give myself grace.
What or who is inspiring you right now?
I’m inspired by people who love their day-to-day activities or work—whether it’s someone I know or a stranger I have the opportunity to witness. There’s something about watching others do their thing, whatever it is, with passion, purpose, and joy all rolled into a beautiful human bundle.
What SHE RECOVERS Intention and Guiding Principle resonates with you the most?
We do our individual work in order to create & hold healing spaces for everyone. All women deserve recovery.
What is your favorite SHE RECOVERS resource?
What is one piece of advice you would give to another woman/non-binary individual who is seeking a community like SHE RECOVERS?
Just try it out – it is easy to check out with no risk or obligation. You can just observe and see if it is a fit for you. Come as you are and be as you want.
