FAQ'S | sitc

OUR FAQ'S:

Where do I go to get started if I want help?

Please be aware that SITC is not a funded service-provider; we are a tiny team with a specific aim - doing ''what we can with what we have''. Currently, that is working via peer support and advocacy. However we work with others to try close the massive gaps we know exist, and as such, we've compiled the resources most helpful for rural and remote people (and some other national resources for all) here.

How can I help / connect / contribute / or donate?

We are a registered national charity with DGR status (meaning tax deductible recipient status) and you can donate in a couple of minutes through our online portal here. And of course you can help in many other ways also outlined.

Where do my donations go?

At the moment we're focused on growing our tiny team of 3. Remember that SITC was built on a solo-volunteer's effort over 6 years minus a cent of income. While Shanna began this chat in 2015, SITC only became a charity in 2019. So, it's still relatively early days in some ways. Currently we get zero help from state or federal Government, and so all donations go towards operational funding such as staff (we have two full-timers and that's it) and projects.

Do you have brochures or flyers we can use?

We operate entirely through digital mediums, because we simply don't have the time, staff, or means for distribution and posting products en masse, so no, we stick with online information. If you need us to help you design a flyer for your own use locally, we can support you but we need lead time from our end. Please email us via admin@soberinthecountry.org

How do I join the Bush Tribe?

Click here, fill out the form, and stand by while we process and respond. The reason we ask new members to fill out a form is for privacy & protection: two things we are strict on. This is strictly for rural / remote people.

Is the Bush Tribe a programme?

Nope. Absolutely not. It is 100% peer support based only- meaning, those of us who are involved share our stories and support each other from a rural, lived-experience place. The BT is not affiliated with any organisation or programme as our philosophy is strictly based in our belief that ''there is no one size for all'' ... so we don't tell, or judge, or instruct - we just stand by our friend choosing to drink less or not at all. We've got people from all walks of life, all ages, all beliefs and they all do their own 'thing' in terms of programmes or structured support. We have resources listed here for individuals to explore.

Can I ring Shanna for one-on-one help?

While Shan dearly wishes she could support every single person who reaches out - we get so many messages now, that it simply isn't physically possible. Shanna is also increasingly severely time-poor and carrying an enormous load. And, while she is regarded as a lived experience expert - she isn't a counsellor or a psychologist, and she wants you to get to the right place and people. So these days, she solely works via her ambassador / speaker and through her CEO role. She is however active (online) most days as a lived experience expert in the Bush Tribe daily. Shanna has shared the intimate details of her story countless times on a huge range of national and international media platforms. If you want to hear more, learn more, etc, simply visit our media section here.

What if I need more than peer help, though?

That's what we are focusing on next. To close the gaps. For now: please visit our resources page where we can link you with our mates at TIACS who provide our SITC family with free counselling / text support six days a week; or our partners at Clean Slate Clinic who we are working with to get tele-health detoxes into bush homes with

Why don't you do Sober in the City?

Because our lane and our laser-focus is the bush, and always will be. Nobody else focuses in on this sector. And, also, we aren't here to re-invent a wheel that already exists. In other words, Sober in the City already exists, everywhere. There are countless metro organisations, charities, speakers, bloggers, authors and Government-funded orgs out there doing the work from a city-centric perspective alredy. We've got them listed on our resources section here.

I am from the media - how do I get in touch?

Just head to our Bookings page where you'll find plenty of info. Our media kit is here.

Do you take story contributions?

YES, yes and yes. Our passion lies in amplifying messages and YOUR VOICES from all across the bush. Whether you spent a month booze free or you've decided to quit for good, we love to share your stories, and your progress. Submit a yarn here at our contact page.

Does Shanna travel upon invitation and present in person? On air / radio / webinar?

She does indeed and you can book here. Please be aware that her time is increasingly short, so early bookings and big lead times are ESSENTIAL. Also we'd like you to know that all speaker fees go directly into the charity.

How do I get to an event where Shanna is speaking?

As mentioned - we go where we are invited. Sometimes that is a private conference and other times it's a public event. We share our travels on the socials, so please keep an eye out.

Do you have merchandise?

YES, we sure do. Trucker caps, Tees, and tanks. Click here to order.

What is on the website is what's in stock.

I have a family member I am worried about.

What do I do? Where do I go?

SITC exists for the person fighting the addiction but we hope, one day, to create a rural space online for family members, too. There are, however, excellent resources and online anonymous support options available - all listed here on our resources page. We'd recommend you search and join a Facebook or online group. Our hope is one day to have a Bush Tribe for Family, but we require financial support to get this off the ground.

I want to ask Shanna about tips, tricks and advice - can I do that?

This is a really commonly asked question; and while Shan deeply wishes she could support everyone starting out - she isn't able to take on additional pro bono advisory or consultancy at this time. If you listen in to her years and years worth of very frank media and podcasting she does discuss starting a charity across these various mediums, so listen in here any time. What she'd love you to know is that it was nothing simple or linear, and has taken the better part of a decade to figure out how to get sober and then start a charity and make it into something semi-sustainable. One day, she plans to write a book about these experiences. But as she says, ''it just came down to trying, failing, and being relentless.'' Did you know that the ACNC website has a plethora of information on NFP's? This is also an excellent place and resource.

I have an idea to discuss or a proposal ... how do I go about that?

Whether you're wanting to pitch an idea to us (or anyone for that matter) - best practise is generally that you really need to do your 'own' homework first and put at least a one-page document together with very clear outlines as to who you are, what you're thinking, what your objectives are, and why. This is a minimum courtesy and start point. Always include your website or social handles. Small organisations like us are severely time-poor, and we just don't have time to spare - so we can't work on a response unless we have this in place first.