Developing Leadership in Peer Support
Lesson: Advocacy & Peer Leadership
Time Estimate: ~10 minutes
- Reading Time: ~6 minutes (1,050 words / 175 wpm)
- Activity: Self-reflection journal (5-7 minutes)
📖 Learning Objectives
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
✅ Understand the role of leadership in peer support
✅ Identify core leadership skills that enhance peer work
✅ Explore pathways to leadership and professional growth in the peer workforce
🔍 What Leadership Means in Peer Support
Leadership in peer support is not about authority or control—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and empowering others. Peer leaders help shape stronger recovery communities, advocate for systems change, and mentor others in the field.
✔ Leadership is built on service—lifting others up, not seeking power
✔ Strong peer leaders lead by example—modeling recovery and ethical peer support
✔ Every peer specialist has leadership potential—it’s about mindset and growth
🗣️ “Leadership in peer support is not about titles—it’s about making a difference.”
🛠️ Key Leadership Qualities in Peer Support
Anyone can grow into a leadership role in peer support by developing the following skills:
✅ 1. Active Listening & Communication
✔ Strong leaders listen before they speak
✔ Communication should be clear, supportive, and strengths-based
✔ Leaders ask questions, not just give answers
🔹 Example: Instead of telling someone what they should do, a peer leader might say, “What options have you considered? How can I support you in exploring them?”
✅ 2. Mentorship & Peer Guidance
✔ Supporting newer peer specialists in growing their skills
✔ Offering encouragement and professional insights
✔ Providing constructive feedback without judgment
🔹 Example: An experienced peer specialist might mentor a new hire by helping them navigate ethical challenges and role boundaries.
✅ 3. Advocacy & Systems Change
✔ Leaders use their voice to improve recovery services
✔ They engage in community and policy-level advocacy
✔ They push for recovery-friendly workplaces and legislation
🔹 Example: A peer leader might work with a local government agency to expand access to peer support programs in treatment courts.
✅ Key Takeaway: Leadership in peer support is about guiding others, strengthening the recovery workforce, and driving systems change.
📈 Pathways to Leadership in Peer Support
If you’re interested in growing as a leader, here are some ways to take the next step:
✔ Seek Additional Training – Take advanced peer support or leadership courses
✔ Engage in Supervision & Mentorship – Learn from experienced leaders
✔ Take on Peer Leadership Roles – Join committees, workgroups, or training teams
✔ Advocate for Peer Workforce Growth – Help expand funding and opportunities for peer specialists
🚫 What NOT to Do:
❌ Assume leadership is about control or being “in charge”
❌ Avoid professional development opportunities
❌ Dismiss the value of mentorship and collaboration
✅ Better Approach: Instead of thinking, “Leadership isn’t for me,” ask yourself, “How can I grow and contribute more to the peer support movement?”
🗣️ “Leadership is not about having followers—it’s about inspiring action and change.”
📌 Key Takeaways
✔ Peer leadership is about service, mentorship, and advocacy—not authority.
✔ Strong leaders listen, communicate clearly, and support the growth of others.
✔ There are many pathways to leadership in peer support, including training, advocacy, and mentorship.
✔ Anyone can become a leader in peer support—it’s about mindset, growth, and taking initiative.
📌 Click Next to Continue to the Final Lesson!
📚 References & Research
📖 SAMHSA’s Leadership Development for Peer Specialists (SAMHSA.gov)
📖 National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS) Guide to Peer Leadership (NAPS.org)
📖 The Impact of Peer Leadership in Recovery Communities – Journal of Substance Use & Leadership