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Topic 2: Voluntary Participation in Peer Support

Unlike clinical treatment, peer support is entirely voluntary. Ethical peer specialists never pressure, coerce, or manipulate individuals into engaging with services.

Why is this important?

  • Empowerment is key – People engage in recovery when they feel ready.
  • It prevents harm – Forced engagement can lead to resistance, mistrust, or disengagement.
  • It respects autonomy – Every person has the right to accept or decline support.

Example: A peer specialist notices that an individual they’ve been supporting has stopped responding to calls and texts. Instead of continuing to push for engagement, the specialist sends a message letting them know support is available whenever they are ready.

Calls to Action Poll

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Peer mentor training
Group facilitator training
Crisis responder training
Toolkits or educational resources
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Templates for operations (e.g., reports, outreach plans)
Apps for scheduling, communication, or service delivery
Centralized platforms or systems to manage services
Tech literacy and support for RCO staff/volunteers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Public education materials about recovery
Anti-stigma messaging and campaigns
Community presentations or media outreach
Engagement with schools, employers, and faith-based organizations
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Transitional or supportive housing models
Second-chance hiring programs
Job training and resume support
Partnerships with local employers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Volunteer recruitment and engagement
Matching professional skills (e.g., legal, marketing) with org needs
Platform or system to manage and track volunteer involvement
Training and orientation tools for volunteers