Areas for Advocacy (Core Competencies: 1.6; 1.9; 1.11; 2.2; 2.5; 2.6; 2.7; 2.9; 2.10; 3.1; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.7; 4.3; 4.4; 4.7; 4.11; 4.18; 4.19) There are several important areas for advocacy that certified peer specialists advance: co-advocating with a peer, advocating for professional needs in the workplace, advocating for clear understanding and support of the certified peer specialist role, and advocating for systems change. Advocating with a peer Because certified peer specialists support self-determination, the certified peer specialist advocates with their peers and not for them. The process of advocating with or alongside a peer is consistent with certified peer specialist practice centered on the peer’s self-determination. Examples of advocating with a peer include: • Exploring their options and rights without advising them in any direction. • Practicing informed consent, meaning the provision of all resources and context a person may need to make informed decisions for themselves about their path forward. • Supporting them in speaking to their needs and concerns at team meetings or in other settings, including going with them if asked. • Accompanying them to support them in meetings or appointments. • Holding space for each person to define crisis and recovery on their own terms. • Validating a peer in the pursuit of their goals, however realistic or unrealistic they may be perceived by others, including by the certified peer specialist. • Protecting a peer’s confidentiality and privacy particularly when speaking with someone whom the peer has not given consent for information to be shared with (often this can happen in situations involving police). Advocating with is not sharing with the peer your opinion, taking the lead, solving problems, making decisions, or second-guessing a peer’s decision. Advocating for professional needs Lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges can sometimes mean that a peer’s opinions and ideas are not taken seriously. This is why advocacy is required. Similar dynamics will be replicated for certified peer specialists as professionals within their employing agencies. For this reason, certified peer specialists may need to advocate for professional needs in several ways:
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