On Tuesday February 4, I will be presenting at the annual Peer Support Strong conference, hosted by PeerWorks and the Lived Experience & Recovery Network (LERN). This conference is fully virtual and free to attend. Watch the Recording

My presentation will explore the various ways “peerness” has been conceptualized in peer support literature and practice, encouraging a relational (re)turn within the sector.

Claiming “Peer”: What’s in a Word?

Tuesday, February 4
10:30 – 11:15 Eastern Time

What does it mean to claim “peerness”? The way we define “peer” has direct implications for how peer support and peer work are practiced, as well as how the field itself is structured. This presentation will explore the different ways the
language of peerness is taken up: as an identity term signifying lived experience; a disciplinary term identifying a particular way of knowing; and a generative relational framework which allows us to identify with those we support across differences.

This presentation will explore the impact of language on practice, as well as who is left out from dominant definitions of peerness. Lastly, it will outline how nurturing an expansive politics of peerness can enable peer support futures characterized by renewed solidarity and collaboration amongst a diverse range of peer sectors.