There is no "us" vs "them": A stepping stone toward organizational transformation & culture change

For over 20 years, Community Access has put peer voices and peer support values at the forefront of the agency’s vision and mission, though the agency is not peer-run. The infusion of peer values and voices through the design, delivery, and evaluation of services is more effective in creating a cultural shift than the traditional model of “integration/inclusion” of peers into the dominant work culture. In the traditional “integrative/inclusive” model, peer voices have less of a chance to be represented at the executive level and are less successful in reducing stigma. This effective alternative approach also creates a platform to combat organizational and worker stigma which can be a consequence of the traditional “integration/inclusion” model.

In this workshop we will provide concrete strategies to strengthen and collaborate with the voices and perspectives of those who have historically been silenced, and discuss how to use those strategies to fight against organizational and worker stigma. We will also share specific policies, practices, and learning opportunities so non-peers can internalize peer values and become allies for social change in the system. Over the last 20 years, Community Access has been confronted with potential pitfalls and challenges which lead to learning opportunities and ultimately growth. This workshop will identify some of these common pitfalls and challenges, and provide strategies for avoiding them.