2025 THEME: C.H.A.N.G.E. - Community, Hope, Advocacy, Networking, Giving, Evolution
As Peer Support Specialists, we find ourselves advocating for our peers in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings. This year, as we embrace the theme of C.H.A.N.G.E.—Community, Hope, Advocacy, Networking, Giving, and Evolution—we seek to explore how these elements shape our work and impact those we support. At Peerpocalypse, we aim to unite peers from around the world to foster a culture of growth and resilience. Together, we will identify opportunities, build strong networks, and advocate for positive change, ensuring that our communities are inclusive, hopeful, and empowered.
This year, we are seeking workshops and presentations that can give insight into the following questions:
- Community: How can peer support specialists cultivate a stronger sense of community within diverse populations? What strategies have proven effective in building and sustaining community networks?
- Hope: In what ways can we inspire hope among peers facing challenging circumstances? How can storytelling and lived experiences be leveraged to foster resilience and optimism? What role does self-care play in maintaining a hopeful outlook?
- Advocacy: What are the most effective advocacy strategies for promoting systemic change within mental health and social services? How can peer support specialists amplify marginalized voices and influence policy?
- Networking: How can we enhance collaboration and networking among peers, organizations, and stakeholders? What tools and platforms are most effective for building and maintaining professional relationships in our field?
- Giving: What role does giving back play in the peer support movement? How can we encourage and facilitate acts of service and mutual aid within our communities? Additionally, how can we engage in fundraising efforts that support our initiatives and strengthen our capacity to give back?
- Evolution: How is the field of peer support evolving, and what emerging trends should we be aware of? How can we adapt to and embrace change to better meet the needs of the people we serve?
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- The conference theme is C.H.A.N.G.E - Community, Hope, Advocacy, Networking, Giving, Evolution.
- The conference dates are Monday, May 5th - Thursday, May 8th.
- The conference will be hybrid, with in-person participation at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, OR, and virtual attendance through the WHOVA App.
- Each workshop must be 90-minutes long and must include multiple ways of sharing information (i.e, facilitated conversation, interactive exercises, visuals, etc.)
- Because this conference is hybrid, all workshops presenters MUST BE PREPARED to incorporate/involve the virtual attendees in discussions and interactive activities
- This conference is run by peers for peers, so at least ONE (1) presenter must identify as having lived experience with mental health and/or addiction recovery
- At least ONE (1) presenter MUST be present in-person and onsite at Seaside, OR
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: 11:59 PM PST, December 2, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by the Peerpocalypse Advisory Committee for selection
Once your workshop is selected, we will ask that you register for the conference. Costs associated with lodging at the conference (transportation fees and hotel costs) are not covered. Each selected workshop will receive up to two free registrations for its presenters. If a workshop has three or four presenters, two will be free, and up to two will get a 30% discount. Workshops will have to pay full price for each presenter after that. Comped facilitators must still register for attendance tracking purposes.
If you would like to facilitate or provide an evening support group, please email us directly at peerpocalypse@mhaoforegon.org.