Peer leadership is not a checkbox. It is how we work. We engage, compensate, and support people with lived experience as co-designers, advisors, and facilitators. Nothing about us, without us.
What Peer Voices means here
We use the word peer to describe people whose lived experience directly relates to the systems we are improving, including survivors, community members, caregivers, and front-line staff. In our projects, peers help define problems, shape solutions, and decide how success is measured.
- With, not for. Peers co-design from discovery through delivery.
- Power-sharing. Clear roles, transparent decision rights, and visible influence.
- Access. Meetings, materials, and formats that reduce barriers to participation.
- Safety. Trauma-aware norms and opt-in, opt-out choices at every stage.
Guiding principles
- Dignity first. People are never case studies; they are partners.
- Do no more harm. Facilitation that avoids extraction and retraumatization.
- Transparency. Plain-language scopes, timelines, and expectations.
- Fair pay. Compensation that respects expertise and time.
- Accountability. Feedback loops and public learning, not performative consultation.
Ways peers participate
Advisory and leadership
- Peer Advisory Circles (project-based)
- Community Stewards and Co-chairs
- Lived Experience Governance seats
Design and facilitation
- Co-research, interviews, and sense-making
- Journey mapping and service prototyping
- Workshop co-facilitation
Story and evaluation
- Story-based inquiry with consent
- Community-owned indicators of success
- Participatory evaluation
We design roles with peers, match to interests and availability, and confirm supports before participation begins.
Compensation and supports
We pay peers for their time and expertise. Stipends and honoraria align with our sliding-scale model and partner policies.
- Rates: Clear, written stipend amounts per activity (meeting, review, facilitation).
- Timing: Fast, predictable payment (Net 15 whenever possible).
- Barriers: We budget for transit, child or elder care, data, and accessibility needs.
- Options: Gift cards or direct deposit depending on context and preference.
We do not retain or deduct any portion of peer honoraria. Every dollar goes directly to the participant.
To discuss rates for your project or coalition, email [email protected].
Engagement models we use
Peer Advisory Circles
Six to ten peers meet regularly through a project to guide priorities, check fit, and surface risks early.
- Fixed cadence such as monthly and clear scope
- Co-created norms, conflict, and care agreements
- Short memo after each session describing what we heard and what will change
Community Design Sprints
Time-boxed co-design to prototype improvements with peers, staff, and leaders together in the room.
- Accessible activities with no design jargon
- Rapid tests in the real world
- Artifacts you can share internally and externally
Trauma-aware facilitation and safeguarding
- Opt-in topics with no pressure to disclose personal details.
- Content warnings, and the freedom to pause or step out anytime.
- Group norms that protect identity, privacy, and boundaries.
- Clear referrals for counseling and crisis supports where appropriate.
- Facilitators reflect the community whenever possible.
FAQs
Who can be a peer?
Anyone with relevant lived experience such as survivors, caregivers, front-line staff, people who use services, or community members whose perspective helps shape what we are building.
How do people get involved?
We recruit with community partners and through open calls. We co-create roles, confirm supports, and pay stipends for participation.
Do you offer training?
Yes. Orientation for new peer advisors and lightweight facilitation training for co-design sessions.
How do we start?
Email us with your context and goals. We will suggest a right-sized model and simple next steps.
Ready to involve Peer Voices in your project?
Email [email protected]Sliding-scale options are available for nonprofits, grassroots, and Indigenous-led initiatives.