How can you establish respect in a new peer support group?

1 Be authentic and honest

One of the key values of peer support is authenticity. You don't have to pretend to be someone you are not, or hide your feelings and thoughts. Being honest and open about your challenges, strengths, and goals can help you connect with others and build trust. However, honesty does not mean being rude or judgmental. Respect the boundaries and privacy of others, and avoid making assumptions or generalizations.

3 Acknowledge diversity and difference

Peer support groups are often diverse and inclusive, with people from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences. This can be a great opportunity to learn from each other and appreciate different views and approaches. However, it can also pose some challenges, such as misunderstandings, conflicts, or stereotypes. To establish respect in a new peer support group, you need to acknowledge and respect the diversity and difference among the members. Be aware of your own biases and prejudices, and avoid making jokes or comments that might offend or hurt others. Learn about the cultural norms and preferences of others, and adapt your communication style accordingly. Celebrate the uniqueness and richness of each person, and recognize the commonalities and strengths that unite you.

4 Give and receive feedback

Feedback is a vital part of peer support, as it can help you improve your skills, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your achievements. However, giving and receiving feedback can also be challenging, especially when you are new to the group. To establish respect in a new peer support group, you need to follow some guidelines for effective feedback. First, make sure that the feedback is relevant, specific, and constructive. Focus on the behavior or action, not the person or personality. Use "I" statements, and avoid blaming or criticizing. Second, make sure that the feedback is timely, frequent, and balanced. Give feedback as soon as possible after the event, and don't wait until the end of the session or the group. Provide both positive and negative feedback, and highlight the strengths and areas for improvement. Third, make sure that the feedback is respectful, supportive, and mutual. Ask for permission before giving feedback, and respect the right of others to decline or disagree. Express your appreciation and encouragement, and acknowledge the effort and progress of others. Also, be open to receiving feedback from others, and thank them for their input and suggestions.

5 Share leadership and responsibility

Peer support groups are based on the principle of equality and reciprocity, which means that everyone has an equal voice and role in the group. However, sometimes, some members might take on more leadership or responsibility than others, or some might feel excluded or ignored. To establish respect in a new peer support group, you need to share leadership and responsibility among the members. This can be done by rotating the roles and tasks of the group, such as facilitating, taking notes, setting goals, or planning activities. You can also encourage participation and involvement of everyone, by asking for their opinions, ideas, or feedback, and by respecting their choices and preferences. Sharing leadership and responsibility can help you create a sense of ownership and belonging, and foster a collaborative and respectful culture.

6 Establish and follow ground rules

Finally, one of the best ways to establish respect in a new peer support group is to create and follow some ground rules or norms for the group. Ground rules are the expectations and agreements that the members have for how they will interact and behave in the group. They can help you prevent or resolve conflicts, promote safety and confidentiality, and enhance the quality and effectiveness of the group. Some examples of ground rules are: be punctual and attend regularly, respect each other's opinions and experiences, keep the information shared in the group confidential, use respectful and inclusive language, avoid interrupting or talking over others, and seek help or support when needed. You can create the ground rules together with the group members, and review them periodically to ensure that they are still relevant and appropriate.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?