What are the benefits of building respect in peer support?

1 Respect as a value

Respect is the recognition and appreciation of the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every person, including yourself. It is based on the principles of human rights, social justice, and diversity. Respect is a value that guides how you treat others and yourself in peer support. It means that you honor and accept the choices, preferences, beliefs, and experiences of your peers, even if they are different from yours. It also means that you respect your own boundaries, needs, and goals, and communicate them clearly and assertively.

2 Respect as a skill

Respect is not only a value, but also a skill that you can learn and improve. Respect is a skill that involves listening, empathizing, communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflicts in peer support. It requires awareness, curiosity, openness, and flexibility. Respect is a skill that helps you to build trust, rapport, and understanding with your peers, and to avoid or address misunderstandings, disagreements, or tensions. Respect is a skill that enables you to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

3 Respect in different settings

Peer support can take place in different settings, such as online platforms, peer-led groups, peer-run services, or one-on-one sessions. Each setting may have its own norms, expectations, and challenges regarding respect. For example, online peer support may require more attention to privacy, confidentiality, and digital etiquette. Peer-led groups may require more consensus-building and facilitation skills. Peer-run services may require more accountability and professionalism. One-on-one sessions may require more sensitivity and empathy. Respect in different settings means that you adapt your behavior and communication to the context and the needs of your peers.

4 Respect in different situations

Peer support can also involve different situations, such as sharing stories, giving feedback, asking for help, offering resources, or advocating for change. Each situation may have its own opportunities and risks regarding respect. For example, sharing stories may require more self-disclosure and vulnerability. Giving feedback may require more honesty and tact. Asking for help may require more humility and courage. Offering resources may require more knowledge and discretion. Advocating for change may require more passion and diplomacy. Respect in different situations means that you tailor your actions and words to the purpose and the outcome of your peer support.

5 Respect as a benefit

Building respect in peer support is not only a duty or a challenge; it is also a benefit and a reward. Respect is a benefit that can enhance your personal and collective well-being, growth, and empowerment. It can help you to feel more confident, connected, and valued. It can help you to learn more, cope better, and achieve more. It can help you to create more positive and meaningful relationships, communities, and social movements. Respect is a benefit that can make peer support more enjoyable, satisfying, and impactful for you and your peers.

6 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?