Peer ADVOCACY Program Guiding Values

Survivors, NOT victims

While our lived experiences of exploitation bring us together, in our peer program, we are not defined by those experiences. We choose to use the terms person with lived experience or survivor rather than 'victim' to remind ourselves and each other of our individual and collective power and capacity for skill and autonomy building. Throughout our Peer Advocacy program, we refer to our peers as ‘participants’.

Resiliency

Resiliency is a term often associated with survivors of exploitation. Peer Advocacy at Restorations acknowledges the tension between resilience as a strength and resilience as a characteristic that is born out of injustice; we create space for our peers to navigate a balance of bearing witness to the diverse experiences of resilience and celebrating self-defined accomplishments.

Self-Determination

Each participant intrinsically knows which path towards reintegration and healing is most suitable for them and their needs. As peers, we honour each other's choices and ensure all participants have the right to choose whether or not they would like to participate in peer programming.

Health & Wellness

Experiences of exploitation can impact every area of one's life.  As peers, we understand this and work to prioritize health and empower holistic and participant-directed wellness.

Empathetic & Equal Relationships

While some participants may be able to provide additional resources and tools, no one participant is considered ‘the expert’ in others’ journeys. Our Peer Advocacy Program values relationships that promote reciprocity and honour lived experience as the experience that makes us the experts in our own lives.

Dignity, Respect & Social Inclusion

Every participant is a unique human comprising various experiences and identities. We strive to create an environment that is actively anti-oppressive and inclusive of Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBT*QIA+  peoples, those who live with disabilities (regardless of visibility), and those who carry personal spiritual and faith practices. We are also a community that is free of body shaming and judgment. In our Peer Advocacy Program, we acknowledge that we are all inherently worthy of community and participation irrespective of our differences.

Integrity, Authenticity & Trust

Informed consent, confidentiality, reliability, and ethical behaviour are actualized in all interactions.

Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth

Our Peer Advocacy Program acknowledges that each participant's journey is unique and non-linear. As a community, we value on-going learning, change, and perspective shifts.

This content was created by Restorations Second Stage Homes and was informed, with permission, by The Centre for Innovation in Peer Support