May 22, 2007
Peer Support & Empowerment
Day
The second annual ‘Empowerment Day’ is upon us already, and the air is alive with positive vibrations. The real fun is in the prep work, as I am finding that my brothers and sisters in Recovery have a lot to offer. Last year, I made suggestions to consumer panelists and presenters as to what they should do. This year I am asking for three things: 1) Remember where they came from and how they got to where they are today, and pay it forward. 2) Out of 365 days, these 7 hours are dedicated solely to the Consumer, therefore I ask presenters to speak from the heart, Peer to Peer. If a non consumer does not get it, they can always ask a consumer to explain. 3) Although we are going to learn new things and have fun, I ask presenters to dig deep down in his/her heart and soul, and give the best they have, and be true to those to whom the day is dedicated, consumers.
When an IDDT & Peer Support conference, (slated for the 23d of this month) did not occur, we were left with broken hearts and frustration. Then Veda Sharp (Detroit-Wayne County CMH/ Interim Director) marshaled the troops, saying, “Lets do Empowerment Day’ It’s amazing what a bunch of folks can do in a pinch, particularly when everyone tables their other issues and pulls together as a team. But since this day is all about ‘Consumers’ we would like to use this opportunity to pay homage to “Consumers who fought the odds, and took a step forward in their Recovery”. So we are asking, Clubhouses, Drop In Centers, and anyone else in the community to send nominations for Certificate of Achievement Awards to ssoftley@co.wayne.mi.us . We are not looking for those who have created a new scientific process, but for those who have made their daily lives a little better.
In thinking about this years ‘Empowerment Day’ I knew that somehow consumers had to be more involved in the entire event. I also realized some administrators needed to actually see how capable consumers can be when left on own. My being a musician, it seemed logical that I would choose music to apply Peer Support. I first met Lamasa (keyboard) and Clifford (bass) Pace at Go-Getters a few years ago, and have seen them perform a few times over the last two years. The thing that impressed me the most was Lamasa’s enthusiasm, and pure love for music. Since childhood she has entertained one constant wish, to play in a band. My being a horn player, I could not show her the chord work necessary for her to be able to see her dream come true. However, my Peer Support training kicked in and I knew I had to find a musician who was not only capable, but sensitive enough to assure her passion would remain high. Barry Broden, a guitarist at the Agency has done a great job giving her both. In fact it was he who discovered that Lamasa sees music chords in colors: IE Key of C= red, Key of D=blue. I am hoping to encourage her to tell a bit of her story while performing at the event.
Yes, the ‘Freedom Train’ has left the station and is gathering momentum as more consumers get on board almost daily. Since it has a positive effect on at least 90% of the consumers who take the course, I envision this: in the not to distant future, the feds will examine the top ten treatment/recovery programs in the Country. The common denominator will be Peer Support. Thus, acceptable or not, it would behoove everyone in this field to at least be aware of what Peer Support is and what it is not. We are merely the front line troops, the grunts, helping to usher in a brand new age of treatment/recovery in America. Our practices and principles are ages old and cut to the very core of human nature, “the more we sincerely help others, the better we feel about ourselves”. The better we feel about ourselves, the more successful we are in recovery. Hope to see you on the 15th.
Gerald Butler
CPSS/ Advocate
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