{"id":400,"date":"2022-03-28T18:15:27","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T22:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/peersupport\/?post_type=chapter&p=400"},"modified":"2022-03-28T18:15:27","modified_gmt":"2022-03-28T22:15:27","slug":"core-values-and-boundaries","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/peersupport\/chapter\/core-values-and-boundaries\/","title":{"raw":"Core Values and Boundaries","rendered":"Core Values and Boundaries"},"content":{"raw":"The Core Values are the intrinsic motivators to everything we do in peer support. They guide us when we might be undecided about what to do in a challenging situation. We can reflect on these core values when we need to make hard decisions. Read through the core values again below with boundary creation in mind.\r\n

Hope and Wholeness for All<\/h1>\r\nThis is the overarching value of peer support.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Core Value<\/th>\r\nMoving towards hope and wholeness for all<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Acknowledgement<\/td>\r\nAll human beings long to know and be known\u2013to be seen for who we are, and deeply heard, without someone trying to fix or save us.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Mutuality<\/td>\r\nThe peer relationship is mutual and reciprocal. Peer support breaks down hierarchies. The peer support worker and the peer equally co-create the relationship, and both participate in boundary creation.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Strength-Based<\/td>\r\nIt is more motivating to move towards something rather than away from a problem. We intentionally build on already existing strengths. We thoughtfully and purposefully move in the direction of flourishing, rather than only responding to pain and oppression.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Self-Determination<\/td>\r\nSelf-determination is the right to make one\u2019s own decisions and have freedom from coercion.\r\n\r\nWe support the facilitation and creation of an environment where people can feel free to tap into their inner motivation.\r\n\r\nPeer support workers don\u2019t fix or save. We acknowledge and hold space for resilience and inner wisdom.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Respect, Dignity and Equity<\/td>\r\nAll human beings have intrinsic value. Peer support workers acknowledge that deep worth by:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • practicing cultural humility and sensitivity<\/li>\r\n \t
  • serving with a trauma-informed approach<\/li>\r\n \t
  • offering generosity of assumption* in communication and conflict<\/li>\r\n \t
  • mindfully addressing personal biases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nPeer support is about meeting people where they are at and serving others with a knowledge of equity.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Belonging and Community<\/td>\r\nPeer support acknowledges that all human beings need to belong and be a part of a community. Peer support recognizes that many people have barriers that keep them from developing community. We actively work towards deconstructing those social blockades that prevent inclusion and acceptance. Peer support workers serve with a social justice mindset, and intentionally practice empathy, compassion & self-compassion.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Curiosity<\/td>\r\nWe are always intentional about how curiosity and inquiry support connection, growth, learning and engagement.\r\n\r\nThis curiosity isn\u2019t fueled by personal gain but by a genuine interest in connection. We encourage curiosity while respecting the boundaries and protecting the privacy of the people we support.\r\n\r\nWe are continually curious, but not invasive, while challenging assumptions and narratives. We ask powerful questions. We offer generosity of assumption[footnote]Note on the meaning of the term \u201cgenerosity of assumption\u201d from the Glossary of Terms<\/a>:<\/strong> Assumptions happen when we don\u2019t know the whole story and allow our brains to fill in the blanks. Often, we make negative assumptions about people or situations. Generosity of assumption means that we extend someone the most generous interpretation of their intent, actions, or words.[\/footnote] to those who think differently than we do. We know that listening and asking questions are more important than providing answers.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n
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For Reflection<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n

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