Which area of peer support emphasizes the idea of “being in” but not “of” the system?

The concept of “being in” but not “of” the system in peer support reflects the role of individuals who have experienced challenges related to mental health or substance use issues but maintain an external perspective on the system itself. This perspective allows peer support specialists to advocate for change and provide guidance without being overly influenced by the system's limitations or constraints.

When peer support emphasizes being a change agent, it means that these specialists are involved in the system to help others navigate it and improve their situations, but they do not identify solely with the system's methods or attitudes. This allows them to provide support that is empathetic and informed by personal experience while also challenging the system to be more effective and responsive to the needs of those it serves.

In contrast, other areas such as mutual respect focus on the interpersonal relationship aspects of peer support, personal grounding pertains to individual stability and self-awareness, and system navigation involves guiding others through established services and supports. However, they may not encapsulate the specific idea of maintaining a critical distance from the system while still providing support and creating avenues for change. Thus, emphasizing the role of being a change agent aligns closely with the notion of actively participating in the system's improvement without being subsumed by its structures or norms.