Growing oregon peer leaders (GOPL) collective - mental health and addiction association of oregon (MHAAO), a peer-led nonprofit, proposes to strengthen the capacity of statewide mental health peer-led…

Growing oregon peer leaders (GOPL) collective - mental health and addiction association of oregon (MHAAO), a peer-led nonprofit, proposes to strengthen the capacity of statewide mental health peer-led organizations to partner with state efforts to improve mental health system and related services. This will be accomplished through the growing oregon peer leaders (GOPL) statewide consumer network, a cohort-based collective that will provide training, technical assistance, mentorship, networking, and capacity building development to emerging and current mental health peer leaders statewide. The growing oregon peer leaders collective proposes to strengthen the voice, reach, capacity, diversity, sustainability and authority of peer-run organizations and peer-delivered services providers in oregon through a variety of technical assistance and capacity-building services. Through the strategic support and development of mental health peer leaders across oregon, MHAAO will provide technical assistance and services to maximize impact. By focusing on leadership development, the GOPL collective can ensure a broad reach with its award. With GOPL by their side, the peer leaders trained, developed, and supported through the GOPL series will be well positioned to build and/or enhance the infrastructure, capacity, advocacy efforts, and sustainability of their peer-led organizations and respective communities. The GOPL collective specifically focuses on supporting the growth and development of emerging and experienced mental health peer leaders who can then sustainability work within their local communities in culturally-responsive ways. Through the promotion of activities related to fostering leadership and management skills with mental health peers and peer-led organizations, the GOPL collective project will enhance participation, voice, leadership, and empowerment of individuals with lived experience across oregon to effect systems change and improve the quality of mental health services. Every stage of this project will be informed by and engaged with individuals with lived experience of serious mental health challenges. MHAAO will offer technical assistance sessions to increase peer leadership capacity, connection, and workforce development across oregon. Utilizing a cohort model, project staff will work closely with 10 GOPL leadership members annually. Prospective candidates will apply through an application process developed by the GOPL committee and staff. Applications shall be reviewed through an objective process by the committee with care taken to mitigate bias, such as assigning code numbers to applicants and removing identifying information. Monthly office hours, quarterly leadership institute sessions, and as-needed support and resource connection to engage in work locally will be provided through a collaborative process facilitated by GOPL. At least six of the ten annual GOPL cohort leaders will identify as members of marginalized and underserved communities (bipoc, lgbtqia+, veteran, person with a disability, etc.). In partnership with compensated peer subject matter experts and leaders, workshops and sessions will be provided to the GOPL cohorts. This will be a collaborative project between MHAAO, peer mental health leaders, and providers in coordination with state efforts at the oregon health authority office of recovery and resilience. The central goal of the project is to increase peer voice, participation, and leadership throughout the state to more effectively serve vulnerable communities in ways that are peer-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and equity-centered.