This initiative brings together organizations and movements to co-design, build, pilot, implement, evaluate, research, and share knowledge about peer to peer (P2P) support programs for social justice. Advocates often face stress and trauma, but frequently lack access to mental health professionals and tools to support their wellbeing.
A strong body of scientific research shows that P2P – in which peers provide knowledge, experience, and emotional, social and practical support to each other – is one of the most powerful ways to build resilience and mitigate the harmful effects of stress and trauma.
These mutually supportive relationships allow for greater empathy, companionship, and opportunities for peers to learn from one another. Peer support is also relatively inexpensive, accessible, and possible to create in diverse settings.
In the context of human rights, peer support is especially attractive since it can enhance the cohesion of groups and social movements.
Initiative Steering Committee
Adam Brown
Trauma and Global Mental Health Lab, New School for Social Research (US)
Sarah Knuckey
Human Rights Institute, Columbia Law School (US)
Trauma and Global Mental Health Lab, New School for Social Research (US)
Sarah Knuckey
Human Rights Institute, Columbia Law School (US)
Douglas Mawadri
Associates for Health Rights (Uganda)
Joy Mukasa
Associates for Health Rights (Uganda)
Anjli Parrin
Human Rights Institute, Columbia Law School (US)
Equipo Argentino de Antropología Forense (Argentina)
Shanna Priangka Ramadhanti
Human Rights Advocate (Indonesia)
Equipo Argentino de Antropología Forense (Argentina)
Shanna Priangka Ramadhanti
Human Rights Advocate (Indonesia)
Manaswi Sangraula
Trauma and Global Mental Health Lab, New School for Social Research (US)
Margaret Satterthwaite
Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, NYU School of Law (US)