To our National Peer Supporter Community,
We at the Alliance for Rights and Recovery extend our heartfelt support to all who are impacted by the news of the dissolution of the National Association of Peer Supporters (N.A.P.S.).
N.A.P.S. has long stood as a symbol of what peer leadership and collective voice can accomplish when rooted in lived experience, civil rights, and a commitment to mutual support. Its closing marks the end of an important chapter in our movement –and the beginning of the next one.
We want to acknowledge the pain and complexity of this moment. We honor the hard work, vision, and passion that so many brought to N.A.P.S. over the years.
And, as we grieve, we remain grounded in hope and enthusiasm for the future.
As our former Board Co-Chair Taina Laing has emphasized, “now more than ever, we must hold each other closer. Peer supporters across the country—we are the movement. We are the backbone of recovery, healing, and transformation in systems that too often forget the power of lived experience.”
The values that built N.A.P.S. – self-determination, health and healing, peer-led advocacy, systems transformation are stronger than ever, in terms of how they are known and the impact they have throughout the world. They live on in the hearts and hands of thousands of peer supporters across the country. They live on in the organizations, programs, and communities that continue to fight for inclusion, justice, and healing. And they live on in the conversations we’re having right now about accountability, vision, and what comes next.
The Alliance remains fully committed to this work. We believe deeply in a national infrastructure that is truly reflective of the peer movement’s roots and principles. In the coming months, we welcome dialogue with you – our peers, partners, and fellow leaders about how we build what’s next together.
As Taina says so powerfully,
We are still here.
We are still powerful.
And we are not done.
The Alliance for Rights and Recovery