Virtual Training: Liberatory Peer Crisis Support

The way we show up for someone in crisis can make all the difference. This workshop offers a foundational understanding of liberatory peer crisis support, highlighting the value of grounding ourselves in our own experiences and making space for others. Intention and curiosity are critical when specific experiences are commonly held with misunderstanding and judgement– like hearing voices, seeing visions, holding unusual beliefs, and using drugs. Participants will gain insights into non-carceral peer support frameworks, practical steps for confronting biases, and a call to action to reimagine how we show up for others when they are in crisis.

About the presenter:

Nze Okoronta (they/them) is an advocate, writer and community organizer currently residing in Madison, WI. They are known for work surrounding mental health crisis services, peer run respites, warmlines, harm reduction and peer support supervision. Nze has been involved in and provided direct support to organizations doing work around alternative responses to policing, civil rights protections, disability justice, housing + houselessness, and intersectional liberation struggles specifically within Black and LGBTQ+ identified peoples. Nze has past work experience in racial equity, racial justice, housing, public health, disability advocacy, clinical substance use counseling, and population-specific substance use program development for Black and Brown communities.

Nze is currently the Co-Executive Director of a peer-led organization, overseeing Solstice House, a Peer Respite & Warmline and managing a small team of peers providing direct support in the community. They currently serve on various statewide advisory councils, coalitions and task forces. They also offer independent training and consulting for organizations and the general public.