CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Submission Guidelines and Key Information

The following information outlines the requirements and process for submitting a proposal to the 2026 Missouri PEER Symposium. Contact mopeersymposium@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Submission Requirements

• Abstract Word Limit: 400 words

• First Author Limit: An individual may be listed as first author on a maximum of two abstracts. If more than two are submitted, only the first two received (by submission date) will be considered for review.

• Presentation Participation: Please consider the total number of presentations you are involved in.

• Slide Shows: Some breakout shelters (with electric) will be able to cater to presentations with slides. Please inform us if you will need a shelter with electric access for your presentation

• Learning Objectives: Submissions for panel presentations, roundtables, technical workshops, and individual presentations must include three learning objectives that clearly describe what attendees will gain from the session. When possible, at least one objective should emphasize a practical takeaway—how participants might apply the content to their own work or practice.

  For guidance on writing effective learning objectives, refer to the APA resource:
  https://www.apa.org/ed/sponsor/resources/objectives.pdf

• Peer Review: All abstracts will be evaluated through a blind peer-review process.

• Presentation Requirements: Accepted presenters must deliver their sessions in person and disclose any conflicts of interest at the start of their presentation.

• Submission Deadline: 3/31/2026

Language Policy

• We are committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and stigma-free environment.

• Feedback on abstracts that contain stigmatizing language will be provided ahead of the review process. Please keep an eye out for communications from symposium organizers after you submit and leading up to the deadline.

We strongly encourage proposals that elevate the voices of people with working experience as a peer support specialist.

Please note that those requesting to facilitate to whom has held a peer certification for less than one year will be required to meet with the symposium team in advance of the event to discuss your plan should the submission be accepted. This is done to provide additional guidance, support, and assistance for the presenter(s).

2026 Missouri PEER Symposium

The 2026 Missouri Peer Symposium is a unique gathering for peer support professionals to come together as educators, learners, and leaders. Unlike traditional conferences where knowledge often flows from clinicians or administrators to peers, this Symposium celebrates the expertise that comes from lived experience and peer practice. It is a space where peers share what they know best, refine advocacy and communication skills, and explore innovative approaches to supporting recovery.

The Symposium encourages participants to present and learn about topics they are passionate about, offering practical insights, strategies, and tools that peers can apply in their own work. Sessions are designed to spark collaboration, foster peer leadership, and strengthen the collective impact of the peer support community across Missouri.

Recognizing the importance of authentic connection, the Symposium is held as a camping event. Gathering in nature allows participants to step away from traditional conference settings and create an environment that fosters openness, trust, and meaningful relationships. This setting reflects the roots of peer connection—sharing stories, learning from one another, and building supportive networks that endure beyond the event itself.

The 2026 Missouri Peer Symposium features sessions across a range of topics, organized into broad tracks:

• Education & Skill Building: Practical tools and strategies peers can use to enhance their work.

• Advocacy & Leadership: Exploring ways to influence systems, policies, and practices from a peer perspective.

• Wellness & Recovery Support: Approaches to strengthen personal and community recovery, self-care, and resilience.

While sessions are grouped by track, presentations can span multiple areas where relevant. All submissions should focus on peer support work and reflect the unique perspectives, experience, and wisdom of the peer community.

The Missouri Peer Symposium is more than a conference—it’s a space where peers step into roles as teachers, innovators, and leaders, sharing knowledge that is often overlooked in traditional professional settings. Together, we learn, connect, and shape the future of peer-supported recovery.

Session Types

We welcome four types of session formats:

• Roundtable (50 minutes): Participants engage in an interactive, peer-led discussion on a focused topic. Proposals should describe how the session will include: (1) a brief, informal overview of the topic, and (2) facilitated discussion that encourages active participation. Roundtables are limited to four facilitators. While not required, a designated moderator (separate from the facilitators) may be included to help guide discussion.

• Panel Presentation (50 minutes): These sessions feature structured, thematic presentations related to peer support and recovery work. Proposals may include up to three panel presenters and one discussant or chair. Audience participation and discussion are strongly encouraged.

• Brief Presentation (15 minutes): These are short, focused presentations delivered by one presenter. Individual presentations are limited to one presenter.

• Technical Workshop (50 minutes): Participants learn practical skills or explore a specific tool or technical topic relevant to peer work. While participants are not expected to gain full proficiency, workshops should include concrete, interactive exercises that actively engage attendees. Technical workshops are limited to four facilitators.

Tracks & Submission Guidelines

The 2026 Missouri Peer Symposium is a peer-led event designed to highlight and empower peers by providing a platform for sharing expertise, practical knowledge, and lived experience. All sessions focus on skill-building, advocacy, and community-driven practices, rather than featuring paid or high-profile speakers. Sessions will run from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Submissions should align with one of the following tracks, though sessions may span multiple areas:

Skills & Practice
Sessions in this track focus on the practical tools, techniques, and strategies peers use in their daily work. Topics may include:

• Facilitating client groups, outings, or support activities

• Setting boundaries and maintaining professionalism while sharing lived experience

• Art, creativity, and alternative approaches in recovery support

• Peer-led interventions in housing, extended care, or treatment court settings

• Interdisciplinary team work

• Reducing risk and crisis intervention

• Toolkits, frameworks, or practical resources for peer work

• Emerging trends

• Emerging peer or treatment-related research

• Working with families

• Working with adolescents

Advocacy & Leadership
This track emphasizes empowering peers to influence systems, policies, and community practices:

• Peer engagement with hospitals, schools, government officials, and prescribers.

• Community advocacy and policy initiatives

• Trips to Jefferson City

• Leadership development and peer mentorship

• Collaboration across agencies and organizations

• How to emphasize the "Specialist" in CPS

• Building peer influence in recovery-oriented systems

Wellness & Recovery Support
Sessions here explore how peers support personal and community recovery, self-care, and resilience:

• Mental health support strategies

• Building recovery capital for individuals and communities

• Promoting inclusive and culturally responsive peer practices

• Rediscovering your real voice

• Addressing trends in substance use and recovery environments

Submission Criteria

All proposals are reviewed by peers and evaluated based on:

• Relevance & Interest: Value to peer specialists

• Certification: Presenters are required to have an active peer specialist certification through our state's credentialing board

• Innovation: Novel approaches, tools, or practices

• Clarity & Quality: Clear objectives, structure, and practical application

• Impact: Potential effect on peer practice, community, or recovery\

• Objectives: At least three meaningful objectives

Special Topics (Cross-Track Submissions)

We recognize that not all proposed sessions will fit neatly into a single track. Presentations that span multiple tracks or address broader system-level, community, or emerging issues are welcome.

When submitting your proposal, please select the track that best fits your session. The topics below are examples only and are not exhaustive.

Potential special topic areas include:

• Peer roles in systems financing, sustainability, and infrastructure

• Engaging youth and families in program design, decision-making, and policy

• Cross-agency and cross-sector collaboration

• Workforce development, supervision, and peer career pathways

• Health equity, cultural humility, and culturally responsive peer support

• Trauma, violence, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

• Supporting individuals with co-occurring substance use, mental health, and developmental needs

• Understanding brain development and its relevance to peer support

• Housing instability and social determinants of health

• Use of technology and digital tools in engagement and recovery support

• Policy, healthcare access, and coverage navigation

• Innovative approaches to evaluation, data use, and storytelling

• Other emerging or relevant topics impacting peer work

Review Criteria

All submissions will be reviewed by at least 2 peer reviewers before a final decision is made. Submissions will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Interest: overall interest of the topic to attendees

• Innovation: presentation of novel knowledge in the fields of prevention, treatment, and/or recovery

• Quality, Clarity, and Rigor: use of theories, methods, or discussion points that are appropriate for the topic and type of presentation

• Significance: indication that the topic has an important impact in the fields of prevention, treatment, and/or recovery

Ready to submit your proposal?

Deadline: 3/31/2026