« Reflection: Civic Engagement

Sankhepo Ndhlovu

Civic Engagement

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Kathryn Smith Reagan Green Anna Amey Julie Parker
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There's a need for PEER to exist because society makes it almost impossible to live a normal life on parole/probation or as an ex-convict or recovering addict. When such people want to start their lives anew but get constant rejections and reminders of their pasts is when PEER comes in. They take in these people and try their best to promote healthy living, learning, and working. My specific project needed to happen because the organization needs funding in order to continue pursuing their mission.

A common cause of the issues that the organization is trying to address is a lack of skill to maintain stability. People find it hard to reconnect with their families because there's still so much anger and hurt feelings, and, as a result, they revert to old habits of drug use or drinking their problems away. PEER is doing a great job at addressing this recidivism. They are focused on trying to find solutions to improve the quality of life for the recovering community because they recognize the essential role of recovery support in maintaining overall health and wellness that encourages individuals to choose a new way of thinking and living.

Some strategies I noticed from 'Getting to Maybe' that are being enacted by PEER are from the organization called Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) which is discussed in chapter 3. Plan focused on financial security, a home that is a sanctuary, family and friends, and the ability to have one's wishes and choices respected (p. 35 E-book) which are all similar to what PEER is doing.

This month's experiences has definitely made me interested in civic involvement. However, I wouldn't like to pursue a career in such fields because it's been a journey packed with a rollercoaster of emotions for me; today I'm happy because somebody is fully recovered and reconnected with family and got a good job, and tomorrow I'm sad because somebody relapsed after doing so well. I've been unexplainably anxious most of the time which would make me unintentionally cold and bitter towards people around me. For this reason, I wouldn't like to pursue a career in such. I would, however, love to volunteer for such organizations some time in the future because I have gained so much knowledge and growth in all aspects.

4 replies
  1. Post by Julie Parker
    Reply
    During my time with the Community Care Development Network, I have learned about multiple organizations that offer assistance to people in poverty. However, many of these organizations have disclaimers such as "to receive assistance you must have zero felony charges" or "we do not assist people who have DUI charges." These kinds of disclaimers make me so frustrated. Often times, people resort to crime in the first place because they have no other options to find resources, are under the influence of drugs, or are simply caught up in the wrong crowd. Our society makes it so hard for ex-criminals to regain control of their life. I admire organizations such as PEER which make a conscious effort to address the needs of ex-criminals. Your organization seems to understand that just because someone committed a crime does not mean they are an evil person who deserves no second chance at life. Thank you for volunteering your time with an organization such as PEER.
  2. Post by Anna Amey
    Re: Civic Engagement
    Sankhepo, it sounds like you have had such wonderful experiences! I have not heard much about PEER before reading your posts but it sounds like a fantastic program! Everyone deserves a second chance to learn how to live a healthy life! It is such a wise observation to realize that one of the challenges of reaching out is the anger and pride in the way. I’m so glad to hear that there are so many organizations close by helping with these problems. I totally understand wanting to support these kinds of programs without wanting to pursue a career in the field due to the emotions involved. What a great experience!
  3. Post by Reagan Green
    Re: Civic Engagement
    I do some work with prison reform through an organization I am apart of, so reading about how you felt during your internship really resonated with me. Prison reform is so important, but it’s just as important to look after those doing the work. 

    Your internship and PERR both sound really amazing, and I would love to hear more about your specific project! This type of work is so I,portent, and I’m really happy that there are organizations like PEER to help those that need it.  

  4. Post by Kathryn Smith
    Re: Civic Engagement
    I like the connection you draw between PEER and PLAN. In both cases, the main concern is "How can we create the conditions that will allow someone to have a fulfilling life?" It's troubling that there are whole groups of people - addicts, the formerly incarcerated, the disabled - that society has somehow written off as not deserving of the same kinds of opportunities as other people have. Similar to my replies to Rea and Driscoll, my question here is why is it like this? What factors/beliefs/structures work to create this situation, and what are the entry points for changing it? It sounds like you might be more suited to work on addressing the causes of the problem rather than helping people suffering the effects, so I'd be interested to know what you see as some of the contributing factors.
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