Climbing the Recovery Mountain Together

This is the first-ever national conference for peer specialists. Sponsored by the National Association of Peer Specialists (a private non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the hiring of peer specialists in mental health systems), this two-day conference will be held Thursday and Friday, August 16 and 17, 2007, at the Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver was selected as the site for this conference because it is centrally located, NAPS has many members in the area, and local peer support organizations have volunteered to assist in conference planning and implementation.

Workshops will emphasize practical skills and information peer specialists can readily use to improve their practice. In addition, national leaders of the peer specialist and recovery movements will make presentations. The conference will also offer participants an opportunity to network with other peer specialists from across the country to learn about innovative recovery practices and programs. Exhibits and a literature table will be available for participants to explore before and after workshops.

This is an exciting time to be involved in the peer specialist movement. Join us to share that excitement and learn valuable skills and information to help you help others!

Conference Registration

Registration for the NAPS National Peer Specialist Conference: Climbing the Recovery Mountain Together is $150 for both days (early bird discount before July 13), $175 for both days after July 13. One day registrations are $90. See the "Support" page of this website for sources of possible financial support to attend this conference.

Conference attendees will enjoy all conference activities, including keynote addresses, workshops, and panel discussion. A continental breakfast and two refreshment breaks will be provided for each of the two days. Other meals will be the responsibility of attendees because there are many excellent restaurants very close to the conference site and it helps reduce overall conference costs. Attendees will also be able to enjoy exhibits and a literature table filled with recovery-oriented information.

Checks or money orders should be made payable to: "NAPS" and sent to: 755 Alta Dale, Ada, MI 49301. Payment must accompany registration. All we need for registration is the name, address, and telephone of each participant. Your registration will be confirmed upon receipt. Questions should be directed to: Steve Harrington, NAPS President, (616) 676-9230 or e-mail him at: [email protected]

Space is limited! Don't be disappointed, make your reservations as soon as possible!

Conference Agenda

Thursday, August 16, 2007 8:30-10 a.m. Continental breakfast 10:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions 10:30 a.m. Opening keynote by Gayle Bluebird 11:15 a.m. Break (refreshments provided) 11:30 a.m. Workshops (session 1) 12:15 p.m. Lunch (on your own) 1:45 p.m. Workshops (session 2) 2:15 p.m. Break 2:30 p.m. Workshops (session 3) 3:15 p.m. Break (refreshments provided) 3:30 p.m. Workshops (session 4) 4:15 p.m. Break 4:30 p.m. Workshops (session 5) 5:15 p.m. End of conference day (dinner on your own)

Friday, August 17, 2007

8:30-10 a.m. Continental breakfast 10 a.m. Welcome 10:15 a.m. Keynote by Gladys Christian 11:00 a.m. Break (refreshments provided) 11:15 a.m. Workshops (session 6) Noon Lunch (on your own) 1:30 p.m. Panel: Peer Specialists-Where we are, where we're going 2:15 p.m. Workshops (session 7) 3:00 p.m. Break (refreshments provided) 3:15 p.m. Workshops (session 8) 4:00 p.m. Wrap up/evaluations 5:00 p.m. End of conference

Note: Lunches and dinners are "on your own." There is an excellent restaurant at the hotel and only a block from the hotel is an extensive street mall with a wide variety of restaurants. We hope you use these meals as an opportunity to meet other peer specialists and explore downtown Denver!

Exhibits will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day of the conference.

Lodging

The NAPS National Peer Specialist Conference will be held at the beautiful Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza in downtown Denver, which offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. We have arranged for a special discount rate of $119 per night plus tax (14.85 percent). These rates will be available three days prior to and three days after the conference dates. Free wireless service is available. Those wishing to take advantage of these discount rates must reserve their rooms no later than July 24. You must identify yourself as a NAPS conference attendee to take advantage of these rates.

The hotel is undergoing extensive remodeling and the conference will be first to enjoy the "new" surroundings. One block from the hotel is an extensive street mall with many gift shops, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. Also, within walking distance are interesting sites such as the U.S. Mint, a brewery, the state capitol, and a museum. Plan to take time to explore the city!

Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza has an outdoor pool, health/fitness center, and in- room coffee. The hotel also features a business center, gift shop, laundry facilities, newsstand, and tour services. On-site parking costs $16 per day. Shuttle bus and taxi services are available from the airport to the hotel and back.

Reservations can be made by calling (303) 573-1450.

The hotel's address is:

Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza-Downtown Denver 1450 Glenarm Place Denver, CO 80202 (303) 573-1450

Hotel link here? www.hoteldenver.net

Transportation

The Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza hotel is located 24 miles from the Denver International Airport. The airport is served by most major airlines with extensive flight schedules. Transportation from the airport to the hotel is available by taxi (about $50 one way) or shuttle bus (about $15 one way).

Note: Discount airfares are often available if you book your flight more than 30 days in advance and stay a Saturday night.

Denver is also served by Amtrak and major bus lines. If you drive to the hotel, on-site parking is available at a daily rate of about $16.

Support

The need for financial support can be a vital issue for conference attendees. NAPS has attempted, and continues to seek, direct financial support for participants. No such sources of direct financial assistance have yet been identified, but there are other options possible for financial support. Here are some ideas:

· Do you work for a mental health agency? Most mental health organizations provide financial support for staff and sometimes volunteers. Some states require continuing education units for certification. This may be a good place to start when seeking financial support.

· Do you belong to any mental health advocacy groups? State chapters of some groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA or IAPSRS), Mental Health Association (MHA), or other organizations have funds set aside for consumer education. You don't necessarily have to be a member to obtain support from such organizations, but it doesn't hurt.

· Do you have a local foundation? In addition to community foundations, there are mental health foundations in some areas that make small grants to consumers for specific purposes. This may be a qualifying event.

· Support may also be available through local management entities (LME's). They may also be called community mental health agencies or county community mental health. Such organizations may exist in your area, depending upon the structure of your mental health system. Some of these organizations also provide financial support for consumer endeavors.

When requesting financial assistance, you may wish to make the following points to boost support:

· This is the first-ever national conference for peer specialists. · The conference will offer an opportunity to learn practical skills and information useful to your system. · You will share information learned from the conference with other peer specialists and interested mental health personnel. · Information gained through workshops, exhibits, presentations, and networking with other peer specialists from across the country will help you identify innovative and successful strategies and programs for your employer and/or local mental health system. · If an organization is unable to provide complete financial support, suggest partial support as an option.