What It Is.
Peer SpecialistsOn the Front Line
by Gregory McBride-Bey on 05/02/20First Responder:
AFREE FORUM
by Gregory McBride-Bey on 03/16/19
Let’s talk about working, and employment. According to Bing and Wikipedia, employment is a relationship between two parties, usually based on a contract where work is paid for, where one party, which may be a corporation, for profit, not-for-profit organization, co-operative or other entity is the employer and the other is the employee. Employees work in return for payment, which may be in the form of an hourly wage, by piecework or an annual salary, depending on the type of work an employee does or which sector she or he is working in. Employees in some fields or sectors may receive gratuities, bonus payment or stock options. In some types of employment, employees may receive benefits in addition to payment. Benefits can include health insurance, housing, disability insurance or use of a gym. Employment is typically governed by employment laws, regulations or legal contracts.
Merriam-Webster says, it’s the manner of functioning or operating. Another says, “Employment is an arrangement in which a person works for another person (or company) in exchange for money. You can work without being in employment - you can be self-employed, you can be a volunteer, you can be doing work that directly benefits you and your family (housework, subsistence farming).” (Thomas Dalton, Quora, Feb 3 2018).
AFREE asks the obvious question, do Returning Citizens have the right to work and be gainfully employed? We unconditionally say, “Yes.” What do you think? We’d also like to know how you feel about the question, “Have You Ever Been Convicted of a Felony?” on applications for employment. If you have, how do you answer such a question, and does it send a message to you?
Certified Peer Specialist
by Gregory McBride-Bey on 02/16/19
Peer Specialists need to advocate for themselves. Especially during his pandemic era. We are also on the Front Line and we should be treated and respected as equals to others on the Front Line We are the ones who out in the field to search and locate the mentally ill and disabled who may be living under the bridge, in abandoned buildings, living in the woods and other hidden places. We deliver their medicines, get them to doctor appointments, provide food and options for shelter, all at a risk for our own personal safety. It is certainly not too much to demand that our employers provide, not only, hazard pay, but appropriate PPEs, Face Masks and Gloves in conjunction to our sacrifice to do our jobs. If you believe you are making a difference, raise your hand and speak up!