How to Submit a Peer Support Proposal
Submitting a proposal is your opportunity to introduce yourself, share how you can help, and offer a clear path forward for the member. This guide walks you through what to include, how to write it, and what happens after you submit.
What a Proposal Is
A proposal is your personalized response to a member’s peer support request. It tells the member:
- Who you are as a Peer Supporter
- How you can support them
- What session length and rate you’re offering
- When you’re available to meet
How to Create Your Proposal
This section shows you exactly where and how to create your proposal in the system.
Step 1: Navigate to the Member's Request
Locate the member’s support request on the Peer Support Requests page. For help finding the page, please see How to Review Incoming Peer Support Requests.
Click anywhere on the member's request to open its details.
Step 2: Open the Proposal Creation Form
Click the Submit a Peer Support Proposal button, located at the bottom of the member's request.
Step 3: Fill Out the Proposal Form
Each proposal has four parts:
1. Your support proposal
Required. Minimum length: 100 characters.
This is a short, friendly response to the member's request for support. This note helps the member get to know you. You might:
2. Session duration in minutes
Required. Default = 60
You’ll choose the duration you’re offering (for example, 30, 45, or 60 minutes).
3. Proposed Session Times
Required
Suggest some days and times that work for you. This helps the member understand when you’re able to meet.
4. Price for the Session
Required
You’ll set the rate for the session. Members will see this clearly when reviewing proposals.
1. Your support proposal
Required. Minimum length: 100 characters.
This is a short, friendly response to the member's request for support. This note helps the member get to know you. You might:
- Reflect back what they shared
- Explain how your lived experience connects
- Offer reassurance and clarity
2. Session duration in minutes
Required. Default = 60
You’ll choose the duration you’re offering (for example, 30, 45, or 60 minutes).
3. Proposed Session Times
Required
Suggest some days and times that work for you. This helps the member understand when you’re able to meet.
4. Price for the Session
Required
You’ll set the rate for the session. Members will see this clearly when reviewing proposals.
Tips and Best Practices for Writing a Supportive Proposal
- Be yourself and be specific. Clearly explain how you can help with the member’s particular concerns.
- Keep it simple and concise. Share just enough detail without overwhelming.
- Show empathy and reflect the member’s needs. Personalize your message to convey understanding and compassion with a small acknowledgment.
- Offer actionable steps. Outline a clear plan or approach to support.
- Stay within your comfort zone and honor your boundaries. Only offer what feels sustainable; you don’t need to over-explain or over-commit.
- Match availability. Suggest meeting times that align with the member’s preferences.
- Use positive and respectful language. Keep your tone encouraging and professional.
- Review carefully. Check for spelling and grammar before submitting.
What Happens After You Submit
Once your proposal is submitted:
- The member will be notified by email.
- They may accept your proposal, decline it, or let it expire.
- If they accept, you will receive an email notification
- You’ll use chat to coordinate the meeting date and time.
- After you agree on a time, you’ll schedule the meeting.
What a Member Sees
When a member receives your proposal, they see a clear summary that includes:
- Your personalized message
- The session length you’re offering
- Your proposed rate
- Your suggested availability
Editing or Withdrawing a Proposal
If you need to make changes after submitting, you can edit or withdraw your proposal:
- Editing: You can update your message, session length, rate, or availability if your circumstances change, until the member accepts your proposal.
- Withdrawing: If you’re no longer able to support the member, you can withdraw your proposal to remove it from their view, until the member accepts it.
NOTE: Once the member accepts your proposal, the edit and withdraw buttons will no longer be available.
Submitting a proposal is a simple, thoughtful way to introduce yourself and offer support. Your message, rate, session length, and availability help the member understand what working with you would look like. Once they accept, you’ll move into coordination and scheduling.