ABSTRACT
In any peer program, the adult peer program professional becomes the vital link in changing a trainee with poorly developed skills into one with highly effective facilitative skills. Peer program training and implementation of a program should be planned, organized, and initiated with the awareness that its success depends upon the peer program professional(s). The process of self-growth that occurs in a peer program professional supersedes the ability to organize, develop, and administer programs. The peer program professional needs to be aware of the importance of physical fitness. The processes of helping and training peer helpers, and the management of a program are hard work and demand large amounts of physical and emotional energy. Optimism is important because in many instances peer helper and peer helper training are classed with those “new fangled” frills that generate defensiveness and caution in many peers and administrators.
