1. What is the new format for the RECs?
   • We’re moving towards an online forum, similar to services like Reddit or technical support forums of the past.
2. Why is PaPSC transitioning the RECs to online forums?
   • Recent meeting attendance has been low. We’re also focusing on other initiatives that take a lot of our attention. We also understand time is valuable to those with billable hours. As such we wanted peer professionals to have a place for support day and night at any time!
3. How will the forum work compared to the old quarterly meetings?
   • The online forum will be available at any time through our website. You’ll create an account, log in, and have access to regional posts, state wide posts, and be able to communicate to peer professionals anywhere in the state at any time!
4. Do I need an account or special access to join?
   • You will need to sign up, but any peer professional will have access to the REC section of our forums. Though we are looking into added benefits for those who are paid members of the Coalition.
5. Will I still be part of the same REC region as before?
   • The regional map is not changing at this time, so your region will remain the same. But more on Regions in a second!
6. Are the forums moderated, and who facilitates them?
   • The forums will be moderated at the start by Abigail Boccardi, our Experience and Engagement Manager. She has experience running forums like this in her previous work. Other staff here at PaPSC will also be on the forums to answer questions and address issues, with the goal of having volunteer community moderators in the future.
7. Will live virtual or in-person REC meetings still happen occasionally?
   • This has yet to be decided. We would love to have a yearly in person event, or a single quarterly offering. But the goal is to shift away from there needing to be a scheduled meeting that members need to attend. This of course could always change as people connect on the forums.
8. How do I suggest topics or start a conversation in the forum?
   • Once your registration for the forum section of the website has been approved, you’ll be able to post in the section your topic pertains to!
9. What kinds of things can we talk about in the forums?
   • Anything related to peer support! Though it wouldn’t be an online forum without some off topic sections. Our goal is to create a platform where peer professionals from across the commonwealth can connect, get support, ask questions, and network without the limitation of a scheduled meeting.
10. Will free trainings still be offered? How will I vote on them?
    • We know how much those free trainings are appreciated and are reviewing our ability to continue these for the RECs. If we are able to continue free quarterly trainings, the goal is to have a poll on the forums to select training topics!
11. I’m new to RECs. Where should I start?
    • Log into the forum and find your REC by county. Interact with any region, or post in the general forums.
12. Can I participate in more than one REC if I work across regions?
    • Regions will be both more and less important with the online forum. There will be dedicated sections for each region, but you’re free to interact with any region’s posts. When you sign up you’ll select which region you are in as part of onboarding, but it does not limit you to who you can connect with!
13. Is the forum mobile-friendly and accessible?
    • Yes! All members should be able to access this from any device!
14. Who do I contact if I have technical issues or need help getting started?
    • Abigail Boccardi (abigail@papsc.org) will be heading up the project, but there are also tutorials for common forum tips and tricks located right on the forum.
15. How do I access the forum?
    • The link to the forum is here: https://papeersupportcoalition.org/forums. Once there, follow the “Start Here” link for more information!