VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Remember you are never alone!
Your Art/Movement/Recreation Group Practitioner is your mentor and guide. Please come to them with questions about the group structure and guidelines.
Remember, the group is not a classroom setting where participants always must follow rules. It is the Practitioner’s role to develop an atmosphere where participants feel encouraged to create, move and feel free to express themselves while maintaining everyone’s safety through appropriate guidelines. Often, it is even acceptable for an individual or the group to determine some guidelines that will be helpful to all participants.
There may be times of high energy and a sense that things are out of control or too loud. Please talk to your Practitioner about expected boundaries to make sure you understand them, especially if you are feeling uncomfortable. Some of the discipline will depend on the expectations of the hosting agency.
Boundary Scenarios
Scenario 1: Wanting all your attention.
A participant may be in “your space”. They may touch you or be “uncomfortably” close. They may be attracted to what you are wearing and ask you for it. You begin to feel overwhelmed but may also feel that you are making a strong connection with the participant.
What to do:
- Pause and decide what your personal comfort level is around this person being in your space
- Acknowledge their desire to “be close” or admire what you have
- State your preference
- Suggest an activity involving art or movement that can serve a similar purpose so they know you care and would like to connect with them
It may look something like:
- Participant: “Can I sit next to you?” or “Come sit with me!” or “Stay with me!”
- Volunteer:
(First ask yourself: would this make me feel comfortable right now? Acknowledge their desire and help them feel heard) Some ideas on what to say)
“Thank you. I understand that you would like to be with me. I will be helping with others as well.”
We can start (the project) and I will come back to you.
You can start (the project) and I will come back to you.
Would you like to help with getting the supplies out for everyone?
General Guidelines Around Boundary Setting:
- Get on the same level as the participant. When you work with them try to make eye contact, but do not force. The participant may find that too threatening.
- Reflect and acknowledge what they want (to be close, your jewelry your scarf etc.)
- Talk about it, write about it, or tell a story about it. Validate the participant’s experience but maintain a boundary.
- Touching someone is only OK if you ask for permission.
- Sit with a participant and engage with them authentically by being present.
- It is important that your tone of voice does not belittle them.
- If a participant does something that makes you feel uncomfortable, check in with yourself – is my reaction coming from my being:
- Needy?
- Fearful?
- Or wanting to make a connection?
- Then set a boundary that works for you and the participant without making either of you uncomfortable.
Scenario 2: Any Resisting of the Activity– get out of “my space”
You and the ARM Practitioner come to an agency and you both realize that the participants are stressed, not feeling well, not aware that you were coming and do not want to participate in the art activity. They are behind their door but will come out in a little bit after setting up the activities.
What to do:
- Pause / Breathe
- Remember you are a guest at the agency.
- Acknowledge the participants have the right to make their own choices.
- Apply humor whenever possible
- Let them know that you will be there for the scheduled time and will set up the activity (or activities). They are welcome to come out and participate as they can.
Possible initial outcomes:
- They may come out to see what is on hand and participate.
- They may come out and suggest or do something else.
- They may stay at a distance and simply observe.
- They may not come out.
It may look something like:
- Participant: ”(What was/is planned) is “Stupid” or “Childish”
- Volunteer: “ You don’t have to do (What was/is planned). You can just watch, or if it feels better to stretch, or walk… feel free to do so and feel free to join us later.”
“Sometimes doing something ’Childish’ can be fun”
“We also have (blank paper, colors…) if you’d rather do that”
“What would you like to do?”
- Participant: “You are “Stupid” or “Childish” or “Ugly!”
- Volunteer: (Stay calm – often the talk is more about something going on in the background of the participant’s mind than you.)
“I am – but I’m working on it!”
“Thank you for speaking your mind”
- Participant: “I can’t (am not able to or am not talented enough to) try activity.”
- Volunteer: (again provide space for the participant to work out feelings on this)
“What are the things you enjoy doing?”
“Have you tried (the activity) before?”
