Helping to ensure the physical and mental health of members and service recipients
Abstract
A key component of a quality training program is providing the information and skills that members need to perform their service safely and effectively. Training should also focus on the physical, mental, and emotional well being of the client or service recipient. This effective practice, submitted by Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's (NWREL) Recruitment and Development Initiative (EnCorps) in December 2006, offers wellness tips that have worked for The Northwest Service Academy/Mt. Adams Center in Washington State.Issue
Volunteers and members need to be prepared for any physical and mental challenges that may occur during their service term, and have the knowledge to address these issues as they come up for clients and service recipients.Action
The Northwest Service Academy/Mt. Adams Center — a small, rural program in Washington State that engages in environmental projects — suggests these tips for providing information on physical and mental health issues:Familiarize members with your risk management plan, which details your organization's response to potential risks. These plans vary from one program to another, but all programs should have one. Read an example of the Northwest Service Academy/Mt. Adams Center risk management plan. Use this resource to develop or adapt your own plan.
Give members training in conflict resolution so they are prepared to deal with challenging situations. The two-hour training module Conflict Management, provides participants with a lens to see how they and others approach conflict, as well as strategies for facilitating a resolution to conflict. Adapted from the Northwest Leader Corps training curriculum, and written and compiled by Nicole Trimble, this resource will help members to:
- Gain knowledge on how different personalities deal with conflict and will develop strategies for dealing with them
- Reflect upon their own approaches to conflict
- Adopt strategies for addressing conflict and for limiting conflict escalation by engaging one another in an open and respectful way
Offer training in cultural issues that goes beyond general diversity awareness and focuses on specific topics that affect your clients. Members need to understand these fundamental issues before they can take action.
Prepare members for the stress that can result from service. For example, some members will be challenged by living on a limited stipend and will need tips for living simply.
Provide (at minimum) a basic first aid course and CPR training. The American Red Cross can help provide a local trainer.
Context
The Northwest Service Academy (NWSA) is an environmental service and leadership development organization that partners with more than 125 community agencies and has members serving in individual placements or on field teams. With two start dates, NWSA provides pre-service orientation and ongoing member development training to more than 200 full-time and part-time members each year.Citation
EnCorps resources athttp://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/mt_wellness.php
Posted On
May 23, 2007For More Information
Resources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
National Mental Health Information Center
The Conflict Resolution Information Source
Association for Conflict Resolution
Your state commission, Corporation State Office, or national direct headquarters might have a list of trainers in your area that they can share with you.