Training
Adventures in Caring’s volunteer Raggedy program begins with a hands-on training seminar. The goal of the seminar is to give the experience, information, and skills needed to begin active service as “Ambassadors of Goodwill” in the guise of Raggedy Ann and Andy.
"Therapeutic Listening Care" (TLC) is the method of communication which all Raggedy Ann & Andy volunteers learn. ("Therapeutic Listening Care" was developed and refined by Karen Fox, the founder of Adventures in Caring.)
They also master the basic tools and protocol necessary to work in the health
care setting. For example, they learn to first check with the nurses station
to find out which patients need a visit most and which should not be visited.
They understand the importance of asking patients if they would like a visit
before entering — knowing this simple gesture builds trust, gives the
patient a sense of control, and sets the right tone for the rest of the interaction.
Training Dates
All volunteer training seminars are conducted over a long weekend in Santa
Barbara. The hours are:
Friday: 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Saturday from 9:00AM to 7:00PM, and
Sunday from 9:00AM to 7:00PM.
All sessions must be attended to complete the training.
The training schedule for the 2010-2011 academic year is:
Oct. 15 – 17, 2010
Nov. 5 – 7, 2010
Jan. 28 – 30, 2011
Feb. 18 – 20, 2011
April 8 – 10, 2011
The effectiveness of the Raggedy Therapy program is dependent on two critical
factors:
1) the quality of the performance of the Raggedy volunteers, and
2) the acceptance of their efforts by the staff.
Quality is achieved through careful screening, comprehensive training, ongoing
support, and continuing education for the Raggedy volunteers. Acceptance is
achieved through orientation and training for staff, and the consistent track
record of the Raggedy volunteers.
Make a difference and become a volunteer. Click here to sign up.