What challenge inspired this recipe?
Change of environment, pace, living space can be a big stress. As much as we want to prepare the volunteers, sudden changes will always affect them, especially if they have to share the space with someone and participate in sharing a life space while also trying to get themselves involved in the project.
This can cause tension and conflict even without an intention. In these cases, especially in the beginning it is important to remind them of self-care. During their on arrival seminars, or as part of the welcome package you can support them with a check list of things to have in mind while they are accommodating themselves in a new environment. One of the check list they could have is one that will support them in reflecting on their basic human needs. Having a CheckMe List can also be helpful in situations where the volunteer could feel stressed or overwhelmed or there are high tensions in the house. Once the volunteer goes through the list, they can always connect it with a communication style that would support the resolution of conflict.
Ingredients :
It could be done without any specific material, just a conversation between mentors.
Step by step guide
Through a conversation, workshop or as a general information paper, remind volunteer about the basic human needs: need to rest, eat, drink water, and communicate. These aspects should be at the very top of the list. They can formulate them in a check list way or a question way:
- Have I rested enough today/ do I feel rested now?/ did I get enough hours of sleep?
- Did I drink water today? Do I feel thirsty?/ Did I have at least 4 cups of water?
Each volunteer could determine what sort of mark is best for them depending on how well they know themselves.
Second part of it, involves reflecting on their own needs. Each volunteer has a different way of regulating themselves and their emotions so giving them space to think about it is crucial.
Some questions to support this brainstorm could be: What activities help you relax? What are your hobbies? Is there something you used to do back home that you can’t do here, and what is the challenge why?
Thirdly, as they are in a new environment, you can remind them that it is also a chance to explore new activities and give them a small task for your next meeting to find some brand new activity/hobby to try.
Important to highlight!The goal of this is for the volunteers to be more aware of their mental health in these projects that at times can be very stressful. This check list can be molded to be given to volunteers through the ESC Buddy app or roommates could have their own check list in the house and support each other in the process. |
Before you start cooking, keep in mind…
It takes time for the volunteers to open, so they might not be able to answer the questions. Language barrier can also be a challenge.
