Dougy Center Volunteer Update, October 2023

October 2023

Save the Date for these opportunities!

Adult Caregiver Facilitator Peer Supervision

Nov. 13

6 - 7:30 pm

with Cristina Chipriano, L.C.S.W. , Director of Equity & Inclusion Online via Zoom

RSVP Here

Creative Grief Processing In-Service

Nov. 18

1 - 3 p.m.

with Melanie Langlois, L.P.C.,

at Dougy Center, 3903 SE 52nd Ave. in Portland

RSVP Here

Grief Education Webinar:

Join us for this upcoming educational opportunity, available at no charge to Dougy Center volunteers. Click on the link below to receive free registration. More information on upcoming webinars can be found here.

The registration deadline is 24 hours prior to the webinar.

Gone Too Soon: Supporting Children and Teens After a Death from Gun Violence

presented by Cristina Chipriano, L.C.S.W.

National Children's Grief Awareness Day, Nov. 16, 2023

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Every day in the United States we are bombarded with stories of gun violence. Within every story there are children, teens, and adults impacted forever by the death of someone in their lives. In addition to grieving the death, survivors are faced with multiple additional factors which complicate their lives. Join us as we explore these factors and ways to support children and teens who are grieving a death from gun violence.

Skill Review

Going Beyond "How are You?"

Even under the best of circumstances the question, “How are you?” can be difficult to answer. Sometimes “How are you?” is a polite greeting like “Hello.” Other times it’s a genuine invitation to a deeper conversation. Either one can put us in an awkward spot.

Do we answer truthfully and risk taking up the asker’s time? Or do we reply with a perfunctory, “Fine, and you?” that may or may not be genuine. Add in grief, illness, or other emotional turmoil, and answering a casual, off handed, “How are you?” can be overwhelming.

This dilemma follows us even to Dougy Center where we greet other volunteers, staff, and participants before, during, and after group. If you’re interested in learning new ways to greet people that are easier to navigate and might even lead to more meaningful conversations, check out our Going Beyond “How Are You?” Facilitator Tip Sheet.

We Want to Hear from You

In planning ahead for things like In-Service Trainings, Adult Caregiver Facilitator supervision meetings, and additional Facilitator Tip Sheets, we'd love to hear what topics and/or skills you'd like to learn more about. Let us know here.

Still Want to Learn More?

Listen to “Overachieving As a Cry For Help: with Laurel Braitman” an episode of Megan Devine’s podcast, It’s Ok That You’re Not OK.

Read Still, I Cannot Save You, A Memoir of Sisterhood, Love, and Letting Go by Kelly S. Thompson.

Watch Tiny Beautiful Things, the TV adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's collection of her Dear Sugar advice columns.

dougy.org · [email protected] · 503.775.5683