Giving Back

[D.]

I am reaching a place in my healing where I feel a strong urge to give back, specifically to those who've experienced or currently experience relational trauma.  I believe that contributing on this forum is one way to give back so I am most grateful and aware of how those participating are already giving back.

Personally, I don't have very much financially.   However, I have some skills to offer like beading, writing, and Spanish translation.  Sometimes I like being around people, and sometimes it's just too painful.  What are some ideas on how I w/these specific skills, or more generally others, could help those who experience(d) relational trauma? 

I'm not sure if this topic has already been created here.  I suspect yes, but am not sure where so I am happy for references to other threads.  And also  thought that I would reach out now to get ideas or suggestions from the group.  Thank you!

C.

[Andeza]

If there's another thread specifically like this, it's buried deep somewhere. Haven't seen one in a long time.

My Dh asked me a few months ago why I'm still on the forum, because our computers are right next to each other and he noticed. I told him the same thing. This place has been a huge help to me, and it only feels right to stick around and help others as much as I am able. Being an intense introvert in real life, I've always been more open and communicative through the written word. This is my, potentially, only way to help others.

Whenever people say they want to give back, but don't have much in the way of funds, I always recommend looking into mentoring. Or if you're a strong public speaker, giving a free talk at a local community college might be on the table too. If you're not, I know I would pass out before I ever reached a dang podium, then the internet is perfectly acceptable as a place to reach others. You could also look into using your beading skills to make small items with positive affirmations, and then donate them to shelters in your area. My first pregnancy, I ordered a birth course kit, and it came with a little stretchy bead bracelet that just said "Breathe." I got in the habit of taking a calming breath every time I looked at it, or repositioned it. I need to dig that out now for this second round...

Being bilingual is an incredible asset. I wish I were more fluent, but I only ever learned enough for work and to figure out if I was being badmouthed. Fun times. Sadly if I'm not using it daily, I don't retain it, so learning on my own is more than a little difficult. I feel like it could be very useful to you though, very valuable. I feel that there aren't enough resources available to native Spanish speakers as far as emotional support is concerned. And the friends and family members I have in that particular community have their fair share of issues dealing with emotional trauma. Especially guilt.

[Poison Ivy]

You could contact domestic violence organizations in your area and find out their volunteering needs. I'll bet your writing and Spanish-language skills would come in particularly handy.

[Boat Babe]

I was going to say what Ivy said. You could also find raise for them as well. Fundraising can be a lot of fun, such as organising fun-runs, discos, sponsored litter picks etc.

I also feel the urge to contribute here and IRL as so many folk come up against PD abuse at some point. I often refer people to this website and to the self compassion work of Dr Neff.

Lastly by healing, one becomes a stronger, more compassionate and wiser person in the world which has positive outcomes in all walks of life.

[Phoenix Rising]

I love the suggestions about volunteering at a DV shelter or organization. They are always looking for help and for those who are bilingual.

I wanted to add the idea of starting a group that could be held at a local church or other area. Or the idea creating a workshop, it could be digital or in-person and offered to places where victims may go for help e.g. shelter or organization. You don't really need a lot of money if any to do something like that. It could be a great way to share what you've learned, resources and tools to others.

I'm not sure what themes for a workshop or a group (if you decide to give this a go) that you're open to but you mention being skilled in writing. A workshop or drop-in program on journalling? Creative writing? Poetry?

[D.]

Thank you for these ideas and input.  It's validating that yes, learning and assisting here is part of giving.  And I agree DV will be a great place to start.  And about groups, writing, presenting, Spanish, workshops...  There are so many ways to give back.  I look forward to retiring soon when I can give more time.  I have great compassion for people living w/relational trauma (C-PTSD) and I really want to help them understand it gets better and that they can find love and support...I did...

[Free2Bme]

Hey D. ~

Great ideas here.  A couple thoughts...

-Maybe you could start a blog?
-Spanish/English tutor, like an ESL teacher for adults (or children), I've seen these positions listed online
-My DD volunteers at a Christian outreach ministry (national affiliation).  It has separate chapters that serve middle, high school, and college campuses.  There are ladies that work in the office part-time volunteer (some for nominal pay) to support the organization and its staff/members.  One lady has been a great encouragement to my DD and I appreciate her very much.  There's probably something similar in your area.
-I used to volunteer with an organization that made little sock-babies for new mothers to give to their newborns in the NICU.  They had a group of  (mostly) 75-80 year old ladies at sewing machines making sweet little burial gowns for the pre-mie's and stillborn babies.  The machines were buzzing and the ladies were socializing.  It was very rewarding to be a small part of that, really cool.

Any place you can be around others, you will be given opportunities to give back.

Grow where you are planted !

[Boat Babe]

Grow where you are planted. I love that!

[xredshoesx]

so many different ways to give back!  i love this thread!!!

if anyone is interested in giving back to the forum we do offer some options here too-

we do have folks that volunteer to respond to new members posts on the welcome board.  we call these folks hosts and they are an integral part of the community- 

Any member  in good standing with at least 3 months of seniority and 50 posts can volunteer to join the host team by sending a PM to any moderator or member of the admin team. Host team volunteers may be added or removed at any time at the discretion of the admin team. As with all content, host team members' posts are subject to moderation under the terms of the Out of the FOG member guidelines.

if you are interested please let me or any of the other member of the team know and thanks again for starting this thread.