Community wellness check-in for caregivers

Virtual Community Caregivers Check-in
Presented by the NASW Freelance Committee
Date: Wednesday, July 16
Start time: 1 p.m. Eastern / 10 a.m. Pacific
Event access link: https://www.nasw.org/virtual-events-auditorium (NASW member login required)

A reminder that per NASW's Code of Conduct attendees must use their full name in their Zoom display in order to be admitted. Please review the code for additional expected behaviors and review the additional privacy agreements that apply to these Wellness Check ins, which are listed below. A shared set of expectations are crucial to creating a welcoming and supportive shared space.

Scheduling a regular meet-up can be challenging for caregivers of children, adults, elders and other loved ones, who must be ready for schedule changes at anytime. In response to members’ feedback, and on the heels of our Caregiver Pilot Project, we are holding a community wellness event for caregivers. This event will create a supportive space for caregivers to network, share resources and commiserate in a virtual space.

This meetup is open to all NASW members who are caregivers, including those who joined the Peer Support for Caregivers Pilot Project,those who might be interested in future iterations of that project, and people new to caregiving. Join us and share your ideas for how NASW can support caregivers.

#SciWriSocial

Agreements and privacy

In addition to abiding by NASW's Code of Conduct, all participants agree to abide by these principles in order to create a space of solidarity and support:

Every participant must respect the privacy of all participants by keeping the identities of all participants and the content of all discussions in the forum in strict confidence. What is said in the meetup must stay there. No recording or screenshots are permitted.
Participants in this Community Wellness Check-in should appear on camera to introduce themselves when the discussion begins. You may turn your camera off after introducing yourself to the group, participating with audio (but not chat only).
Every participant has an equal voice and responsibility. Everyone should have a chance to share.
No one person should monopolize the group or the time.
Every participant strives to be an active listener, offering compassion and encouragement and speaking from a place of care.
Every participant strives to be non-judgmental, encouraging, and supportive. Participants must not engage in biased, demeaning, intimidating, coercive, or harassing/hostile conduct or commentary, whether seriously or in jest (e.g., based on power differential, gender [sex, identity, expression], sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or national origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, age, body size or other physical appearance, disability, socioeconomic status, or other identities). Do not comment seriously or in jest on personal appearance or assumed or known reasons why a person chooses to participate via video, audio, or other means—this is the opposite of respectful and welcoming conduct.
Participants agree not to share Zoom links or meeting access instructions.
Participants agree that whatever is said in a meeting will not be used as information to influence their or their coworkers' or colleagues’ decision to hire, work with, or otherwise impact their or their co-workers’ or colleagues’ professional relationship with another participant.
Every participant understands that NASW is a 501c6 nonprofit. By participating in the network, forum, discussions, or meetings, participants are agreeing to waive all claims against the officers, board, and facilitators of the group.

It is our mutual responsibility to respect these agreements. If you have questions or concerns during the Community Wellness Check-in, please message the host using direct chat. If you are in a breakout room, return to the main session to locate or chat with a host. Any NASW member or anyone participating in an NASW-sponsored event can report harmful behavior or a potential violation of the Code of Conduct using this form.

Limitations and additional resources

This event aims to serve as a member-run space for finding solidarity in the professional and personal challenges we share, which can include sharing mental health challenges without having to explain their complexities and depth. While sharing caregiving challenges is warmly welcomed, NASW’s network is an informal peer network, not group therapy. It is not run by doctors, mental health professionals, or trained facilitators and is not intended to be a substitute for therapy. We encourage participants to use the resources below to explore therapy or other forms of professional help as needed. You can find self-care resources for journalists at the Dart Center. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact a doctor immediately and/or contact:

988lifeline.org

Dial or text 988 (Available in 240 languages within the United States)