This past week Jamie Wright, MSW, Ann Arbor VA Social Worker and Buddy-toBuddy consultant, engendered a discussion about the use and important of boundaries when working with veterans and service members. Click here to view the full length call notes. PRESENTATION SUMMARY: Havingsupportive boundaries improves outreach and support provided to theveteran/service member and the BB volunteer. Remember the old saying: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. A goodleader helps people/soldiers learn the skills they need, so that the leader isno longer needed. Saying Noand directing people to another resource is OK and helpful. You should ask yourself how much time can youdonate? Are you the best resource? Areyou only taking on what you can handle and not over committing? Boundary examples: Confidentially – whenfamily members or friends ask personal questions about a person you’re workingwith, you should not divulge personal information. Givingrides – work toward motivatingveteran/service member toward long term solutions. Can you providetransportation every time for everyone? What if you can’t help the next person? Holding weaponry - liability and legally you should not placeyourself in this situation. Encourage other solutions (police, friend, familymember). Holding a firearm will change the conversation from providing peersupport to possession of a weapon and safety. Giving or loaning money- What if they cannot pay you back? Canyou afford to loan or give money to all that need it? Money changes the dynamicof the relationship. Connect to emergency financial services, and explore longterm solutions. Direct people to fee based services- You don’t want to be seen or viewed as a salesman for an organization. Ifyou direct someone towards a fee based organization be clear about yourrelationship to that organization, costs, and other options if available. Have the vet make the call or sit with
themwhen they make the call so that they are empowered to solve their own issues. Your admission to the armoryreserve unit and effectiveness as a peer is based on trust and reputation.Boundaries help people understand your role and keeps things focused onsupporting them for the long term. EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Event this Sunday, July 2nd! Veteran’s cookout hosted by the DAV! FREE event for veterans and families in Shelby Township. Next week's volunteer support calls are canceled in honor of the 4thof July Veteran TownHall at the Capitol on July 12th, 2017. Town Hall to focus on addressing veterans and their families in healthcare, the VA, federal legislation and the road ahead. If interested contact staff for details. Lastly, please remember to submit your interaction drill/event, or No Activity logs by clicking here. Thank you for all that you do! Heidi Frankenhauser Volunteer Coordinator
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program 1-888-822-8339 | buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu | www.buddytobuddy.org 2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105 STAY CONNECTED