Thread: Ethics of volunteer teaching

I've considering responding to an ad that is looking for volunteers to teach various artsy things to women at a homeless shelter for women. We always talk about how theraputic dance is, so I thought it would be a good idea.

I've never taught before. I've been dancing for the past 4 years, probably totaling 2.5 years of classtime. I think I could handle the basics (posture, basic isolations, etc.). Would be it completely wrong of me ask if they'd be interested and accept if they were?

I think it would be absolutely appropriate, and is a great idea. Take it slow, teach the basics, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from other belly dance teachers. Good luck!

I also think it's perfectly appropriate. Obviously your focus will be on providing a safe, fun, creative outlet, stimulating bodies, minds & spirits, so just keep reminding them that nothing they do in this class should hurt or even be uncomfortable & if anyone has pain or discomfort in a move they should let you know right away & you'll help them find a way to do the move that works for their body.

People are wonderful at modifying for themselves if they feel safe to experiment (i.e. no pressure to perform a certain way.)

A bigger concern might be the population you'd be working with. I'd want to know more about the clients the shelter serves -- do they have mental/social issues that I should know about, etc. I've done some social work in the past, but not with homeless populations. It's been my understanding that there's a lot mental illness among that group.

p.s. Not saying that mental illness is something to be afraid of, but I wouldn't want to see a person with no background or training sent in to manage a group of 30 individuals with various serious issues! Talk about herding cats.

Most likely participants in this program are pre-screened or there's someone else in the room with you who knows how to handle whatever might come up.

Originally Posted by indigostars

I've considering responding to an ad that is looking for volunteers to teach various artsy things to women at a homeless shelter for women. We always talk about how theraputic dance is, so I thought it would be a good idea.

I've never taught before. I've been dancing for the past 4 years, probably totaling 2.5 years of classtime. I think I could handle the basics (posture, basic isolations, etc.). Would be it completely wrong of me ask if they'd be interested and accept if they were?

I think this is a great idea, but make sure you know what kinda of homeless women your going to be dealing with. If the shelter is providing a structured program of recovery and is a structured to get women on their feet with counselors on the premises I would say that is a safer place to teach. Make sure you have your boundaries firmly set cause your going to hear a lot of hard luck stories some true and some a scam.

If this is a place that just gives them a place to rest their heads at night I would be more hesitant. Chances are they are working the streets. Some students may just take the class to use the bathroom and have a safe place to shoot up.

I've worked in this field for four years helping drug addicts transistion back into the community before entering the nursing field. People flip out, come in stoned of their gourds, tempers are short, some are difficult to work with. Be prepared mentally cause it could be quite challenging. That is why I say make sure you have your boundaries set... Never give anyone money and you will be asked for it a lot....

I don't want to paint a dreary picture. There are a lot of benefits and joy in helping others. Just be prepared mentaly and don't get emotionally attached to these students. The one that shows the most promise may be strung out the next day and back on the streets.

Well, I finally was able to talk to the program director. She seemed fine with everything. The only small problem is that the recreational classes run from 3-4 PM during the work week; it doesn't make sense to me (seems like there's a lot of missed opportunities there), even though she said that there's a space/staff reason why.

I'll probably put in an app for it, since I'm temping, but it's doubtful because I'm temping (need money too much, work during the 9-5, and it's hourly, not salary of course). If anyone in the Boston-area has the time to do this, it's Rosie's Place