Transcript November 21st in-service training
November 21
st
in service training
Minnesota Literacy Council VISTA Program
WELCOME Literacy VISTAs!!
O O O Please sign in, make a name-tag and claim a seat!
Chat among yourselves O How are things going at your site?
O What else is new?
Lunch is catered by:
Foxy Falafel
O Vegetarian options available O No nuts!
Welcome & Announcements
Housekeeping: O O Coffee/Tea/Water Restrooms Other Announcements: O O O Welcome to our new members!
Children’s Books – take them!
Book/resource return/check-out
Overview and Purpose
O O O A chance to reconnect with each other A chance to learn from each other (I’m not the expert) To reflect on our service in a safe space
On the agenda today…
O O O Retouching & Reflecting on Poverty The Importance of Reflection & How to do it!
Combating the VISTA Slump O O O Stress management and how to make stress your friend Other tips and resources VISTA-led presentations
Reflecting on Poverty
Jeopardy!
What is the VISTA slump?
• • • • • Congratulations! You’ve completed over 90 days of service! Now that the honeymoon period is over, you may be starting to experience the following… Reality of the living allowance is setting in Decreased enthusiasm Lack of motivation/inspiration Learning curve has leveled off “So many ideas, so little time!” • Hello winter blues!
• • •
Combat the VISTA slump!
Find what is meaningful to you about your service • • Make the position your own Re-read SuperVAD, remind yourself of tasks you were initially excited about Revisit StrengthsFinder and think about ways to incorporate your strengths into your work Do a little direct service to reconnect you to why you wanted to be a VISTA
Station Work:
5 Minutes at each station – 7 people per group Directions: Brainstorm & write ideas for each topic on flip chart paper 1.
2.
3.
4.
Motivations 1.
2.
What motivated you to join VISTA?
What motivates you to keep going?
Ways to De-Stress 1.
How do you relax?
Great things about winter 1.
2.
3.
Favorite Things about winter Winter Activities to do in MN Winter Activities to do in the metro!
How to turn ideas into action 1.
You have some great ideas! Now what?
Last station – pick a spokesperson to share the ideas!
Stay positive and know that the VISTA Slump won’t last forever!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
–Margaret Mead
Managing Stress
Describe your workload/stress level right now: 2.
3.
1.
No stress, bring on the holidays Little bit of stress, definitely got some work I have to get done Pretty Stressed, not sure where/how to start with my work 4.
SO STRESSED, THINGS ARE CRAZY!
Make Stress Your Friend!
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_st ress_your_friend?language=en Kelly McGonigal on “How to Make Stress Your Friend”
What were the main take-aways from this TedTalk?
Create a stress management plan!
2.
1.
Make two lists: List 3 things in your life that are the most stressful.
List 3 things you can do right now to alleviate that stress or look at it with newfound perspective Three easy things to do each day in the workplace: Take a walk, stretch, and eat lunch away from your work space!
Other Quick Tips & Resources
Vistacampus.gov
Life as a VISTA Managing Your Year Navigating the VISTA Lifecycle
Mnliteracy.org/VISTA/resources
Life as a VISTA Member MN VISTA Living Guide Mental Health and Wellness Resources VISTA Health Benefits Guide List of Stress Manifestations Reasons Why You Might Want to Stay Stressed Self-Care Assessment Fight the “VISTA Slump”
Passionplanner.com
“The life coach that fits in your backpack” Print pages for free
www.passionplanner.com
UP NEXT! VISTA Presentations
Ariana Yang Bradley Kerschner Gina Nyhus Lianna Sanders Melissa Laubach
Wrapping Up
A few last announcements: O Ellen will soon be going on maternity leave; Who to contact: Meghan Paul-Cook or Amy!
O O O O Site Visits – soon!
Peer Group Meetings (metro folks) – 1 st December! Invite Amy? week in Knitting/Crocheting meet-up group! (yarn club?) New host sights – spread the word!
O O O Happy Hour/Social Hour @ Tracy’s Saloon Next cohort training dates: 1/23, 2/2 Holiday Party/Potluck?
O EVALUATIONS!