Volunteer at ArtBridge

You don’t have to be an artist to be a part of the program! All that is required is commitment and a willingness to learn. Because the children often have little consistent contact with role models, ArtBridge volunteers make a six-month commitment to attend one session per week. They also participate in a 4-hour training session, held at the ArtBridge office.

Please read all the volunteer information below carefully. Then, if this feels like a good fit, download and fill out the Volunteer Application PDF and follow the instructions for sending it to us.

ArtBridge Volunteer Application Info

Dear Volunteer Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in ArtBridge. The children we work with have experienced tremendous pain and humiliation and often have lost everything – even their childhood. Your participation in ArtBridge means a willingness to be present without judgment and to have faith in each child’s timing. You will be asked to be consistent and honest, trying not to change or fix a child’s situation. You will make mistakes, which we consider a part of the learning process. There will be time for reflection, processing and support after sessions. ArtBridge is a strong community based on listening and healthy communication. It calls on the best in each of us. We very much look forward to your involvement.

Sincerely,
Jo Ann Williams, MPS, ATR-BC, LPC

Mission Statement

The mission of ArtBridge is to provide art programs for homeless children in the Houston area within a supportive environment that encourages creativity. ArtBridge strives to combat the despair of homelessness by nurturing hope and self-esteem through art expression.

Guiding Philosophy of the Volunteer Program

Show up on time, be open and present, respect the children

Often people think that working with homeless children is about cheering them up and saving them from their circumstances. We ask that you do not try to fix the children. That is nor your responsibility. Just your non-judgmental presence is valuable and appreciated. Your commitment to show up consistently is an important gift. Many children in our groups have never had a healthy relationship with an adult. Art is a fun and non-threatening method to communicate with children. The more you can leave your thought about the day, your agenda and expertise at the door, the more you are available to listen. Being authentic and listening is the foundation for a trusting relationship. Art fosters the creative spirit, reinforcing and enriching problem-solving skills.

When working with children, it is not unusual to feel inadequate at times. ArtBridge hopes to provide nurturing support for our volunteers. We will process feelings and concerns after group and allow for periodic training. Telephone contact is available as needed.

The ArtBridge group structure fosters creativity within a safe environment that limits chaos and prohibits violence. Each person’s contribution is unique. We encourage each of our volunteers to trust and learn from the process.

Thank you for your interest and involvement in ArtBridge.

Assignment Summary

An ArtBridge volunteer commits to 1.5 hours per week for six months: the one-hour art group and set-up and clean up. An ArtBridge volunteer is responsible for assisting the art Facilitator(s) in creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for the children.

Responsibilities

Consistency: Show up weekly for the groups

Commitment: Spend a minimum of six months as an ArtBridge volunteer.

Compassion: Spend 1:1 quality time with children whenever possible. Listen to the children and expect neither too much from them nor from yourself. Be positive.

Communication: Feel free to contact facilitators after group concerning any questions, feelings, or conflicts about sessions.

Skills: No art skills are necessary for an ArtBridge volunteer – the children will teach you. Experience joy with these kids.

Site List as of June 2007

Group Structure

The basic premise of ArtBridge art groups is to provide a safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment for the children’s own expression

Underlying Principles:

• Be present: Listen, witness and offer loving encouragement.
  
• Maintain boundaries: Distinguish between your needs and the needs of the child.
  
• Avoid expectations for the child.
  
• Maintain the attitude that there is nothing to fix.
  
• Respect the child and encourage him or her to respect you.
  
• Interact authentically.
  
• Focus on the child’s art making experience rather than their artwork.

Overall structure:

The group is for the children. We will emphasize that it is a safe place for their exploration while deterring outsiders from commenting and intruding. ArtBridge provides a large variety and abundance of art materials to show the children that they are cared for and valued. During the group we will respond to the requests of the children to give them a sense of having their needs met. Keep in mind that they often have concerns about issues of safety and survival. They need to have a place that is safe and just for them. A safe environment requires healthy limits. Strive to help the limit-testing child so that they do not destroy safety for the others. Removal from the group becomes necessary if safety is continually compromised.

Active listening:

• Always speak in “I” messages
• Listen with a one-track mind
• Don’t assume that you know what the person is going to say.
• Don’t finish the person’s sentences for her or him.
• Don’t prepare your response before the person has finished talking.

These are responses that block communication:

• “I know just how you feel. Let me tell you my story...”
• “You shouldn’t be feeling that way...”
• “You feel that way because...”

If you think volunteering at ArtBridge is for you please download and fill out the Volunteer Application PDF and follow the instructions for sending it to us. Thank you for your interest.