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CKN Sign Up

Welcome volunteers! We are so excited that you are interested in participating in the pilot program for the Common Kindness Network. Below is some more information on what CKN is and what you will be doing. Please read thoroughly so that you understand the scope of this program! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Rev. Charlotte Cramer at [email protected]. Thank you!
The pilot program will run from September 2024- December 2024. During this process, we will be evaluating the successes and weaknesses of the program. Our hope is to improve the program so that we can give it to other towns, cities and counties across the United States. So yes, what you're doing is innovative, brave, and could change communities on a national scale. All we ask is that you stay open and honest with us about your experience, opinions and ideas. Thank you!
CKN is a network of trained volunteers who are available to respond to agency-generated requests for specific acts of advocacy or support for people experiencing homelessness and county incarceration in their local community. On the basic level, you will be volunteering on your own schedule and in your own timing. All that we ask is that you commit to attempting one hour of volunteering a week. There are many types of tasks, experiences and advocacy roles to take on with CKN, and it will be up to you to inform our management what you are interested in participating in. Examples of tasks are listed below. Ride to a doctor’s office or hospital DMV or social security support Help filling out paperwork Ride to a shelter or rehabilitation center from jail Transportation of stuff to a shelter or new home Help moving furniture and stuff into new home “Church buddy” - someone to accompany/drive individual to church “AA buddy” - for 12 step groups Friendly support- takes someone out for food once a week, brings clothes, talks on the phone, etc. Food, clothing and supplies needs (dropping off sleeping bags, getting meals) Technology support - navigating computers and phones Picking up medications and delivering to client Mentorship / friendship / support for newly housed clients Birthday celebrations - bringing a cake to a client for their birthday! The biggest requirement is pre-volunteer training. Volunteers must go through a five week long training program, in which they will do a 1.5 hour training session each week. This will be on a hybrid format. At the end, you will decide on (and be evaluated for) the level of support you can offer and be put into the CKN system. This training is essential. It will train you to be more educated in mental health, trauma and the realities of homelessness and incarceration. The training will be engaging, fun and educational— our hope is that it will help you become a more informed community member on the experience of marginalized folks. If you have had personal experience as an unhoused person, please inform Rev. Charlotte and you will most likely not be required to attend a few of the sessions— but are most welcome to if you would like! You will have an opportunity to meet with other volunteers once a month to talk about your experiences working within the network. You will also have access to a chaplain and manager who can give you tips for navigating the system, care in the case of difficult situations, and advice/emergency support. You will be required to fill out feedback forms so that our management team can develop the program to be more effective and a positive experience for all.
Please fill out the information below. Once we have an idea of who will be joining the group and when we will meet, there will be a short preparation call before the training starts. Thank you!

Name

Email

When are you available (Mid-September to mid-October) for training online? (1.5 hours each session)

When are you available (Mid-September to mid-October) for training online? (1.5 hours each session)

Any questions or training needs?