"Once you begin thinking about it, there are numerous opportunities to make Personal Safety Nets work within your own life and the lives of the people you love." James J. Marshall-Ward, Executive Director, Rosehedge/Multifaith Works.

"Funny how situations that seem initially as overwhelming can be less so, with the love and support of friends, and by taking action." B. J. Bullert

"Your presence, respect, clarity helped build community on the spot." NEST (North East Seattle Together) seminar attendee.

"I’ll always be grateful for reading “Personal Safety Nets” and the help and guidance it provided when my father was ill." Rachael Weakland

"It's helpful to learn to be intentional about things we take for granted - that's the real value of this training." Camp Fire USA seminar attendee.

"A Plan Beats a Panic Every Time." Jane Bryant Quinn

"Thank you for writing your book Personal Safety Nets. I'm sure that I will read it a number of times over the next several years and draw new lessons from it each time." Jeff Greene

"I wish everyone had this training!" Navos seminar attendee

"My plans are to utilize some of this poetic wisdom and work with Judy Pigott and her great methodology in handling personal crisis." Ralph Johnson

"Every congregation should address this." Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry seminar attendee

Teaching you the skills to pull people, plans and paper together to handle life's challenges and changes

Steps to Creating a Strong Safety Net

1. Define what's going on - tell safe people & keep the information flowing
2. Ask for help - remember, we all need to give, so give others a chance to do so. Practice, practice, practice.
3. Be specific in your requests - it's easier for folks to help if they know what you need/want & can accept
4. Get organized - so all the "casseroles" don't come on Tuesdays
5. Don't take "no" personally - Really, it's more about the availability or limitations of others than about you!
6. Keep on giving to others - especially if you want to feel better, there's nothing like helping someone else.

Topics:

Planning

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"Thank you for bringing the ideas of self-care to us always over-worked and often vulnerable-to-trauma staff members at First Place. You happened to come at a very high-stress time, the end of the school year, but I think also a very important time. I know my co-workers and I will be taking a lot of time in the coming weeks to think about the boundaries we have or haven't established, and the balance we do or do not maintain. Your presentation will be of great help during that time."

James Fraser, First Place | Fund Development Associate