JOIN THE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER SUPPORT GROUP

Free support for wildland firefighters struggling with their mental health

FIRST MONDAY EVERY MONTH @ 7PM MOUNTAIN, VIA ZOOM.

 WILDLAND FIRE SUPPORT GROUP

  • ​Leaders Intent:

    Task: Create a confidential, open, peer support group where wildland firefighters can speak about their struggles in a safe place.

    Purpose: Help wildland firefighters express themselves, find support, and break the stigma of mental health.

    Endstate: Wildland Firefighters will leave each session feeling better than when they came in.

  • Values:

    Duty: it is our duty to listen to our peers in wildland fire and create a support system that helps each other.  

    Respect: it is also our duty to show respect when others are speaking and let them finish their thoughts completely. Not offer advice unless asked, and simply listen to and support the individual. Thank you for sharing and I appreciate you is how we show respect inside this group.

    Integrity: everything in the peer support group is confidential and you agree to keep everything you hear to yourself outside of this group.

THE GUIDELINES

  • We are based on self-help and mutual support.

  • We believe that healing is possible and probable for all.

  • We value human language and this allows each person space to explore and find their own meaning in their life and their experiences.

  • We believe in the healing power of choice. Attendance and participation are completely voluntary. It’s okay to just listen.

  • We are not here to “fix” each other or give advice, but rather “be” with one another, creating a culture of reciprocal respect and support.

  • We refrain from universalizing our experience and difference is expected, welcomed, and honored.

  • We refrain from judgment. We challenge ourselves to intentionally come from a place of genuine curiosity when people share their experiences.

GROUP AGREEMENT

  • The goal is not to be “comfortable” at all times, but to create space where it’s okay to be uncomfortable, stretch, and learn anew.

  • Make space for all voices to be heard.

  • Be aware of scheduled start and stop times.

  • Approach each other with genuine curiosity, open hearts, and minds.

  • Acknowledge the realness of oppression and pain experienced AND the shared desire to move forward.

  • Be aware of the environment we are co-creating (silence cellphones, avoid side conversations, etc.)  consider the space – is it private, what other noises and distractions are there?

  • Take care of your own needs as needed! Mute if a conversation is too uncomfortable or step away, step out to the bathroom, etc.)