Who Should Consider Becoming a Lay Leader for BCBH?

Who Should Consider Becoming a Lay Leader?

Lay Leader Training is available for persons affected by chronic conditions including patients, family members, caregivers, and lay volunteers. Leaders are not necessarily healthcare professionals. Leaders are individuals interested in learning how to better manage their chronic conditions, live a healthy life, and share this knowledge with others to positively self-manage their chronic conditions by leading BCBH workshops.

  • No healthcare or educator training is needed.
  • No previous experience in leading groups is needed.
  • Trainees are required to attend all 4 days of the training.
  • Space is limited, so register early; the LL training class requires between 10 and 18 in one class.
  • Leaders often register in pairs, since all Stanford self‐management workshops are co‐ facilitated by 2 leaders working together.
  • It is recommended to have at least 2, and preferably 3 trainees for a smaller community or town.

**If a potential trainee has a health care background, they need to understand their role as a lay person when facilitating the workshop, have a close loved one with a chronic health condition (if they don’t have a chronic health condition themselves), and be comfortable with the expectation that they cannot give medical advice at any time.

Characteristics of a Volunteer Lay Leader for BCBH

  • Responsible, respected, non-judgmental, and trustworthy
  • Able to problem solve
  • Open to new ideas
  • Respects confidentiality
  • Committed to the philosophy of the BCBH program, its objectives and goals
  • Able to communicate on sensitive issues; is discreet and tolerant
  • Able to facilitate a group discussion
  • Committed towards helping others
  • Enjoys meeting new people
  • Comfortable with public speaking in small groups
  • Willing to listen, learn new skills, and become a healthy role model

Lay Leader Expectations

  • Co-facilitate standardized workshops at various locations in the community as assigned by the Regional Contact (groups are always led by pairs of leaders, working together)
  • Agree to facilitate a workshop within six months of training; commit to facilitate a minimum of one full workshop each year
  • Distribute, collect and record required participant data, such as attendance sheets & evaluation forms, and return these to the Regional Contact
  • Work together with co‐leader to fairly share the work load of all preparation, teaching and follow-­‐up activities
  • Notify Regional Contact of equipment and material needs at the sites
  • Notify Regional Contact of all concerns re: facilities, class participants, and co-leader
  • Teach only as directed in the leader’s manual without additions or deletions
  • Refrain from giving personal advice, selling or endorsing particular products to class participants
  • Keep Regional Contact updated on your availability to facilitate workshops
  • Assist program staff, if possible, with various other duties as designated and approved by the Regional Contact, i.e. recruiting class participants, promoting program, etc
  • Arrange own transportation
  • Abide by program rules and expectations

Volunteer Lay Leader Training Requirements

  • Complete the 4‐day Leader’s training course including practice teaching assignments
  • Co‐lead first workshop within 6 months of completing leader training
  • Attend refresher sessions periodically to maintain certification
  • Where possible, attend a BCBH Workshop as a participant before training as a Lay Leader
  • Each Lay Leader receives a Leader’s Manual and a copy of the “Living a Healthy Life” reference book and Relaxation CD.