A legacy project—August 2020 Newsletter

Keeping HOPE alive (on COVID-19 and silver linings …) Let me encourage you to stay flexible in your thinking. The need for our services as end-of-life doulas remains strong. Read the newsletter for some questions we can ask ourselves when adaptation is required. Also, doulas in the news; end-of-life doula training updates (online programs are near completion); a video about a legacy project; upcoming Members Only Webinar on Self-Publishing: Why and How To; and the Top 5 Questions about Becoming an End-of-Life Doula FREE webinar. 

August 2020 NewsletterView this email in your browser

End-of-Life Doula Training & Certification~ Supporting life’s final transition ~

Become an End-of-Life Doula!The Doula Business Guide by Patty Brennan

Keeping HOPE alive (on Covid-19 silver linings) …  In mid-March, disaster struck many small business owners across the U.S. Some of us have managed to quickly shift and adapt to this new terrain. (I reject the term “new reality” as I refuse to embrace the notion that anti-social distancing is here to stay.) And, while many business owners are trying desperately and resourcefully to hang on, others (perhaps you?) have been forced to cut their losses and close permanently, after pouring savings and energy into pursuing their dream. No doubt, the shutdowns have been hard on all of us, but I have observed that for anyone (whether it be a business owner, individual or family) who is fragile, vulnerable or close to the edge in any way, the effects have been devastating. Hopefully, your fledgling doula business (if you have one or are just starting up) did not suffer this fate. Many of you may have simply hit the “pause” button, biding your time for a more favorable new business environment. Let me encourage you to stay flexible in your thinking. The need for our services as end-of-life doulas remains strong. Healthcare gaps are more abundant than ever since the pandemic hit. Here are some questions we can ask ourselves: Can you offer something different? Can you serve someone different? Can you do things differently? As I considered my answers to these questions, I chose to embrace online doula training (#1 and #3). This has made training more accessible to people who, in the past, were required to undertake the expense of travel and lodging in addition to the cost of training. Thus I have expanded my reach, an unexpected silver lining (#2). How might you adapt? When a door closes …In the News, Events and Favorite Blogs When Medical Aid in Dying Isn’t an Option: Where can suffering people turn for help? Doulas in the News, from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance featuring a collection of articles from news outlets to medical journals to blogs. Guiding Families through the Loss of an Infant: Anticipation and accompaniment. End-of-Life Doula Training Update I am excited to announce that we have a great group signed up for our August 22 & 23 live (on Zoom) workshop. Another two-day Zoom workshop is planned for October 24 & 25. Here is how the program is structured: Ten self-paced online modules cover all the basics, using a variety of teaching methods including: videos, reading, self-reflection exercises, community exploration, business tools, case studies, self-tests and more. Six modules are currently available in the online platform with more coming soon (expected completion date September 1st).Self-paced learning is complemented by an online interactive workshop where we come together, process what we are learning, get questions answered, and share resources. Learn more about our EOLD Training .“A Lass from Ozzy” … a legacy project I created a short video (part of our online EOLD training program) about the process of working on this legacy project with a friend’s mother. It is an example of how doulas can use their existing skill set and expertise to provide valued service. In my case, it is writing, editing and publishing skills. For you, it might be a love for scrap booking, photography, recording, creating videos and more. What are your interests? How can you bring value?  Watch the video (10 mins). OUR NEXT MEMBERS ONLY WEBINAR Self-Publishing: Why and How To August 13 (Thursday 7:30pm EST) With Patty Brennan Do you have a book or project in mind? Self-publishing has become extremely accessible. There are many compelling reasons to publish yourself rather than go through the submission and rejection process involved with publishing companies (who also typically take 95% of the profits!). Attendance at this workshop is a member benefit. Become a member of Lifespan Doulas and join us! Members also gain access to past recorded webinars. Do you have questions about becoming an End-of-Life Doula? We have answers! Join us live on August 17 (Monday 7:30pm EST) for a FREE interactive webinar. Our Top 5 Questions about Becoming an End-of-Life Doula will address questions regarding: the role of the EOLD and types of services provided how doulas interact with the hospice team whether you can support yourself doing EOLD work all training-related questionshow to get started and whatever questions YOU may have Pre-registration is required.