I remember my mum calling us kids for dinner. The natural response was always “I am on my way” or “in a few minutes.” When we finally gathered around the table, the big question was this: “Did you wash your hands?” It has since become a requirement posted all over public spaces.

Every day we rub shoulders with people who have experienced pain and trauma. We as volunteers leave with heavy hearts after deep conversations with our matches or potential clients. These stories impact us, and as a leader I have been wondering how I can help my staff and volunteers wash their hands of vicarious trauma each day.

In Kitchen Table Wisdom, Rachel Naomi Remen writes, “The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet.” This quote has helped me understand our challenge.

Vicarious trauma is real to us. We are shaken by the stories, experiences, and encounters with prison staff and prisoners. At M2/W2, we recognize that our work includes the potential for negative consequences on the mental health of volunteers and staff. We need guidance to address this through policies, procedures, practices, and programs.

Call to Prayer

We acknowledge our responsibility for this journey. I want to start today with a call for prayer. Pray for our staff and volunteers. Pray that we will practice self care, personal study, and reflection. Pray that we will be able to wash our hands of vicarious trauma and continue to care for and invest in people in prison and those who have been recently released.

Our work would be impossible without your support; all of us at M2/W2 Association deeply appreciate your prayers and ongoing financial contributions. It’s what transforms a vision for restoration into real-world programs and relationships that bring hope and belonging to those who have none. Donate today.

Raymond Robyn is Executive Director at M2/W2 Association.