Get Involved – The Holding Frames (Preview)

Be Part of the Healing

Whether you want to stay connected from afar or lead gatherings yourself, there's a place for you. Pick the path that fits your life right now.

Volunteers at a Holding Frames gathering
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Choose Your Path

Path 1

Community Member

For people who want to stay connected without hands-on involvement.

Time 30 seconds to sign up
What you'll do Receive updates, attend public events, share our work, donate when you can
No training required
Join the Community
Path 2

Active Volunteer

For people who want to be in the room, helping create safe spaces for healing.

Time ~30 min orientation, then 2-8 hrs/month
What you'll do Support gatherings with setup, materials, welcoming participants, and cleanup
Brief orientation Two short modules prepare you to work alongside survivors
Become a Volunteer
Path 3

Certified Facilitator

For people ready to lead gatherings and represent The Holding Frames independently.

Time ~4 hours training, then ongoing commitment
What you'll do Lead gatherings, propose activations in your community, mentor other volunteers
Full certification Complete training modules + Psychological First Aid certificate
Start as Volunteer First

Most facilitators begin as Active Volunteers and grow into this role.

For Licensed Clinicians

Art Therapists (ATR, ATR-BC), LCSWs, LPCs, and other licensed professionals add clinical depth to this work. When you facilitate a gathering, the FRAME Method can integrate into your scope of practice.

Same training path as other facilitators—your credentials are acknowledged, not redundant.

Ask about clinical facilitation
Hands creating art at a Frame Forward gathering

A Holding Frames gathering in action

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What to Expect

We're building something sustainable, which means we're thoughtful about how we engage people. Here's what you can expect from us—and what we hope for from you.

What We'll Provide

  • Clear expectations about time, roles, and what you're signing up for
  • Orientation and support for every role—no one is thrown into the deep end
  • Trauma-informed culture because boundaries matter and burnout is real
  • Flexibility when life happens—we understand commitments shift
  • Gratitude that shows up in how we communicate, not just annual emails

What We Hope For

  • Reliability—if you commit, we're counting on you (but just tell us if plans change)
  • Open communication about your capacity, boundaries, and concerns
  • Respect for privacy—what you see and hear in gatherings stays confidential
  • Willingness to learn—we'll teach you what trauma-informed means
  • Honesty about fit—if something isn't working, let's talk about it
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Questions

Do I need experience with trauma, mental health, or art?

No. We provide orientation for every role. What matters most is showing up with respect and willingness to learn.

I'm interested but can't commit long-term. Is that okay?

Yes. Some roles are one-time (event support), others are project-based (design work), and some are ongoing. We'll work with whatever capacity you have.

I've experienced trauma myself. Can I volunteer at gatherings?

It depends on where you are in your own healing. We care about volunteer wellbeing and don't want anyone re-traumatized. Let's have a conversation about what role might be supportive rather than harmful for you.

Why do volunteers need training? I just want to help.

Because you'll be in the room with trauma survivors. The brief orientation ensures you know what to do, what not to do, and when to get help. It protects both you and the communities we serve.

Ready to Start?

Pick the path that fits your life right now. You can always grow into deeper involvement later.

Join as a Volunteer Stay Connected

Want to support financially instead? Make a gift to fund gatherings.