Volunteer — The Holding Frames
Get Involved

BE PART OF the Healing

You don't need to be an artist or a therapist. You need to be willing to show up. We'll teach you the rest.

Become a Volunteer Sign In
Volunteers at a Holding Frames gathering
What Volunteers Do
SHOW UP. CREATE. Hold Space.
01

Support Gatherings

Set up spaces, prepare materials, welcome participants, and help create a safe environment for survivors to express what words can't hold.

02

Deliver Frame Forwards

Carry hand-painted frames to communities in crisis — a tangible message that says "you are not alone" from people who understand.

03

Lead & Mentor

As you grow, facilitate gatherings independently, propose activations in your community, and guide new volunteers.

Your Path
START WHERE YOU ARE. Grow From There.

Every facilitator started as a volunteer. Pick the path that fits your life right now — you can always grow into deeper involvement.

01

Community Member

30 seconds to sign up

Stay connected from wherever you are. Receive updates, attend public events, share our work, and support when you can.

No training required
Support through sharing, donating, or attending
Join the Community
02

Active Volunteer

~30 min orientation, 2-8 hrs/month

Be in the room. Help create safe spaces for healing alongside trained facilitators and community members.

Two short orientation modules
Setup, materials, welcoming, cleanup
Become a Volunteer
03

Certified Facilitator

~4 hours training + ongoing commitment

Lead gatherings and represent The Holding Frames independently. Complete certification includes PFA training.

Full training modules + Psychological First Aid
Most facilitators start as Active Volunteers first
Start as Volunteer

Licensed Clinicians

Art Therapists (ATR, ATR-BC), LCSWs, LPCs, and other licensed professionals add clinical depth to this work. Same training path — your credentials are acknowledged, not redundant. Ask about clinical facilitation

Expectations
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE for Both of Us

What We'll Provide

Clear expectations about time, roles, and what you're signing up for

Orientation and support for every role — no one gets thrown in the deep end

Trauma-informed culture because boundaries matter and burnout is real

Flexibility when life happens — we know commitments shift

What We Hope For

Reliability — if you commit, we're counting on you (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

QUESTIONS ABOUT Volunteering?
Do I need experience with trauma or art?
No. We provide orientation for every role. What matters most is showing up with respect and willingness to learn.
I can't commit long-term. Is that okay?
Yes. Some roles are one-time, others are project-based, and some are ongoing. We'll work with whatever capacity you have.
I've experienced trauma myself. Can I volunteer?
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 work for you.
Why do volunteers need training?
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 Show Up?

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

Join as a Volunteer