What qualifications do I need?

Insight on the Inside volunteers have a daily meditation practice of at least three years and a regular multiple-day retreat practice.

Helpful qualifications are: public speaking, working with under-resourced communities, training in racial awareness, knowledge of social justice concepts, and trauma-informed meditation practices The most fundamental “skills” are kindness, compassion, and willingness to show up and be present.

How much of a commitment is involved?

The IOI Sangha meets via zoom from 10:00-11:30 a.m on the third Saturday of each month to discuss methodology, share experiences with facilitating and deepen community. We also have a number of study and practice groups that meet, focusing their study on books about mindfulness or related topics. Volunteers are asked to participate in at least one of these, or will need to check in regularly with the Program Director. 

  Other commitments are to:

• Complete orientation and clearance at the facilities, which can involve online training, background checks and other requirements, depending on the institution.

• Be available to facilitate a minimum of two classes a month.

• Present meditation and mindfulness in alignment with IOI’s curriculum.  

• Report on each class attended.

• Stay in good communication with the Program Director.

• Incur some expenses such as parking and the cost of a TB test.

• Check in one-on-one with the Program Director annually.

Are there rules I need to follow?

Volunteer facilitator Facilitators are expected to respect the rules and procedures of our partners and to be an active participant in the IOI community. Please take the time to review the dress code and other policies in the training given by the facilities.

Volunteers are expected to respect the rules and procedures of our host facilities. Correctional facilities  “chain of command”  organizations. We are there because of the good will of the correctional management and employees.. We take a deferential attitude and practice understanding and patience in all interactions. IOI volunteers who facilitate in any type of facility must respect the privacy of our students by keeping personal information shared in class discussions confidential.

All new facilitators sign an agreement that spells out the commitments they are making to both the partner organization and to IOI. This agreement and additional information is found in the   Enchiridion  that is provided to all facilitators.