Part 6: How We’re Supporting Our Staff
One of my staff members is friends with someone who is kidnapped.
Another has multiple family members who have been called up to the army.
Someone has already attended two funerals this week of people who have been killed.
Someone else is trying to understand why so many of her friends haven't reached out.
And the last one is worried about whether it's safe to go outside.
And I'm not even including myself in this list...It would be another whole post to share with you the anxiety, fear, pain and terrifying week I have had, trying to manage my own emotions, those of my kids, and my staff while still doing the work needed to hold everyone in the *I Was Supposed To Have A Baby* community.
We have each have had our own breakdowns, but we knew that we needed to get something out as quick as possible to support all the people currently grieving.
My staff and I have worked very hard to create a guide for now and the coming days/weeks ahead (which Gd willing will never be needed!). Big shout out to Becca Cohen Flyer, Sammi Cutler, Karen Shapiro Ghelman, Julia Kolodny Pearlstein, M.S. and Lielle Sugar JD MSW for all coming together and working overtime to get this out to all of you. It has been a trying week, but I have never been prouder. :)
For questions, comments or if you want someone on the IWSTHAB staff to come consult for your organization, please reach out via DM or email at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
Part 6 of our "Wave of Light" Communal Grief Resource Guide
Carrying on with daily work can feel nearly impossible during a time of traumatic grief. However, we also know it’s important to continue providing support for people who were already going through the immense pain of infertility and pregnancy loss. Here are some of the ways that we’re supporting our staff, so we can continue to support our community:
Regularly holding space (dedicated Zoom staff meetings, daily What’sApp check-ins, and in 1:1 meetings) for team members to process the war and the feelings and emotions that come along with it, if helpful.
It was made explicitly clear that all nonessential work can be delayed, and that everybody will continue to be fully paid regardless of the hours they put in.
Sharing resources from other Jewish communal organizations, like the Leading Edge Supporting People in Diaspora Jewish Nonprofits During the Crisis in Israel guide.
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