Night to Shine 2017 Colorado
Welcome, Volunteers!
Bethesda Lutheran Communities is a Christian organization that provides homes and services for people with developmental disabilities across the country. We create connections that support people on their journey to live the best life possible. Those we support live their lives as they choose in an environment where they learn, grow, and connect. Bethesda also helps people connect with their communities. Through these connections, the people we support are empowered to make choices that grow into a greater independence, and enable them to continue their journey to live the best life possible. Bethesda is committed to enabling the people we support to grow their faith while discovering welcoming, fully-inclusive congregational communities where they can connect with others.
Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ. Bethesda would not be able to fulfill this mission without the dedicated support from countless volunteers like you. You are what makes Bethesda able to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are truly grateful for all our volunteers.
Night to Shine, which is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, has a simple mission. They work with churches around the country to provide an incredible prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with developmental disabilities ages 14 and older. Night to Shine provides a red carpet entrance complete with a friendly welcome from paparazzi, limousine rides, hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas and, of course, a dance floor.
Event Information
Date: February 10, 2017
Location: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
7691 South University Blvd.
Centennial, Colorado
Ph. 303-798-0711
Event time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Your volunteer role will determine your arrival and departure times.
Appropriate attire: Please wear nice clothing - no jeans, unless your role requires it
Dinner: There will be dinner from Chick-Fil-A served throughout the night for volunteers.
Order of Event
Time / Description2:30-5:30 / Decorating and set up begin
DJ arrives and sets up
4:00pm / Volunteer and Buddy check in begins
Videographer and photographers arrive and setup
5:00pm / Hair stylist, nail techs, shoe-shiners, make-up arrive and set up
EMT and security teams arrive
5:30pm / Limousine rides begin
5:00pm / Registration opens
5:30pm / Primp room opens
5:30pm / Food available for guests (appetizers on tables 5:30 and dinner 6pm) and volunteers (all night)
8:00pm / Primp room closes
7:00pm / Program begins:
1. Prayer (sponsoring church pastor)
2. Welcome by Chad Wietrick, Bethesda regional director
3. Tim Tebow Foundation video message
4. Crowning ceremony
7:20pm / Dancing resumes
8:30pm / Limousine rides conclude
8:30pm / Dance concludes
8:30pm / Tear down and clean up begins
10:00pm / Building is clear
Volunteer Role Check In Times
Volunteer Role / Check In Time / End TimeSet Up Team / 2:00pm / TBD
Buddy Check-In Team / 4:00pm / TBD
Volunteer Check-In Team / 4:00pm / TBD
Activities Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Buddy Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Dance Floor Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Floater Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Flower Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Food Prep Team / 3:30pm / TBD
Guest Registration Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Primp Room Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Respite Room Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Bathroom Attendant Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Coat Check Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Food Service Team / 3:30pm / TBD
Medical Team / 5:00pm / TBD
Paparazzi Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Safety Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Security Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Sensory Room Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Transportation Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Welcome Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Red Carpet Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Social Media Photographer Team / 4:30pm / TBD
Gift Takeaway Team / 7:00pm / TBD
Tear Down Team / 8:00pm / TBD
**********Please see the last two pages of this training document for a layout of the event.
Your Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will be determined by the volunteer position you are assigned.
Volunteer Descriptions:
Buddy Team: Accompany and assist assigned guest throughout the evening, providing companionship and any assistance they may need during the event. Sit with their guest during dinner, engage with them in conversation and enjoy time on the dance floor together.
Set Up Team: Arrive at the designated time and execute event set-up.
Volunteer Check-In Team: Greet volunteers, give them their name badges and direct them to their team leader.
Buddy Check-In Team: Greet buddies, give them their name badges and direct them to their team leader for a pre-event meeting on helping give their assigned guest the best experience possible.
Transportation Team: Assist guests as they exit vehicles and help them find the registration area. Be available asguests return to their vehicles following the event.
ParkingTeam: Maintain a parking pattern and direct traffic for easy vehicle entry and exit. Maintain open fire and emergency lanes.
Food Prep Team: Assist caterer with unloading food, additional food preparation and set-up food and beverages in the main event space andrespite room.
Red Carpet Team: Assist guests as they make their way down the red carpet, manage flow of traffic and cheer them on to help them feel welcomed.
Social Media Photographer: Take high quality photos and short videos for social media. This volunteer will follow the same content guidelines as the professional photography team. For best quality, please shoot video horizontally. Please use the official Night to Shine hashtags:
#TimTebowFoundation #NighttoShine #StandWithUs #TeamBethesda
Paparazzi Team: Take photographs and treat participants like honored guests and celebrities.
Welcome Team: Welcome guests as they arrive and help them find their way to the main event space, activities, and restrooms.
Guest Registration Team: Warmly greet guests and sign them in.
Respite Room Team: Love on the parents/caretakers by serving food, spending time getting to know them and being available to pray with them.
Floater Team: Constantly "float" around the main event space, kitchen, restrooms and outdoors to assist anywhere an extra hand is needed.
Coat Check Team: Greet guests, take their coats, label and hang up coats. As guests leave, ask for their names and retrieve their coats.
Primp Room Team: Arrive at the designated time and assist set-up team with the salon area. Welcome each guests to a salon station for hair, makeup, nail or shoe shine. Chat with them while you pamper them and make them feel special.
Flower Team: Assist florist with unloading and properly laying out corsages and boutonnieres. Help guests select and pin on their flowers.
Food Service Team: Serve food to guests in main event space and respite room. Be knowledgeable about the items and assist guests in finding what they would like (especially if they have dietary restrictions or allergies) and refill food warmers, drinks and snacks.
Gift Takeaway Team: Manage gifts and help each guest collect their favors to take home.
Activities Team: Encourage guests to dance and engage with them.
Dance Floor Team: Monitor the dance floor and the perimeter to make sure there are no "wallflowers." Invite guests to dance and engage with them.
Bathroom Attendant Team: Help guests find the restroom and offer assistance if needed.
Safety Team: Walk around and monitor the main event space and outdoor areas, making sure exits are not blocked and all areas remain wheelchair accessible.
Security Team: Support on-site uniformed law enforcement personnel by ensuring a safe and secure environment for guests and volunteers. Coordinate with local police, fire and rescue as needed.
Medical Team: Assist uniformed professional EMT personnel at the event by providing basic first aid care for any medical needs or emergencies.
Tear Down Team: Take down decorations, tables, chairs, etc. and clean up the event space.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Please watch a video about disabilities at the link below.
Link: https://vimeo.com/album/3726701
Password: NTSBethesda16
People First Language
The term “people first” refers to putting the person first and the disability last. Even better, don’t mention the person’s disability at all. People-first language is a language of respect. Terminology is more than the words we speak. It is a reflection of our attitudes. The key to correct terminology is to put the person first. Focus on abilities rather than the disability. Here are ten points to remember about people-first language:
1. Use people-first language. Begin with the person, not the diagnosis. Bethesda supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, not “developmentally disabled” people. Visit www.DisabilityisNatural.com to read Kathie Snow’s “People First Language.”
2. Demonstrate respect and dignity. Use first and last names. People 18 and older are adults; use age-appropriate terms. Use language that empowers the individual. For example, refer to ministry with—not ministry for or ministry to—people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
3. Avoid victimization language. John Doe has cerebral palsy; he does not suffer from it.
4. Avoid overstating or sentimentalizing. While Jane Jones may go to extraordinary lengths to do ordinary things, she does not bravely get through the day.
5. Communicate support needs respectfully. People use a wheelchair; they are not confined or restricted to a wheelchair. People are driven or given a ride; they are not transported. Jane goes on a walk with John, she does not take John for a walk.
6. Avoid diagnoses and labels. Only use essential information. Does everyone need to know Jane Doe has Down Syndrome?
7. Emphasize abilities. Instead of saying what people cannot do, focus on what they can do. Jill communicates with sign language.
8. Avoid euphemisms (challenged) and condescension (special).
9. Intellectual and developmental disabilities are not diseases. Intellectual and developmental disabilities are conditions, not illnesses. People with developmental disabilities are not sick.
10. Inclusion language applies to all people. These principles are universal. Use “people who are poor” instead of “the poor” and “people who survived the hurricane” instead of “hurricane victims.” Avoid labels like “single mother”.
Also, you can refer to the Person-Centered, Inclusive Language Guide
Instead of / Useautistic / person with autism
birth defect / congenital disability
care for / assist, support
caregiver / family, companion, friend, staff person
challenged, disabled / person with a disability
child-like faith / faithful
churches / congregations, faith communities
confined to a wheelchair, crippled / uses a wheelchair
day services, adult daycare / work, community-based supports
fed (she was fed) / ate (she ate)
group home / home, licensed home
handicapped bathroom, handicapped parking / accessible bathroom, accessible parking
home-like / home
kids, guys, ladies / 12 and younger children, boys, girls 13 to 17
youth, boys, girls
18 and older
adults, men, women, young adults, older adults, elderly
like you and me / like everyone, like all people
mentally retarded, retarded / person with an intellectual disability, person with a developmental disability
ministry to, ministry for / ministry with
mute / Does not use words to speak, communicates nonverbally
my people / people I assist, people I support, people who receive supports and services
normal people, healthy people / people without developmental disabilities
our people, our clients / people we assist, people who choose Bethesda for supports and/or services
patient, resident / person who receives supports and services, person who chooses supports and services
residents / people supported by Bethesda/choose Bethesda’s residential supports
roommate / people who live in the home
served by, cared for / person who chooses to receive supports and services, person we assist, person supported by Bethesda
sheltered workshop / supported group employment, name of the specific center
special needs, special / people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
suffers from, victim / people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
Rights
As human beings, we all have the same civil rights. People with disabilities have the same rights as anyone and deserve to be treated the same as anyone else. Rights come with responsibility. It is your responsibility as a volunteer to give respect to all attending Night to Shine.
As a volunteer, it is your responsibility to:
· Create a supportive environment where exercising rights is encouraged and expected.
· Provide equal rights to all attendees, volunteers, and staff.
· Safeguard rights.
· Report any signs of people’s rights being violated.
Abuse and Neglect
Bethesda prohibits neglect; physical, verbal, sexual or psychological abuse; punishment; or misappropriation of property of all people Bethesda supports and all people participating at events. Bethesda will protect the rights of all people we support and all people participating at our events.
Bethesda’s policy applies to neglect; physical, verbal, sexual or psychological abuse; mistreatment; and misappropriation of property regardless of where it occurs or is alleged to have occurred, on or off the premises of any Bethesda program, and regardless of whether the person alleged to have committed such action is an employee, volunteer, family member, member of the general public or another person who receives services from Bethesda or any other service provider.
As a volunteer it is your responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse and neglect to event staff. After informing them, they will take over handling the matter. As a Buddy, you are also responsible to maintain interaction with your guest at all times. Never leave your guest alone. If you need to take a short break, make sure there is someone to relieve you for that short time period of time. Leaving your guest alone can be seen as neglect. Here are some important notes:
· Always be one-on-one with your guest
· Always stay visible to others while staying with your guest
· Maintain appropriate personal space
· Be respectful in choice of words
· Only use appropriate physical contact or ask a chaperone/guardian/care provider/floater/event staff for help
· Listen to your guest, assist or contact a chaperone/guardian/care provider/floater/event staff for help when not able to provide required care
Confidentiality
Respecting people’s privacy is extremely important and this event makes no exception. Just like you have private matters in your own life you wish to keep private, our guests have the same desire. Please respect everyone’s right to privacy.