ALLY TRAINING MANUAL
March
LETTERFROM CROSSPURPOSE
Dear Ally,
July
July
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July9-FamilyGathering onsite
July16-NoFamilyGathering
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July23,FamilyGathering,onsite
July30-FamilyGathering,onsite
Welcome to the CrossPurpose Family! We are so excited that you have chosen to come alongside and join us as a volunteer Ally
We have a saying at CrossPurpose, “there is no significant change without a significant relationship.” We believe that can be found in every area of our lives
From the relationships with our parents to teachers, friends, neighbors, bosses, partners and children. Those around us change us. Hopefully for the better, yet, change nonetheless. From the power of change in relationships, our desire is for you to to lean into the relationships To learn its dynamics, create environments where they can be nurtured and give tools to address our neighbors’ needs
We thank you in advance for helping uplift the community and change through the power of significant relationships. We look forward to getting to know you and walking alongside you in this journey
Sincerely,
Jen Janz Chief Programs Officer
PURPOSEOFTHE TRAININGMANUAL
This training manual is designed to help you serve well as an Ally. You will gain an understanding of our history, values, program, and your role, as well as other tools and helpful information.
Our desire is that the information in this training manual will allow you to feel comfortable with us. We depend on you your success is truly our success! Know that your Ally work and the relationships you will build as a member of the CrossPurpose family are going to change your life. Always remember you are not alone in this journey; all of us will rely on each other at some point.
This training manual will serve as a guide book and may not answer every question Please do not hesitate to reach out to CrossPurpose staff or Volunteer Services for guidance
TO ABOLISH RELATIONAL, ECONOMIC, AND SPIRITUAL POVERTY THROUGH CAREER AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MISSION
COREVALUES
We strive to live out the following values in all that we do:
Redemptive Edge
We are compelled to live at the margins with the marginalized. We go into our neighborhoods with intention, to find those who stand on the edge of the precipice. And we work alongside them to encourage them to step back, to pick a new road. We work at the crossroads between life and death, between light and darkness We live at the beachhead This is where we want to be
Expensive Love
Real love is an expensive love that is radically committed to the well-being of others, no matter the personal cost. Expensive love means messy relationships, hard words, and invading personal space with intentionality What is expensive love? It is giving your life for others
Truth Telling
True change occurs when we speak truth into each other's lives while recognizing that it is we who must be transformed Because of expensive love, we tell the truth. We say the hard things, sometimes the confrontational things, but we do it in love Truth telling uplifts, affirms and applauds
Relational Weave
Transformative change happens through the power of significant relationships These significant relationships bind us. We stand with one another through the good times and the bad We value the diverse nature of our neighborhoods We see and appreciate the different strands of cloth - the various colors, distinct textures, divergent experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or education, we're all inseparably connected to each other.
Deep Roots
We're committed to being here, living in the neighborhood, and living life with our neighbors. We will pour into the few seeking transformative, life-long, generational change Significant relationships take time and require trust We believe in deep versus wide, quality over quantity.
All In
It's the difference between mere participation and true sacrificial commitment. This is not an eight to five job, a project, or a "phase we're going through " This is not a stop along the way. It's the destination.
4D is FOUR DEEP
It's a new dimension; it’s a new perspective. We are determined not to define success by our busyness, by our worthwhile efforts, or by our activities. We even choose not to define success by life-changing results We believe that the exponential growth of our organization, and the realization of a neighborhood without poverty, is only possible when we replicate ourselves in others When those we serve realize personal transformation, cultivate their inner leader, and go forward to help someone else rise out of poverty, only then are we on the right road
TERMINOLOGY
Ally
A volunteer who is coming alongside a Leader in a caring, committed way as the Leader journeys through the ups and down as they exit financial poverty. Allies own a specific job and communicated position within the Ally Group within a Small Group
Leader
A program participant who leads themselves out of economic, spiritual, and relational poverty They take responsibility for their mindsets and actions towards the change they want to see in their lives.
Site Director
A CrossPurpose staff member who oversees Leader program staff and class of Leaders at a specific site (North Metro, South Metro or Denver Metro).
A CrossPurpose staff member who oversees the details of the class from calendar, operating AV system, email communication, food at family gatherings and all other operational or administrative tasks Program Operations Specialist
A CrossPurpose staff member who helps create action plans and empower Leaders to move throughout the program to Graduation and support Allies during their service term. Lead or Career Coach
Family Gathering
A weekly Wednesday night event where Leaders and Allies share a meal, play games and spend time in small groups With the hope to build community.
LEADERPROGRAM
Classes occur Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Phase 1: Personal Development - weeks 1-6
Leaders begin the program in a soft-skills boot camp where they learn personal and professional skills; lessons include conflict resolution, professional dress, computer skills, resume writing, interview skills, and more These foundational skills prepare motivated and dedicated Leaders to gain and maintain employment in their self-selected skill track
Phase 2: Skills Development - weeks 7-16
The second phase equips Leaders with the necessary education and certifications to land a job in their desired field Skills training is either done on-site at CrossPurpose or off-site with a training partner. Schedules and requirements for each skill track vary.
Phase 3: Career Launch - weeks 17-23
The final phase Leaders research and pursue a job in his or her field with the support of fellow Leaders, staff, Allies and employee partners. During this phase Leaders will be equip to land a career through Mock Interviews and the support from their Cross Purpose community.
Graduation Requirement:
Regular and timely attendance for classes and Family Gathering
Weekly Communication with Career Coach
Complete Skill Track or Skill Development
Land a Full Time Job Paying over $20 an hour
OURLEADERS
Leaders commit to becoming part of the CrossPurpose community by listening to and championing others around them, both within the program and in their larger spheres of influences
Value & Worth
Leaders have unseen gifts We help them uncover their value and worth Through genuine encouragement, Leaders unearth their talents and confidence to achieve their goals
Types of Poverty
Economic poverty comes in two forms, situational and generational. Leaders do not all come from the same background or share the same life experiences.
Opportunity
Due to life circumstances, many Leaders have not had access to pursue a rewarding career Our program provides a unique opportunity for Leaders to grow personally and professionally for the first time
Diversity & Strength
At CrossPurpose, all people are welcomed into the program regardless of race, nationality, gender, ability, spiritual beliefs, citizenship, sexual orientation, or criminal background Their life experiences build in them intelligence, resilience, courageous, strong work ethic, kindness, generosity, tenderness, strength, and determination
The Journey
Regular and punctual attendance is required and taken weekly when Leaders sign in. With the high expectations of this 6-month program, personal responsibility, and life, play into the ups and downs for our Leaders. Therefore, about 18 percent of our Leaders do not complete this program. Typically, after retreat a class of 60 Leaders could reduce to 40. Regular communication with coaches, attendance and other life situations play into a Leader’s success or release from the program.
HISTORYOFALLIES
In 2012, a group of residents in northeast Denver identified the issue of poverty in their own neighborhoods. Together, they realized a comprehensive, holistic solution to help adults escape poverty was lacking. They stopped asking the question, “How do we help someone in poverty?” and started asking, “How do we get someone out of poverty?”
With this vision and by partnering with a local philanthropist, a program to help people rise out of poverty was born. Our first class of Leaders was 19 neighbors along with 19 Allies They meet weekly for dinner, a lesson, and one on one time to address topics from budgeting, resume writing, interviewing and landing a job. After two years, 12 Leaders graduated. The program went from a year long to the six-month program today
Yet, the most important thing for you to see during this bit of history is that you, the Ally, have been important since the beginning of CrossPurpose Family Gathering with Allies is part of our core belief that, “there is no significant change without a significant relationship ”
DEFINITIONOFANALLY
The word “ally” comes from the Latin word “alligare,” which means “to bind to” like an ally during war time.
Merriam-Websters defines it as, “ one that is associated with another as a helper; a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity or struggle ”
An Ally for Cross Purpose is someone who comes alongside a Leader in a caring and committed way as the Leader journeys through the ups and down of escaping financial poverty.
Words that compliment Ally would be faithful supporter, like-minded associate, and united friend.
ALLYEXPECTATIONS
What you can expect from CrossPurpose:
Orientation: Initial insight and training before Family Gathering begins Communication and coaching opportunities: Site specific communication on Family Gathering, Retreat Training, and monthly virtual coaching opportunities and resources.
Ally Huddles: A 15-minute monthly meetings at the end of a Family Gathering for the Allies and Staff to gather feedback, answer questions and check-in
Site specific CrossPurpose Staff: Your local site staff available to answer any programmatic questions or needs.
Space to provide feedback: During and after your service term, you have the opportunity to give feedback about your volunteer experience.
What we expect from you:
Identify an Ally Role
Attend & Check In weekly at Family Gatherings
Attend Retreat
Check weekly emails from your Site Operational Specialist or Site Director
Attend small group Offsite Fun Night
Attend the Class Graduation
Attend additional Training, Meetings and Review resources
Give Feedback via surveys or other modes of communication
1. Identify an Ally Role
It is important that you understand the role you individually play. Your role will be how you show up each Family Gathering, give direction to what you do, help your group of Allies know how to work best together, and help the Leaders understand how the group is being led. When you take up your chosen responsibility, your consistency and earnest posture matters greatly
The following are Ally roles and responsibilities:
Facilitator
The Facilitator guides the small group conversation based on the weekly prompt or lesson. This role is responsible for the overall structure or flow of the group ’ s discussion (i e keep time, observe, assert intervention when necessary, have the wherewithal to lead dialogue, and monitor energy levels)
Communicator
The Communicator initiates and maintains social communication by gathering phone numbers (encouraged to get at retreat), starts a text thread then encourages the group with thoughtful messages Words of encouragement go a long way when teaching our Leaders to fish and helps combat negative thought patterns This role is responsible for connecting the group through communication outside of Family Gathering and help manage the flow of communication. For example, maintaining communication boundaries in group thread, support technical learning for group members on a new communication platform.
Planner
The Planner gathers ideas for offsite activities, organizes and communicates the details. This roles is responsible for the overall coordination of Offsite Fun Nights (i e make reservations, purchase items or food with provided Gift Card, communicate all details like parking, location, time, etc) Each cohort has two dates for small groups to meet outside of CrossPurpose to connect and build community In addition to Offsite Fun Nights, the Planner plays a crucial role with supporting the small group by communicating details for offsite graduation (Denver Cohort Graduation only). For example, parking information, meeting location, seating, etc)
Harmonizer
The Harmonizer sees and values everyone in the group, finds ways to encourage the quiet or distant ones into the group This role is responsible for the overall synergy of the group ’ s dynamic and being in tune with any struggles or conflict with the goal to seek unity. Conflict resolution is a harmonizer’s greatest strength and has the ability to guide the group into a harmonious place (by creating a physical and psychologically brave and safe space for everyone).
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If you need support with your role, please contact Volunteer Services, schedule one-on-one coaching or attend a virtual coaching session.
2. Attend & Check In weekly at Family Gatherings
Everyone is required to check in on a laptop or electronic device upon arrival. Attendance of Allies, Leaders, children and staff are tracked for facilities and financial purposes. This information impacts our financial spending and planning. Your consistent attendance is crucial. Your steady presence and time spent together is a fundamental part of building relationships. Leaders commit and are required to attend Family Gatherings in order to graduate. Your attendance and consistency is part of the fabric of community building and abolishing relational poverty.
3. Attend Retreat - Pivotal and Required Event
Retreat was created with the ultimate purpose of devoted relational time with your small group. This two-day event consists of about nine to ten hours of sharing a meal, competing against other small groups, small group meetings, creating a small group identity and group rules, and telling and sharing stories. If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to serve with another cohort.
4. Check weekly emails from your Operational Specialist or Site Director
Every week during the six months of service, you will receive an email from the Site Operational Specialist or Site Director that gives specific information about Family Gathering for the week Specifically, discussion topic or prompt for your small group time You may also receive regular updates and other pertinent information about programs
5. Attend small group Offsite Fun Night
Offsite Fun Nights occur a couple of times during the six months in replacement of a Family Gathering You meet off site with your small group based on the plan your group decides Your attendance and participation is strongly encouraged CrossPurpose will give you a gift card to cover a simple meal or activity Be sure to plan a family-friendly activity as some members may have children
Here are some ideas from past groups: Host a game night at a group member’s home or park Group members bring a side, while the gift card covers the main course Use the CrossPurpose location for a relaxing game night
6. Attend the Class
Graduation
The last Wednesday night of the six month journey is Graduation from 6:00 pm to about 8:30 pm at your site location (except for Denver which takes place at Denver University) A phenomenal evening of celebration, testaments of growth, and family and friend shout-outs You will be recognized and celebrate your service
7. Attend additional Training, Check-ins and Review resources
Our desire is for you to be well prepared for your service term. At the end of this manual, you can find a plethora of resources to aid you on your Ally Journey (i.e. facilitation tools, mental health resources, empathic listening, and much more). In addition to the Training Manual, we offer mandatory virtual Retreat Training to equip you with necessary information in preparation for Retreat. Finally, we offer optional monthly online coaching meetings for you to connect with us, and one another, as we learn new tools of building relationships and leading a small group. This online meeting is from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month.
Monthly Ally Huddles are also available during the last 15 minutes of a Family Gathering. Allies huddle up with CrossPurpose Staff to check in with one another.
8. Give Feedback via surveys or other modes of communication
We believe in taking our work, “Up A Notch,” and institutes ways to love better and better at CrossPurpose. Your thoughts, ideas, needs and feedback are critical to implementing programmatic growth for future volunteer opportunities. A feedback survey will be given at the end of your term to share your volunteer experience. We also encourage you to reach out via email or set up a meeting with us to discuss any pressing needs in the moment.
SMALLGROUPS
A segment of Family Gathering and Retreat where Leaders and Allies connect together in a smaller group setting.
Expectation
Together, Allies co-lead and guide the Small Group time together As an Ally, you create the structure of your small group with a weekly prompts based on Large group lessons Keep in mind, the rules the group has set to honor the time together You will co-lead by setting the atmosphere, initiating conversations, listening to everyone, keeping time, providing space for all the be heard, and guiding conversations based on questions or prompts from the Large group lesson
The intentions of small group time are:
To build community
To respect and honor all group members
To be honest and authentic in communication
To be vulnerable and transparent with one another
To be accountable with each other
To be a circle of trust or confidentiality
The following are aspects of the Small Group time:
Check In with One Another - be intentional with checking in with each leaders to see how the program or life is going for them
Discuss Evening Topic - as a group, use the prompts or guided questions from the Large group lesson or topic
Share a Take Away - invite the group to share something that will take with them for the week For example, today I resonated with the concept of being a luminator or diminisher and I wanted to find ways to be more intentional with how I interact with others
Confidentiality, Communication and Boundaries
Regular engagement with your small group will continue to foster connection outside of Family Gathering.
Friendly reminders after retreat:
Highly encourage you to gather contact information from the Leaders in your small group – the sooner the better.
Decide as a group which communication platform you want to use (i.e. Text Message, Discord, or WhatsApp).
Share and maintain healthy boundaries with your group (i.e. hours of availability, stance on connecting on social media platforms, etc).
Information shared inside you group is sacred and should not be shared outside of your group. What you hear here, stays here.
ALLYTOOLKIT
Facilitation
“Facilitation is about process - how you do something - rather than contentwhat you do A facilitator is a process guide Facilitation enables a group of people to achieve their own purpose in their own agreed way. The word “facilitate” means "to make it easy or more convenient ” from the Art of Facilitation by Dale Hunter.
Tips on Facilitation:
Put people at ease
Help the group develop ground rules
Lead the discussion
Give positive feedback for joining the discussion
Foster the open process
Involve all participants
Ask open ended questions or provide information to move the discussion
Summarize and/or clarify important points and conclusions
Respect for all participants and genuine interest in what each individual has to offer.
Good listening skills, including using questions to be able to understand everyone's viewpoint clearly.
Confidence in the ability of the group to work together and find solutions.
Assertiveness: knowing when to intervene decisively and give some direction to the meeting.
Paying attention: paying attention to both the content of the discussion and the process. How are people feeling? What exactly are the issues?
Neutrality on the issues discussed. Trust in the facilitators is dependent on the group being sure that they are not deliberately or unconsciously manipulating the meeting towards a particular outcome.
Options for staying neutral in facilitator role:
Make it clear when you're expressing your own opinion and when you're intervening as the facilitator.
Trust that someone else will express your thoughts or feelings on the issue. Or even explain your views to someone in advance of the meeting, and ask them to represent you.
Step out of role and let someone else facilitate.
(Source: Seeds for Change)
Tips to Become a Great Ally
Show All the Way Up
Be a grounded presence, fully engaged while at Family Gathering. Before you begin, ask yourself, how am I feeling? Take the time you need to ground yourself to be fully present with your Leaders. Be honest with yourself and care for your needs first When you regulate yourself first, you are able to be more available to connect and help others
Treat Relationships as Wealth
You are a part of the journey of building social capital for the Leaders. Relationships are wealth and an expensive investment of your precious time. Each of us bring the gift of authentic presence Building community through relationships creates something bigger and has the power to abolish relational poverty See others as a gift, the most expensive gift you could ever receive The gift Jesus paid His life for
Fail Forward
Accept the reality that you will not get everything right all the time – and it’s okay. Mistakes are not the end of the journey. See them as lessons or opportunities to lean into humility and vulnerability When you make a mistake or are wrong, accept your shortcomings with honest humility and right your wrongs There you will find grace and trust
Learn from All Voices
Everyone is inherently valuable We all come with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that shape our voice and story. Experiences form the lens with which the world is viewed from. How we view the world informs how we act. Challenge yourself to open your mind to all the unique complexities of cultures and life circumstances. Your willingness to consider other perspective has the potential to broaden your understanding and reveal the blessings in your life
Hold the Space
As an Ally, you have the responsibility to create a safe and brave space for everyone in your group to be seen, valued and heard This level of acknowledgement has the potential to breakdown psychological walls and foster deep authentic connection. You are the shepherd of your small group. You have the power and authority to guide the conversation and ensure all voices are heard and present.
Give Grace
Acknowledge the reality of human flaws. We all have it within us. When you accept this truth, we are able to be more patient and loving to others – also known as giving grace. At CrossPurpose we believe in the grace Jesus gives:
Grace of Provision - you have been given much, give much Grace of Pain - you have experienced much, share much Grace of Pardon - you have been forgiven much, forgive much
Key Information
Family Gathering
When: Every Wednesday
Where: CrossPurpose Campus -
Denver - 3050 Richard Allen Court, Denver CO 80205
North Metro - 8330 West 80th Avenue, Arvada CO 80005
South Metro - 1990 South Broadway, Englewood CO 80210
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Childcare provided
Meal provided
Program: Meal, welcome, game, shout outs, a message in large group and, small group time
Retreat
When: Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00-3:00pm
Where: Your CrossPurpose campus
Childcare will not be provided
Meals provided
Program: Meals, welcomes, games and more games lead by CrossPurpose Program Team, small group time to create your small group name, rules and share stories to get to know each other better.
Graduation
When: The last Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Your CrossPurpose campus (except Denver)
Childcare provided (except Denver)
No meal, light treat after the ceremony provided
Program: Welcome, recognition from graduate’s community, a challenge from the CEO, Leader’s growth stories shared while diploma are given, and CrossPurpose awards
RESOURCES
Self-reflection & Self-awareness:
The Adult Chair Podcast: Self-Care To Regulate Your Nervous System
https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/393/
Harvard University: Implicit Bias Test
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
LinkedIn: UnMasking Your True Self: 5 Common Barriers to Authenticity https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unmasking-your-true-self-5-common-barriersauthenticity-lzlqf/
All Points North: 25 Grounding Techniques to Support Mental Health https://apn.com/resources/25-grounding-techniques-to-support-mentalwellness/
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project https://compassionfatigue.org/index.html
Vicarious trauma signs and strategies for coping https://www bma org uk/advice-and-support/your-wellbeing/vicarioustrauma/vicarious-trauma-signs-and-strategies-for-coping
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown
TED Talks: The importance of self-care playlist https://www ted com/playlists/299/the importance of self care
Social Awareness
Harvard Business Review: How to Become a More Empathetic Listener https://hbr.org/2024/04/how-to-become-a-more-empathetic-listener
Harvard Business Review: What is Active Listening https://hbr.org/2024/01/what-is-active-listening
MasterClass: How to Improve Social Awareness https://www.masterclass.com/articles/social-awareness
BetterHelp: 22 Body Language Examples and What They Show https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/body-language/22-body-language-examplesand-what-they-show/
RESOURCESCONTINUED
NonProfit Quarterly: Being and building a beloved community: The Intersection of Culture and Economy
https://nonprofitquarterly.org/being-and-building-beloved-community-theintersection-of-culture-and-economy/
Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Countient by Eduardo Galeano
Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom--Black worldmaking to reclaim our heritage and humanity by Aida Mariam Davis
Sabrina & Corina by Fajardo-Anstine, Kali
Community Building & Belonging
Psychology Today: Create a Sense of Belonging
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pieces-ofmind/201403/create-a-sense-of-belonging
Training for Change: Diversity Welcome Activity
https://www trainingforchange org/training tools/diversity-welcome/
Seeds for Change: Facilitating Meetings
https://www seedsforchange org uk/facilitationmeeting? utm source=activisthandbook org#skills
Democracy in Small Groups – Participation, Decision-Making and Communication, John Castill, New Society Publishers, 1993 ISBN: 0 86571 274 3
https://www scribd com/document/168638601/d-Small-Group
Creative Reaction Lab: Equity Centered Community Design Field Guide
https://www socialpurposerealestate net/sites/default/files/resource file/Equity %20Centred%20Community%20Design%20Guide pdf
How to Use Community Building Activities
https://sixth ucsd edu/ files/ home/student-life/community-buildingactivities pdf