[Blog Editor’s note: This post is adapted from the Fall 2018 newsletter of the Final Exit Network (FEN) and is posted on the blog because of the importance of volunteers to FEN.]
Volunteer Positions at FEN
It takes a wide range of capable and engaged members to operate a successful, mostly volunteer organization. FEN is no exception. By discussing the positions, it is hoped that we identify the jobs available to volunteers and also recognize some of those who give their time and energy to relieving the suffering of others. Not only is the organization strengthened and available funds extended, but the volunteers accrue personal benefits as well.
FEN vice president Brian Ruder, himself a volunteer, says “FEN would not exist without our volunteers, who are dedicated to furthering end-of-life choices. We have only three full-time and part-time employees. We have enough volunteers to handle our current volume of exits, but we could always use people with the ability or resources to attract new members or gain greater awareness for FEN.”
Volunteers by areas of function
Administration
FEN is overseen by volunteers serving in three primary roles:
Officers
Executive Board
Advisory Board
We have a president (Janis Landis), vice president and expected next president (Brian Ruder), and treasurer (Judy Snyderman). They are guided by an Executive Board which convenes monthly on a conference call. They vote on issues of importance. At the time of this writing, the Board has nine members, each of which is irresponsible for a portfolio function, such as policy, outreach, and finances.
Also, subject to Board approval, is an Advisory Board consisting of ten members chosen because their experience or insights could be valuable to the Network. They, too, participate in the monthly Board meeting but they do not get a vote.
Committees
Two committees serve essential functions:
Oversight Committee
Medical Evaluation Committee (MEC)
The MEC currently comprises six members who are all doctors, although being a physician is not mandatory. From every candidate applying for exit services, a personal statement, medical record, and interview commentary is sent to three appropriate members for confirmation that the person qualifies for our services. They may accept or reject the candidate, or they may require more documentation.
When non-routine situations arise, the three-person Oversight Committee resolves questions.
Exit Services
The heart of FEN’s work revolves around the exit volunteers. That’s where the pedal hits the metal, where the chip reaches the guacamole. There are three types of these volunteers:
Senior Exit Guides (8)
Associate Exit Guides (15)
Exit Coordinators (7)
All three undergo extensive training before taking an assignment.
Coordinators are usually the first contact with candidates. They return calls placed and emails sent to FEN asking for information about Exit Guide services, usually in 24-48 hours of the incoming message. The Coordinators explain the screening process, collect needed records, arrange for a detailed interview, get a feel for the inquirer’s needs, often can determine if the inquiry is likely to be accepted, send an application packet of material to the MEC, and provide needed information to a Senior Guide if the applicant is approved for Exit Guide services by the MEC.
The Senior Guide conducts another interview, designates an Associate Guide, and heads the exit team. If at any point the Senior Guide doubts the appropriateness of an exit, the process is halted. If not, the Senior Guide visits at least once to demonstrate proper use of the recommended method. Through all phases he or she asks if the candidate is certain of their intentions and realizes the finality of this decision. The Senior Guide is usually present at the exit unless the candidate prefers otherwise.
Associate Exit Guides may be gaining experience to be a Senior Guide, or they may prefer the responsibilities of an Associate. Frequently they attend exits; nearly all Associates conduct interviews with candidates.
Although being an exit guide appears to be a somber duty, most of them say the gratitude of the client and family is uplifting and inspirational. The beauty of a peaceful exit is unforgettable.
The Speakers Bureau (18)
The Speaker’s Bureau is part of FEN’s outreach effort, aimed at both attracting new members and promoting end-of-life options.
It consists of about 18 volunteers, including Bill Schoolman. As a member of the Bureau, he conducts presentations for groups requesting them, and he tries to interest groups in learning about FEN. “It’s not easy setting up speeches,” says Bill, “because, although it’s as much a part of life as is birth, people don’t like to discuss death.”
Bill was active as a speaker and a Florida state officer for the ACLU for 10 years before volunteering for FEN about 1-1/2 years ago. “I have long believed in civil rights, and there may not be a greater right than managing how you die.” He also had a personal tragedy when his partner died following an attempted kidney transplant and the hospital ignored a legally proper DNR order.
He’s hopeful for the future of death with dignity, but sees it requiring a lot more speeches.
Bill Says…
“Thirty years ago, about 70% of people died at home, surrounded by loved ones. Today, about 70% die in
hospitals, surrounded by strangers and machines, even though most people, including most doctors, say
they want to spend their last days at home. We should show at least as much compassionate to our family
members as we do to our pets.”
— Bill Schoolman
The Specialist
These individuals do not fit well in other categories. The volunteers, however, all have some special talent that suits their function, whether that’s a technological bent that keeps FEN abreast of the latest developments in self-deliverance, expertise in legal matters, the ability to oversee our newest venture in social media, or editing this newsletter.
Liaison with NuTech
Attorney
Blogmeister
Newsletter Editor
Affiliate Leader
In a few spots, there are active local chapters that conduct a variety of instructional and social activities. This occurs where there is a concentration of FEN members and at least one ambitious leader. A standout example is the affiliate in Arizona, but other areas also conduct programs.
[Note: The numbers of volunteers will vary depending on need and availability of suitable people. Also, some people may assume multiple tasks. (They’re the overachievers.)]
Advice for Volunteers from Julia
Julia Hanway Rivas has worked with FEN volunteers on programs, speaker presentations, website, and newsletter design, among other projects. This has given her a wealth of practical experience on volunteering.
“We have several jobs for people who want to volunteer,” says Julia. “Most people want to be guides, but there are other opportunities that are important to the organization. For example, we could benefit from people who:
- contribute and respond to our weekly blog and facebook page
- respond to editorials in newspapers and magazines
- write an article for a local publication or online group
- find speaker opportunities for us to contact
- drop off newsletters (available by request) at their medical offices, libraries, or retirement residences
- hand out a newsletter or brochure to a friend who might be interested in FEN
- invite a fried to join.”
These tasks are as important as our other duties because they can build our numbers and attract more people to the death-with-dignity movement, which is a vital need to our success.
“But most members looking for volunteer work,” Julia adds, “want to be exit guides. This is the heart of our activity, although opportunities for guides are rather limited. We have training for new guides only about once a year, if that often. If interested, first visit our website and become familiar with who we are. Guides must be members in good standing, and able to communicate via e-mail. You will be contacted prior to the next training session.
“Whether you serve as a guide, a speaker, or a recruiter, become comfortable in explaining FEN’s mission. We do not assist in dying or help with suicides. That would be illegal except in the still small number of jurisdictions that permit physician aid in dying. However, we educate clients and support those who have been accepted in the guide services program, and we provide a compassionate presence to those with untreatable suffering or illness.”
