Become A Trainer

Would you like to facilitate workshops?

What qualities and experience are necessary to become a trainer?

  • Experience and interest in working with older adults
  • Knowledge about the special needs of older adults
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience with group process and facilitation
  • Comfort with teaching, leading group discussion, and role play
  • Willingness to learn about and support the principles and protocols of evidence-based programs
  • Enthusiasm about being a member of a team
  • Dependability
  • Ability to use audiovisual equipment (TV/DVD, overhead projector)
  • Ability to perform range of motion and low-level endurance exercises and to demonstrate A Matter of Balance exercises
  • Ability to carry up to 20 pounds
  • Life experience valued, with an education or healthcare background a plus

Training requirements for both Chronic Disease-Self Management Program and Diabetes Self-Management Programs

  • People interested in becoming Lay Leaders must complete a full 4-day training to become certified as a Leader.
  • In addition to attending the four-day training, people must facilitate a workshop to become a Leader.
  • It is strongly recommended that Leaders are individuals living with a chronic condition, and at least one individual be a peer or Lay Leader, rather than a health or social service professional.
  • It is also very helpful if Leaders have attended a chronic disease self-management programs a participant prior to being trained. Two trained Leaders are required to co-lead chronic disease self-management workshops.
  • Lunch may be provided (check with host organization)
  • Training may be free (check with host organization)

Training Requirements for A Matter of Balance

  • Attend eight hours of coach training taught by the Master Trainer(s) and earn a Matter of Balance Coach Certification
  • Agree to coach two Matter of Balance classes within one year of certification
  • Two instructors are required; a new coach is paired with an experienced coach, when possible
  • A healthcare professional (such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or registered nurse) will visit one MOB session to provide information and answer questions from participants (MOB coaches are responsible for identifying the healthcare professional and arranging the guest lecture)

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