Doing Your Job

In a little more than four weeks you will be entering a slum in Nairobi, Haiti or Guatemala. (Though in Guatemala the kids are actually coming out of the city to a beach resort.) Several nights ago I had a conversation with an artist who was preparing for the Diaspora. This was the first time in such a situation--but one in which they felt unusually called--but not necessarily prepared.

Working in "tough places" for the first time can be disorienting and downright traumatic. We learned sometime ago at BuildaBridge that artists entering even a homeless shelter in Philadelphia without preparation could be an emotionally (and potentially physically) difficult experience. This is one reason we spend time training artists in subjects like poverty, trauma, safety and classroom management.

The next morning I was talking with Charlene (our artist in residence). She was describing her experience in a shelter the night before. I asked her to write her expereince in several paragraphs so I could share with you. Read this, noting your feelings, and I'll discuss below. (You should also read the article on Kenyan Children--follow the link on the left or here.)

One might be able to argue that Wednesday was just another day at my site. The shelter staff was certainly not alarmed. So I too, tried to remain calm and detached. While unloading my car and wheeling my cart of supplies through the maze of hallways I waited patiently while a frenzied group said their final heated words and began to disperse.

From what I could tell something had happened between two children and the mothers stood up for their own. Bystanders watched for entertainment or took sides. Threats were shouted back and forth and people got in each other's faces, but luckily no swings or pushes. I finally made it to my room where I met some of my students who begged to help me. They eagerly tagged along while I asked about school and what they were learning.

As we saw other students, they would get excited and I reminded them that we would be starting in 30 minutes. I tried to keep their attention as we waded through another, though less severe verbal confrontation. On my last trip out to my car to park it, I encountered two women rushing toward the shelter juggling 3 or 4 children.

Both women were visibly upset. One was on her phone in what sounded like a conversation with 911 personnel, the other woman was crying and trying to catch her breath. I overheard the woman on the phone describe the location and how she saw "him beating on her." The children (all looking under 5) looked frightened and were looking around for any sign of comfort.

I helped the women get their strollers down the stairs and held doors while they pushed through. They burst into the lobby as another crowd started to gather and as staff from inside the office yelled "what's going on?" My duty served, I squeezed passed and made my way back through the maze and closed the door of my classroom where my assistants were already setting up. Ok. Now its time to start class."

So what are feeling from reading this description: empathy for the children, the mother, Charlene? Fear? Would I be safe? Questions about how you might react in such a situation? Maybe...How could Charlene go back to her class like nothing happened?

These questions are natural in new contexts, and especially difficult ones. So how do you "do your job" in difficult circumstances. I'll list these and if you have need for further discussion, you can add to the comment line and I'll add additional information.

• Keep yourself safe: Don't get in the middle of conflicts--get out if necessary
• Focus on the task you have come to do: Teach art to kids
• Understand your role in the societal context: You are a guest artist
• Don't try to change the things you can't control: You can't change a family situation, for example
  
• Avoid over-identifying and sympathizing with the situation: You must maintain a certain amount of detachment from the situation--kids need a stable and consistent force
  
• Recognize your own feelings that may arise from events in your past: Sometimes we may remember a traumatic situation (abuse, conflict, etc) from our past and these memories and feelings return when placed in a "tough place." e may not know we even have these feelings. The danger is then transferring these feelings to the current people and situation--they are different.
• You are part of a team: In each country we are working with local leaders and artists who have experience, first-hand knowledge, and exceptional gifts. Learn from them--and when your idea is not accepted--accept the local perspective graciously
• Be prepared and be flexible. Come prepared--but know that within the first 24 hours of arrival something and maybe much will change
• Enjoy the experience, your life will never be the same
• Make friends