Peer Instructor Network: Difference between revisions
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== Policy Summary: Peer Instructor Network (PIN) == | == Policy Summary: Peer Instructor Network (PIN) == | ||
The Peer Instructor Network (PIN) is a directory of specially-qualified NETs who are vetted to provide quality training on a variety of topics. Team Leaders (TLs) may contact them directly to arrange sessions for their teams. | The Peer Instructor Network (PIN) is a directory of specially-qualified NETs who are vetted to provide quality training on a variety of topics. Team Leaders (TLs) may contact them directly to arrange sessions for their teams. | ||
''Examples:'' | |||
* Joey Josephson is a NET in Woodstock who enjoys periodically leading her team through Stop the Bleed, and has a knack for teaching others whose NET medical training ranges from ''Basic NET'' to ''WFA-certified''. So her Team Leader asks if Joey would be willing to instruct other NET teams in the city as part of her volunteer service. Joey agrees, and her TL nominates her. PBEM takes it from there. | |||
* Pat Patrickson loves camping and cooking over a fire. They offer to demonstrate some backcountry food prep techniques and recipes to their team, and the conviviality of the session is a real hit. Pat does not have an actual workshop outline or much experience training others, so their technical presentation is a bit rough around the edges. Their TL asks if they would like to repeat and refine the session, with the goal of polishing it for presentation to other teams as a volunteer. If the TL is even more impressed the second (or third) time, they ask if Pat feels ready to be endorsed, and then nominates them as a Peer Instructor. Pat writes up a blurb and agenda for the session. PBEM follows up, and soon NETs across the city are making the Best Campfire Beanburgers Ever. (But only during months when there is no [https://multco.us/info/wood-burning-restrictions#section-1 burn ban], of course.) | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
|'''Effective date''' | |'''Effective date''' | ||
| | |2025.08.15 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|'''Last revised''' | |'''Last revised''' | ||
|2025. | |2025.08.15 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|'''Policy owner''' | |'''Policy owner''' | ||
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The Peer Instructor Network (PIN) supports Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET) by improving availability and diversity of Advanced Training in the program. Specifically it: | The Peer Instructor Network (PIN) supports Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET) by improving availability and diversity of Advanced Training in the program. Specifically it: | ||
* Provides Team Leaders and CRD Training Officers ([[Volunteer Support Functions Directory#VSF 05: Planning/Command|VSF 05.10]]) a cadre of vetted, knowledgeable instructors to deliver training to NET volunteers on topics which do not require formal testing | * Provides Team Leaders and CRD Training Officers ([[Volunteer Support Functions Directory#VSF 05: Planning/Command|VSF 05.10]]) a cadre of vetted, knowledgeable instructors to deliver training to NET volunteers on topics which ''do not require formal testing nor bestow a certification''. | ||
* Creates opportunities for Active NET volunteers to develop skills as Instructors, in areas that interest them. | * Creates opportunities for Active NET volunteers to develop skills as Instructors, in areas that interest them. | ||
* Creates opportunities for approved Peer Instructors (PIs) to mentor others. Each one teach one! | * Creates opportunities for approved Peer Instructors (PIs) to mentor others. Each one teach one! | ||
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; Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) | ; Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) | ||
: Vets and approves PIs nominated by Team Leaders. Tracks Peer Instructors in the volunteer database, ensures background checks, periodically reviews feedback about PIs' performance, and communicates program updates. | : Vets and approves PIs nominated by Team Leaders. Tracks Peer Instructors in the volunteer database, ensures background checks, periodically reviews feedback about PIs' performance, and communicates program updates. Adds MIP signup Opportunities for PI's training sessions; these Opportunities may be limited to specific teams at the request of the scheduling TL. | ||
; Team Leaders | ; Team Leaders | ||
: Recruit, interview, evaluate, and nominate Peer Instructors. Use the PIN directory to arrange Advanced Training sessions for their teams. | : Recruit, interview, evaluate, and nominate Peer Instructors. Use the PIN directory to arrange Advanced Training sessions for their teams. | ||
| Line 73: | Line 77: | ||
|A community-based group of volunteer disaster responders whose members are trained and certified by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management. | |A community-based group of volunteer disaster responders whose members are trained and certified by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Subject | |Subject Matter Expert (SME) | ||
| | |An individual with in-depth, specialized knowledge and experience in a particular field or area. They possess a high level of expertise, often gained through formal education, practical experience, or a combination of both, and are considered go-to resources for their specialized knowledge. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Volunteer Support Functions Introduction and Directory|Volunteer Support Function (VSF)]] | |[[Volunteer Support Functions Introduction and Directory|Volunteer Support Function (VSF)]] | ||
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=== Peer Instructor (PI) Intake Procedure === | === Peer Instructor (PI) Intake Procedure === | ||
# '''Only Team Leaders''' '''nominate potential PIs''' to teach on specific topics on which they are a subject matter expert (SME), using the [https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/25ad245ac1b34788acf9cbb7332574fe nomination form]. | # '''Only Team Leaders may''' '''nominate potential PIs''' to teach on specific topics on which they are a subject matter expert (SME), using the [https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/25ad245ac1b34788acf9cbb7332574fe nomination form]. | ||
## The Nominee may be qualified based on professional accreditation, or personal experience, or research they have accomplished, etc. PBEM is not putting strict rules around credentials because | ## The Nominee may be qualified based on professional accreditation, or personal experience, or research they have accomplished, etc. PBEM is not putting strict rules around credentials because | ||
### many useful NET topics do not have a formal path to SME status, and | ### many useful NET topics do not have a formal path to SME status, and | ||
### subjects that do | ### subjects that do require formal accreditation will not be part of this informal PIN. For example, CPR, Hazmat awareness, and [[Wilderness First Aid (WFA)]]. | ||
## The nominating Team Leader must have observed the Nominee teach the entire session at least once or twice to local NETs (or at [https://netcamp.net NET Camp]). | ## The nominating Team Leader must have observed the Nominee teach the entire session effectively at least once or twice to local NETs (or at [https://netcamp.net NET Camp]). | ||
## '''Quality control will be TLs' and PBEM's shared responsibility.''' It is crucial to bear in mind that '''nomination by a TL means that they personally vouch to other TLs''' for: | ## '''Quality control will be TLs' and PBEM's shared responsibility.''' It is crucial to bear in mind that '''nomination by a TL means that they personally vouch to other TLs''' for: | ||
### the Nominee’s '''quality of information and curriculum''', and | ### the Nominee’s '''quality of information and curriculum''', ''and'' | ||
### the Nominee’s '''effectiveness as an instructor'''. | ### the Nominee’s '''effectiveness as an instructor'''. | ||
# PBEM will evaluate the nominations and have the final approval of each class topic and Nominee. | # PBEM will evaluate the nominations and have the final approval of each class topic and Nominee. | ||
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# In compliance with City of Portland policy, PBEM cannot reimburse PIs for any expenditures. | # In compliance with City of Portland policy, PBEM cannot reimburse PIs for any expenditures. | ||
# PIs are ''strongly'' discouraged from spending personal funds on class consumables. | # PIs are ''strongly'' discouraged from spending personal funds on class consumables. | ||
# PIs may choose to purchase or construct durable training equipment that they will reuse for other purposes, but only after first | # PIs may choose to purchase or construct durable training equipment that they will reuse for other purposes, but only after asking first whether PBEM can supply it. | ||
=== Feedback & Maintenance === | === Feedback & Maintenance === | ||
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== Compliance == | == Compliance == | ||
Peer Instructors are required to maintain Active NET status and meet their annual [[Minimum Service Contribution (MSC)]]. Peer Instructors who do not respond to Team Leader or PBEM communications may be removed from the PIN directory. Volunteers who violate this policy or the [[PBEM Volunteer Code of Conduct|Code of Conduct]] may | Peer Instructors are required to maintain Active NET status and meet their annual [[Minimum Service Contribution (MSC)]]. Peer Instructors who do not respond to Team Leader or PBEM communications may be removed from the PIN directory. Volunteers who violate this policy or the [[PBEM Volunteer Code of Conduct|Code of Conduct]] may be removed from the PIN, or be dismissed from the program. | ||
== Related Information == | == Related Information == | ||
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== Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) == | == Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) == | ||
'''Q1: Why are only TLs allowed to nominate instructors?''' | |||
A1: To help ensure quality control and accountability. TLs will have seen the nominee instruct their topic, whereas PBEM staff cannot possible individually vet every workshop. | |||
'''Q2: Can TLs nominate themselves?''' | |||
A2: No. Instruct your session for another TL's team, then have them nominate you if they wish. | |||
'''Q3: I need a trainer for next week's Team Meeting! Where is the list of Peer Instructors?''' | |||
A3: As of 2025.08.15 we do not have an ETA for publication. It will depend on the rate at which TLs nominate PIs. If we get crickets, then we won’t create a directory. If we receive 400 nominations . . . well, then, a spambot is abusing the form and it will take a while to sort out. ;-) | |||
== Program/Policy Background == | == Program/Policy Background == | ||
The idea for a PIN network is an outgrowth of Team Leaders' informal | The idea for a PIN network is an outgrowth of Team Leaders' informal sharing of recommendations for volunteers who enjoy teaching NETs on various topics. PBEM acknowledged the value of this network, but also recognized two problems. First, this did not encourage equity among teams, and second, PBEM has received complaints that some people have delivered ineffective trainings because they either were not fully qualified or did not have solid instructing skills. | ||
