FINAL EXIT NETWORK VOL 17 • NO 4 FALL, NOV/DEC 2018 THETHE GOODGOOD DEADEATTHH FENSOCIESOCIETTYY Volunteer Positions at FEN any of the articles in this issue focus on volunteerism at Final Exit Network—the CONTENTS positions filled by volunteers and the vol- FEN VOLUNTEERS .................... 2 unteersM who fill them. FEN AFFILIATES & LEADERS ...... 5 It takes a wide range of capable and engaged mem- bers to operate a successful, mostly volunteer organiza- TWO VIEWS, ONE EXIT ............ 6 tion. FEN is no exception. By discussing the positions, it IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN ........ 9 is hoped that we identify the jobs available to volunteers FILM FESTIVAL .................... 11 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 ex- tended, but the volunteers accrue personal benefits as well. WANTED - FEN vice president Brian Ruder, himself a volun- teer, says “FEN would not exist without our volunteers, Volunteer Help who are dedicated to furthering end-of-life choices. We The outreach program is seeking vol have only one full-time and two part-time consultant unteers to fill the following positions: ‘staff.’ We have enough volunteers to handle our current Head of media relations volume of exits, but we could always use people with Head of Writerspress relations the ability or resources to attract new members or gain Speakers greater awareness for FEN.” Affiliate leaders Renew your membership online: www.finalexitnetwork.org For more details, contact Gary Wederspahn [email protected]. “You make a living by “Volunteers do not “The meaning of life is what you get. You make necessarily have the to find your gift. The a life by what you give.” time; they just have the purpose of life is to give ~Winston Churchill heart.” it away.” ~Elizabeth Andrew ~William Shakespeare Depending on Volunteers Administration Exit Services FEN is overseen by volunteers serving in three The heart of FEN’s work revolves around the exit primary roles. volunteers. That’s where the pedal hits the metal, where the chip reaches the guacamole. There are • Officers three types of these volunteers: • Executive Board • Advisory Board • Senior Exit Guides (8) • Associate Exit Guides (15) We have a president (Janis Landis), vice presi- • Exit Coordinators (7) dent and expected next president (Brian Ruder), and treasurer (Judy Snyderman). They are guided by an All three undergo extensive training before tak- Executive Board which convenes monthly on a con- ing an assignment. ference call. They vote on issues of importance. At Coordinators are usually the first contact with the time of this writing, the Board has nine members, those seeking Exit Guide services. They return calls each of whom is responsible for a portfolio function, placed and e-mails sent to FEN asking for information such as policy, outreach, and finances. Also, subject to Board approval, is an Advisory Board consisting of ten members chosen because Board Member Portfolios their experience or insights could be valuable to the In addition to their voting and decision-mak- Network. They, too, participate in the monthly Board ing duties, board members each have a portfo- meeting but they do not get a vote. lio of individual responsibilities which include oversight, guidance, and support for key FEN Committees functions: Two committees serve essential functions: • Janis Landis, President: Executive • Oversight Committee Committee • Medical Evaluation Committee (MEC) • Brian Ruder, V P and President-elect: Operations The MEC currently comprises six members who • Judy Snyderman, Treasurer: Financial are all doctors, although being a physician is not Management mandatory. From every candidate applying for exit • Tom Tuxill, MD: Policy Committee services, a personal statement, medical record, and • Marty Siedenfeld: Development interview commentary is sent to three appropriate • Gary Wederspahn: Outreach members for confirmation that the person qualifies • Kevin Bradley: Online Course for our services. They may accept or reject the candi- Development, Counseling date, or they may require more documentation. • Cameron Linen: Executive Committee When non-routine situations arise, the three-per- • Ron Liesemer: Research son Oversight Committee resolves questions. Final Exit Network • www.finalexitnetwork.org Fall Newsletter, Nov/Dec 2018 “What is the essence of “Volunteers are not life? To serve others and paid because they are to do good.” worthless, but because ~Aristotle they are priceless.”~Unknown 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 es,” says Bill, “because, although it’s as much a part needs, often can determine if the inquiry is likely to of life as is birth, people don’t like to discuss death.” be accepted, send an application packet of material Bill was active as a speaker and a Florida state to the MEC, and provide needed information to a Se- officer for the ACLU for 10 years before volunteering nior Guide if the applicant is approved for Exit Guide for FEN about 1-1/2 years ago. “I have long believed services by the MEC. in civil rights, and there may not be a greater right The Senior Guide conducts another interview, than managing how you die.” He also had a personal designates an Associate Guide, and heads the exit tragedy when his partner died following an attempted team. If at any point the Senior Guide doubts the ap- kidney transplant and the hospital ignored a legally propriateness of an exit, the process is halted. If not, proper DNR order. the Senior Guide visits at least once to demonstrate He’s hopeful for the future of death with dignity, proper use of the recommended method. Through all but sees it requiring a lot more speeches. phases he or she asks if the candidate is certain of Bill Says… their intentions and realizes the finality of this deci- “Thirty years ago, about 70% of people died sion. The Senior Guide is usually present at the exit at home, surrounded by loved ones. Today, unless the candidate prefers otherwise. about 70% die in hospitals, surrounded by Associate Exit Guides may be gaining experience strangers and machines, even though most to be a Senior Guide, or they may prefer the responsi- people, including most doctors, say they want bilities of an Associate. Frequently they attend exits; to spend their last days at home. We should nearly all Associates conduct interviews with candi- show at least as much compassion to our fam- dates. ily members as we do to our pets.” Although being an exit guide appears to be a - Bill Schoolman somber duty, most of them say the gratitude of the candidate and family is uplifting and inspirational. The beauty of a peaceful exit is unforgettable. The Specialists These individuals do not fit well in other catego- ries. The volunteers, however, all have some special The Speakers Bureau talent that suits their function, whether that’s a tech- The Speaker’s Bureau is part of FEN’s outreach nological bent that keeps FEN abreast of the latest effort, aimed at both attracting new members and developments in self-deliverance, expertise in legal promoting end-of-life options. matters, the ability to oversee our newest venture in It consists of about 18 volunteers, including Bill social media, or editing this newsletter. Schoolman. As a member of the Bureau, he conducts • Liaison with NuTech presentations for groups requesting them in his area • Attorney of South Florida, and he tries to interest groups in • Blogmeister learning about FEN. “It’s not easy setting up speech- • Newsletter Editor VOLUNTEERS continued on page 4 Fall Newsletter, Nov/Dec 2018 Final Exit Network • www.finalexitnetwork.org CALLING VOLUNTEERS “Volunteers will get you through times of no money better than mon - ey will get you through times of no volunteers.” ~ Ken Wyman VOLUNTEERS continued from page 3 Affiliate Leader In a few spots, there are active local chapters that conduct a variety of instructional and social activi- ties. 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. See “What is the Role These tasks are as important as our other duties of FEN Affiliates and Affiliate Leaders?” on page 5. because they can build our numbers and attract more Note: The numbers of volunteers will vary depend- people to the death-with-dignity movement, which is ing on need and availability of suitable people. Also, a vital need to our success. some people may assume multiple tasks. (They’re the “But most members looking for volunteer work,” overachievers.) Julia adds, “want to be exit guides. This is the heart of our activity, although opportunities for guides are Advice for Volunteers rather limited. We have training for new guides only Julia Hanway has worked with FEN volunteers on about once a year, if that often. If interested, first visit programs, speaker presentations, website, and news- our website and become familiar with who we are. letter design, among other projects. This has given Guides must be members in good standing, and able her a wealth of practical experience on volunteering. to communicate via e-mail. You will be contacted “We have several jobs for people who want to vol- prior to the next training session. unteer,” says Julia. “Most people want to be guides, “Whether you serve as a guide, a speaker, or a but there are other opportunities that are important to recruiter, become comfortable in explaining FEN’s the organization. For example, we could benefit from mission. We do not assist in dying or help with sui- people who: cides.