If you would like to be more involved in our group, there are several opportunities available. Volunteering your time is a great way to learn more about babywearing and to contribute to your community.
Volunteer Positions
VBE
VBE stands for Volunteer Babywearing Educator. It is the entry level and basic accreditation through Babywearing International. Every recognized Babywearing International Chapter requires a minimum of two VBEs. A VBE is required to have a basic knowledge of babywearing and skills in all basic carriers and carries as well as knowledge of safety and ideal positioning while babywearing; familiarity with BWI’s teaching stances is also expected. VBEs should also be able to effectively teach basic carries and help wearers troubleshoot. The VBE accreditation is reserved for educators who are affiliated with a chapter of Babywearing International. VBEs must have experience using and teaching the five main types of carriers (ring sling, pouch sling, wrap, soft structured carrier, and mei tai). VBEs must have both newborn and toddler babywearing experience. If your baby is not at least one year old, find a way to practice toddler babywearing before requesting an application. Likewise, if you have a toddler, but didn’t wear him or her as a newborn, you should find a way to practice newborn babywearing before requesting an application. Steps to Becoming a VBE: 1. Attend monthly meetings as often as possible. 2. Contact a VBE and express interest in becoming a VBE. 3. Arrange to begin the training process with the VP of Education. You must attend all requires trainings. 4. Upon completion of the training process, fill out the written application, available through the link above. 5. Send your application back to the leader of your chapter. Your leader will review it and instruct you to complete an application request form. 6. An Accreditation Coordinator will contact your chapter to request your application and a letter of recommendation. 7. If you pass the written assessment, you will be asked to perform a skills assessment with a Master Babywearing Educator (MBE). This is done either through Skype, via video clip, or in person. |
CSV
CSV stands for Chapter Support Volunteer. Chapter Support Volunteers (CSVs) are chapter volunteers who serve in a variety of capacities within local BWI chapters including (but not limited to) administrative roles or educators in training. All CSVs will be voting members of BWI and covered by BWI insurance when serving as a volunteer for their local chapter. Dues are $10 annually, paid directly to BWI. All CSVs will be required to agree to a code of ethics and will be members of the Chapter Volunteer Forum on TheBabywearer.com and Facebook. Steps to Becoming a CSV: 1. Attend meetings in your local chapter as often as possible. 2. Contact a leader of your local chapter and express interest in becoming a CSV. 3. You must attend at least one VBE training. 4. Complete the CSV application, available above. 5. You and your chapter will be contacted by an Accreditation Coordinator. Your chapter will forward a Letter of Recommendation to the Accreditation Coordinator. 6. If your application is approved, you will be asked to sign the Volunteer Agreement and pay $10 annual chapter volunteer dues through TBW. |