Meditation Instructor

Description:
Mindfulness and meditation groups are held in Arkansas prisons and jails as well as re-entry and recovery centers. We seek experienced meditators to lead or co-lead these groups. Meditation classes are typically 1-2 hours in length, plus additional driving, depending on the facility.

As of 2023, meditation-based programs include:

  • Introduction to Mindfulness

  • Mindful Recovery

  • Art Instruction and Expression

  • Walking the Buddhist Path

As of 2023, classes are held at the following locations:

  • Pulaski County Jail (Little Rock)

  • Ester Unit (Pine Bluff, AR)

  • Grimes Unit (Newport, AR)

  • McPherson Unit (Newport, AR)

  • Nehemiah House Men’s Recovery Center (Little Rock)

  • Natural State Recovery Center (North Little Rock)

Commitment:
1-5 hours per month (or more, depending on interest)

Minimum Requirement:
Meditation instructors must have a strong daily personal practice. All volunteer meditation instructors will participate in a 1-hour CWFA training program in addition to personal experience. Strong boundaries are important; must be able to pass a criminal background check (though it doesn’t mean you have to have a clean record).

Psychoeducation Instructor

Description:
CWFA leads evidence-based, psycho-educational groups (e.g. Conflict Resolution, Acceptance and Commitment Training) in Arkansas prisons and jails. We seek experienced mental health professionals to lead or co-lead these groups. Classes are typically 1-2 hours in length, plus additional driving, depending on the facility.

Currently, during COVID-19, all in-prison psycho-ed classes are halted until further notice.

Immediate needs:
We are currently in need of volunteers who are certified to teach classes such as:

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

  • Nonviolent Communication

  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy Programs (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Commitment:
2-5 hours per month (or more, depending on interest)

Minimum Requirement:
Psycho-educational instructors must be a licensed mental health professional. All volunteer instructors will participate in a 1-hour CWFA training program in addition to personal experience. Strong boundaries are important; must be able to pass a criminal background check (though it doesn’t mean you have to have a clean record.