Ingrid Ricks, an NYT-bestselling memoir author who recently lost her eyesight to a rare blinding eye disease, is using the power of story to inspire and help audiences everywhere harness their adversity, tap into the power of now and fundamentally rethink their views and definition of disabilities. 

Drawing on her own stories of struggle ranging from trauma in childhood to cancer and now blindness as an adult, Ricks drives home powerful messages of resilience and hope. Then, turning the power of story inward, she challenges audiences across the business, government and education sectors to turn their adversity into an asset that helps others, strip fear of its power and fully embrace the Now.

She also uses her journey with her blinding eye disease and the obstacles she has faced to spotlight ingrained prejudices and their devastating impact on people dealing with challenges that have been shoved under the disabilities label. Ricks, who views personal storytelling as the key to fostering understanding, empathy and unity, also regularly presents keynote addresses and workshops on the power of personal storytelling to educators, youth workers and students.

Her books include the NYT-bestselling memoir, Hippie Boy: A Girl’s Story, and Focus, a memoir about her journey with her blinding eye disease. She has also ghostwritten several memoirs and has published seven anthologies in partnership with high schools in Utah and Washington State. For more information, please visit www.ingridricks.com

Hello this is [VOLUNTEER NAME] reaching out on behalf of GenPRIDE. May I speak with [NAME]?

We are reaching out to people today so we can understand how coronavirus or COVID19 is affecting the current needs of our senior LGBTQIA+ community.  We would greatly appreciate your input.

Do you have a few minutes to talk on the phone and check in about how you’re doing?

(if they say yes, proceed. If they say no, thank them and end the call)   

If there are any questions you don’t feel comfortable answering, we can skip over anything you’d like. Everything is optional to answer.

(Read the online questionnaire questions to the constituent and type in their responses that they tell you on the phone when you finish the questionnaire and press the SEND button at the bottom, thank the person for talking with you and end the call)

(Read the online questionnaire aloud and type the person’s responses. After you have finished the questionnaire, press the ‘SEND’ button at the bottom, Thank the person for talking with you. That’s all that’s needed, you may end the call)

———

If you leave a voicemail, then please email a link to our survey that you were attempting to contact. Your email wording can be similar to:

“Hi there [NAME],

My name is [VOLUNTEER NAME] and I’m reaching out on behalf of GenPRIDE.  I’m reaching out to check in about how you’ve been doing during the COVID19 outbreak and had a few questions for you.  We are getting a sense of the current and anticipated needs elders are facing in the Greater Seattle Area at this time. 

We were hoping to get your input on our online questionnaire or over the phone. GenPRIDE staff or volunteers can be reached at 206-800-2019 or by emailing  info@genprideseattle.org.

Stay safe and healthy!”  

Sample Discussion Questions in addition to the script:

How are you doing?

How has this past week been for you?

Any good highlights with you recently or funny things that got you laughing lately?

Have you been able to chat much with any friends or family?

Are there any difficulties or tough things you’re dealing with?

How are you doing on food/medication/household supplies (cleaning supplies/paper products)?

Are there any supplies or things you have run out of?

Is there anything you think will run out between now and our next call?

Can I have a GenPRIDE staff member reach out to you about that?

When would it be okay for us to give you a call again? Is this same time/day of the week a good time to check in next or would you like us to call at a different time?

Would you be willing to answer some demographic questions, they are completely optional but allow us integral information for grant funding and reporting?

‘Where do I download the latest version of Zoom?’
You can download the latest version of Zoom from their Download Center. Learn more about downloading Zoom.

‘How to I use Zoom on my PC or Mac?’
After downloading Zoom, learn how to use the Zoom Desktop Client.

‘Getting Started with PC or Mac’

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362033-Getting-Started-on-Windows-and-Mac

‘Getting Started with iOS’ 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362993-Getting-Started-with-iOS

‘Getting Started with Android’ 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362993-Getting-Started-with-iOS

‘Do you need an account to use Zoom?’
A Zoom account is not required if you are strictly joining Zoom Meetings as a participant. If someone invites you to their meeting, you can join as a participant without creating an account. However, if the host has restricted joining meetings using authentication profiles, then the participant will need a Zoom account to access the meeting. Learn more about joining a Zoom meeting.

A Zoom account is only required if you need to create your own meetings and send invitations to participants.

‘How do I signup for Zoom?’
You can sign up for a free Zoom account at zoom.us/signup.

You can also login with your Gmail or Facebook account.

‘How much does Zoom cost?’
A basic Zoom license is free.

Joining a Meeting

How do I join a Zoom meeting?
You can join a meeting by clicking the meeting link or going to join.zoom.us and entering in the meeting ID. Learn more about joining a meeting.

How do I join computer/device audio?
On most devices, you can join computer/device audio by clicking Join Audio, Join with Computer Audio, or Audio to access the audio settings. Learn more about connecting your audio.

Can I Use Bluetooth Headset?
Yes, as long as the Bluetooth device is compatible with the computer or mobile device that you are using.

Do I have to have a webcam to join on Zoom?
While you are not required to have a webcam to join a Zoom Meeting or Webinar, you will not be able to transmit video of yourself. You will continue to be able to listen and speak during the meeting, share your screen, and view the webcam video of other participants.

• How to move your spin in 6 different directions in a chair?

• How open your hips in your desk chair?

• A Hip Mobility Routine You Can Do in Your Office

• How to do seated spinal twist in a desk chair?

• How to do sun salutation from a chair

• How to Alleviate Acute Back Pain Caused from Sitting All Day

• A Chair Yoga Routine You Can do in Your Office

• 3 easy stretches to do at your work desk

• How you should be seated while at your desk

• How your posture affects your muscular wellbeing

• Three must do foot stretches if you wear high heels

• How to massage your feet to rid damage caused by wearing heels

• How gravity and posture can affect your physical wellbeing

• Shape and Tone: A Full Body Desk Workout

• Three ways to open up hands and wrists while at work

• Three exercises on how to gain a stronger back

• Four leg and glute exercises you can do right now

• How to get back into a better body

• Exercises to do to get back into the gym

• Three moves to help strengthen your body if you work at a desk

• Workouts you can do from your hotel room

• No Equipment? No problem! Exercises to do without equipment

• How to burn those holiday calories fast

• Moves moms can do to get back into exercise

• Exercises mothers can do with their babies

• How to do the forward fold using Yoga blocks

• How to balance onto one foot?
  

• How to breath into your belly?

• How to progress into puppy pose

• Two ways to stretch your neck and jaw

• Three asanas to help increase posture awareness

• How to reduce low back pain? 
  

• 3 posture variations for your meditation practice

• 3 easy calf stretches while on a mat

• 3 best hip openers lying on your back while using a yoga strap

• Alternative ways of doing Pigeon Pose if you have bad knees

• How to do 3 different levels of a lying down spinal twist

• How to do 3 levels of cobra pose

• 3 levels of a seated spinal twist

• Easy yoga sequence for expecting mothers

• Yoga poses that will help alleviate back pain during pregnancy

• How to do happy baby pose using a yoga strap

• How to do the best sequence for all athletic pursuits

• Three downward dog misconceptions

• Downward Dog Modifications with people with weak wrists

• Alternative ways of doing Pigeon Pose if you have bad knees

• 3 types of yoga asanas for runners

• Three inversions to reduce lower back pain

• What are the 3 steps to progress into a tree pose?

• What is a standing warrior pose sequence for strengthen hips?

• Vinyasa flow modification for people with weak wrists

• How to progress into Dolphin Pose

• Can I do yoga if I'm not flexible?

• How to transition from downward facing dog to runner's lunge

• How to do a chair pose with a twist

• Three creative ways to use yoga blocks

• How men can use yoga blocks to help enhance their practice

   

Sample Discussion Questions:

How are you doing?

How has this past week been for you?

Any good highlights with you recently or funny things that got you laughing lately?

Have you been able to chat much with any friends or family?

Are there any difficulties or tough things you’re dealing with?

How are you doing on food/medication/household supplies (cleaning supplies/paper products)?

Are there any supplies or things you have run out of?

Is there anything you think will run out between now and our next call?

Can I have a GenPRIDE staff member reach out to you about that?

When would it be okay for us to give you a call again? Is this same time/day of the week a good time to check in next or would you like us to call at a different time?

This message was updated on /