Resources for field staff: Pre-deployment

Preparing family and friends

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Among the many considerations that humanitarian workers contend with during the pre-deployment phase, the effect of their departure on family and friends is often less than fully explored. Those headed to the field have a responsibility to explain their motivations and the nature of their work assignment to loved ones. At the same time, humanitarian workers should be prepared for familial and friendly intervention, as loved ones seek to speak about or participate in the experience in their own way. If you're preparing for deployment, bear in mind that the way you handle relations with those close to you can affect not only their feelings on your work, but also your effectiveness while on assignment.

At best, your family, friends, and others in your home community can form a critical network of support for you, helping you cope with the unknown that you will confront. They can offer important approval and demonstrate enthusiasm for your work. They can arrange special send-off events for you. Additionally, they can provide different kinds of support for the organization with which you'll be working. While you are in the field, they can check in regularly with you and potentially visit, if feasible and desirable.

At worst, worried friends and family can inadvertently exacerbate your stress, above and beyond what you will experience in the field. In some cases, this can stem from misunderstanding about what you are doing, strong disapproval of the risk you are putting yourself in, or even active opposition to the work itself. In other cases, it will stem from inappropriate expressions of their concern. Some of this can be avoided or ameliorated with an up-front effort to prepare those closest to you, though some tensions are unavoidable.

The resources here are designed to help you maximize support and minimize stress. There are no formulas here, and you will have to think creatively about how to do this best with the particular individuals that make up your social circle. And don't forget to ask your organization for their advice on this topic.

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