Want to learn Tai Chi? Become an Instructor!

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You can deliver impactful falls prevention curriculum to help older adults and their caregivers maintain their health, well-being and independence. The Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance exercise program is designed specifically to address falls prevention in older adults. The emphasis of the class is on being present, aware of how our bodies are moving, and breathing for relaxation. Volunteers will be trained in this dynamic curriculum and be empowered to share it with up to 12 students per class. With your help, Wilder can offer this valuable program to help older adults and their caregivers gain improved balance, strength and flexibility!

Responsibilities include:

• Attend required trainings (two full-day sessions from 8:30am to 4:30pm) and pre-class sessions (two 1.5-hour sessions prior to leading your first class) to learn the movements and curriculum.
• Practice on your own time to continue developing skills and to maintain skill levels.
• Review materials and prepare for classes.
• Maintain program fidelity as defined in training and agree to lead the class as instructed according to the training course and materials (cannot introduce other Tai Ji Quan/Tai Chi practices).
• Partner with another volunteer or staff person to lead 2 one-hour weekly classes for twelve weeks with up to 12 participants (a total of 24 sessions). Note: there will be opportunities to lead classes solo if you are comfortable.
• Report any concerns arising from the group sessions to Healthy Aging and Caregiving Services staff.
• Assist staff in gathering and keeping track of paperwork.
• Lead one additional class within 12 months of completing your class leader training.
• Meet with program staff as needed for consultation, group concerns, etc.

Benefits:

• Wilder will provide two full days of required training and a volunteer stipend of $150 for leading the full twelve-week program.
• Learn Tai Ji Quan/Tai Chi principles.
• Build relationships with local community members.
• Increase your own strength, flexibility and prevent falls.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be comfortable interacting with and assisting people of varying ages, abilities, economic, social, cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Have an understanding of caregiving, memory loss, fall risks and prevention and older adults.
• Comfort leading a group of 8-12 participants with the given movements of the program.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Preference for someone comfortable teaching a movement class virtually (Wilder uses Cisco WebEx), though not required. Staff can assist with this if needed.
• Complete a criminal background check.

Behavioral expectations:

• Committed to following all COVID-19 guidelines (masks are required onsite)
• Helpful demeanor and strong customer service
• Highly respectful of confidentiality
• Dependable and punctual
• Respectful, professional and courteous under all circumstances

• Total time requirement: Minimum of 12-month commitment to this volunteer role. We ask you to commit to teaching at least two 12-week class sessions per year.
• Anticipated training schedule: January 2022 (dates and locations to be determined)
• Volunteer start date: January/February 2022 following training
• Days of the week: 2 days per week
• Time of the day: Flexible, based on volunteer’s schedule. Each class lasts one hour plus an estimated additional one hour of workshop preparation and clean-up each week.
• Work site: Classes may be virtual or will be hosted at Wilder Foundation’s Aging Services, 935 Lafond Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. There may be a possibility of leading at another site within the community, but that will be discussed by all involved.

Learn more:

• Contact Volunteer Services at volunteers@wilder.org or call 651-280-2460 for more information about the role and application process.