COMMISSION

GLOBAL CRISES INTERVENTION

Vision Statement

As a Commission of the World Federation of Music Therapy, Global Crisis Intervention aims to enhance the well being of individuals around the world by supporting and acknowledging the efforts of music therapy work in all areas of global crises. There are numerous social and environmental issues affecting quality of life internationally, such as hunger, poverty, war, genocide, and natural disasters. The aim of this Commission is to recognize and support the many music therapists around the world committed to addressing these issues. This Commission also aims to develop strategic plans and specific educational resources for Music Therapists interested in serving individuals experiencing traumas and losses as a result of natural disasters.

Goals and Objectives

1. •To organize an ongoing source of information and a network of interested music therapists
   

2. •To formulate an ongoing record and database of music therapists who are interested/available to offer brief services to those experiencing traumas and disasters
   

3. •To identify qualified and well trained music therapists in key regions around the world who can help guide and facilitate the disbursement of supportive services to the individuals and families in need during these crises. The aim is to get organized groups in regions around the world who could respond in their own regions during and after a crisis
   

4. •To develop a Training Program and Manual to help educate and inform those music therapists serving crises. Training would include information regarding specific procedures, methods, precautions, common cultural practices and customs, and methods for debriefing. Such training would be in conjunction with already established Disaster Programs and could potentially be offered at music therapy conferences. To date, this Commission is working on establishing working relationships with the International Red Cross and World Vision. Training and preparedness are critical and the work intends to be supervised by an identified senior music therapist in the vicinity. Note: Music therapists and students may not have the training to face and cope with trauma, thus need guidance and support. The aim is to help encourage and initiate supportive assistance via group gatherings in regions where disaster interventions are being offered. Also, debriefing sessions must be organized in those affected regions in order to offer support to music therapists working with those who have been traumatized. 
   

5. •To organize a means of electronic communication that is easily accessible to  music therapists around the world. Primary source of information will be the WFMT website. Updates regarding the work done by music therapists who are addressing issues regarding regional and global crises will be posted regularly on this site. In addition, there will be a Facebook Group (group name: Music Therapy Global Care) that is currently under construction. This is intended to be a place to post additional photos and news of interest to this Commission. There will also be a Column for ”Music Therapy Stories from the Front Lines”