It’s time for another Rising Radvocate spotlight of one of our dedicated volunteers transitioning from Backline onto a new step in her journey. Sasha Brown has been with Backline for over five years and while three of them were spent on our Talkline providing callers with support around pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption decisions, another two were spent as a training coordinator for new advocates. Sasha’s work at Backline has truly helped shape the Talkline, as well as some of our current volunteers – and it sounds like it’s made an impact on her too! Sasha had this to say:
“Being a talkline advocate has meant honesty, confronting my deepest held beliefs, values, and judgments about others and myself. Sometimes, it was about letting go of all that, and sometimes it was about realizing there are things I couldn’t let go of. With time, I softened into vulnerability as I felt the support of the Backline community there, urging me to grow and open. I appreciate the community for that, so much. I can’t say enough about the callers’ open-hearted trust with all of us, I keep them in my heart, and hold their stories close.”
Sasha’s work has been such an inspiration to the entire Backline family and the impact she’s had on other volunteers is immeasurable. Our Talkline Program Manager, Charley Downing, reflects:
“Nearly all of our current Portland Radvocates were initially trained by Sasha Brown. We individually and collectively owe her so much. Sasha has a superpower in her toolbox for listening, and she always uses it for good. Collaborating with Sasha, receiving feedback from her, is never anything less than a loving experience. In addition to being a loving friend and amazing facilitator/trainer, Sasha is also a gifted writer, creative being, and wonderful Backline Talkline Radvocate. Thank you Sasha for giving us so much!”