Mary Connor shares, “It was an exciting opportunity for me that INELDA scheduled in-person training at University of Texas, Austin. By volunteering, I got to see how the training evolved since I’d taken it online, and I got to connect to new doulas in my area and help them connect with our Austin Meetup groups for death doulas and Death Cafes. For example, I met a woman in the training who has a major role with a hospice home at the tiny house community right next to mine, and we plan to volunteer together. I was gratified by how regularly the instructors pulled me into the class and invited me to share, such as when I explained my mother’s items that I brought in for the memorial altar. I also felt very involved and useful by serving to round out the pair processes, when attendees needed partners. For me, volunteering was a gift and the time was very well spent!”