Reviewing the Materials

Familiarize yourself with all materials prior to training. As one step, make sure you review the Participant Manual that is referenced in the Instructor Manual.

There are several icons that appear frequently throughout the Instructor Manual:

		indicates that an activity is to be conducted. Activities are included in each module to provide participants with opportunities to apply or process information that has been presented, to enhance skill-building, and to underline the transfer of knowledge and skills to the participant's job following the training. Each activity includes steps to follow and time estimates to conduct the activity.
		with directive "Show Visual" indicates that a PowerPoint slide is to be shown. Within each module, PowerPoint slides are numbered sequentially. The module number appears in the bottom right corner of the slide, followed by the slide number. The module and slide numbers correspond to slide numbers in the Instructor Manual.

Customizing the Training

Draw on your personal knowledge and expertise and provide relevant examples, always making sure that you maintain the integrity of the training design, which is based on the principles of adult learning and active training. Because laws, procedures, and roles vary widely, you must augment SAASPT with specific local information. Check the Instructor Manual of individual training modules for notes about preparing local information.

You don't have to teach the full curriculum; each module can stand alone. Any of the modules can be used as part of more extensive training programs that most organizations require for new sexual assault advocates/counselors.

Here are some ways you can combine modules to customize the training to suit your needs:

• Understanding Sexual Assault. Combine modules 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 13 for new staff, board members at rape crisis centers, or relevant medical and legal professionals.

• Advocacy Roles and Procedures. Combine modules 1, 2, 10, 11, and 13 to focus on who an advocate is and what she (or he) does in specific situations.

• Preventing Compassion Fatigue. Combine modules 1, 12, and 13 to discuss compassion fatigue.

Ideally, modules 1 and 13, which offer introductions and a wrap-up, should be included in all training programs.

If, after reviewing all of the modules, you decide to customize the training, use our customizable agenda to help gather all the materials you'll need in a few clicks.

Downloading the Materials

This is a downloadable training curriculum. We highly recommend that you create a folder for SAASPT on your computer and download all the files you'll need in that folder rather than using the SAASPT Web site during the training.

Gathering Equipment

Make sure you have the following equipment and materials, which are used consistently throughout the training:

• Trainer's materials.

• Participant's materials.

• PowerPoint visuals.

• Laptop PC.

• Flip chart and easel.

• Multicolored, thick, dark markers for the flip chart.

• Name tags (for participants and trainer).

• Pens (one per participant).

Individual modules may call for additional equipment (see the introductory pages of each module's trainer's materials).

Preparing the Training Room

Make sure to visit the training room before the training.

• Picture the layout, including the location of furniture and audiovisual equipment, and determine if you need any additional tables or chairs. Keep in mind that you will need a small table for your training supplies and a larger table for supplementary materials.

• Make sure all equipment and electrical outlets are functioning.

• Check for window shades (to control glare).

• Try to avoid a traditional classroom arrangement. Participants seated in rows often find it difficult to see and hear the trainer and the audiovisual products being shown. They also find it difficult to interact with each other. Instead, organize the room so participants are seated in small groups, which encourages discussion and participation.