CCARE at Stanford University

Who did your project serve and what suffering did it address?
I chose to serve social science and public health researchers experiencing second-hand suffering experienced before, during, or after qualitative interviews in which participants may share harrowing stories of suffering, trauma, etc.

How did this project address that suffering?
I crafted a methodological guide for incorporating the principles of compassion into the interview as a research method, with particular emphasis on recognizing the shared common humanity of researchers and research participants.

Who was your audience and how many people participated? 
There were 34 registrants (with approximately 20 attendees) from across 6 countries and 16 universities. My workshop consisted of two half-days on Zoom.

What was the reported impact on or feedback from participants? 
One participant shared: “This training was immensely powerful and helpful for me both in my work and personal life. It has intrigued me to explore many of the resources provided to develop my understanding of compassion and incorporate that knowledge and specific practices into my life and work.”

How has the ACT Program helped you become an Ambassador of Compassion? 
I come away from the ACT program with a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose, knowing that I took this humble idea from a seed to a flower, and that Compassionate Interviewing will have a positive impact on the global community of social scientists who care about more ethical, sustainable methodologies.

What advice would you give to someone who's considering participating in the ACT Program? 
Trust your gut, dream big, and lean on your peers. Embody compassion yourself and you cannot fail!