Responsibilities

As a community supporter, your role is to ensure that all attendees feel safe, supported, and comfortable throughout the event. You serve with a friendly, approachable presence, offering emotional support and guidance to anyone who may need it. This role involves actively checking in with attendees, being attentive to their well-being, and addressing any concerns they may have.

Emotional Support Tips

The primary focus of your role is to radiate positivity and good vibes. You want people to feel that they can approach you, whether for a quick chat or if they're feeling a bit off. A friendly attitude and an open, non-judgmental approach go a long way.

• When you notice someone who seems awkward or left out at an event, approach them with care and respect for their personal space. Don't assume that they want to reach out and talk to others, because some of them might just want to be present for the event. Offer your support in a way that feels non-invasive.
  • Start by observing the individual’s body language. If they appear open (not crossing arms or looking agitated), that’s a sign they might be more open to a conversation. But even if they seem reserved, approach them in a calm and friendly manner. You can ask something like, "Hey, how’s it going? Is everything okay?", which gives them an opportunity to either open up or say they're fine.
  • Simply acknowledging someone’s presence can make them feel included. You might say, "I see you’re here enjoying the event. I just wanted to check in and see if you’re having a good time." Sometimes people just need to know that they’re not invisible or being overlooked.
  • Keep your tone warm and neutral. You don’t want to come across as pushy or overly concerned. The goal is to make them feel seen without pressure.
  • If they’re standing or sitting apart from the crowd, they might just want some time to themselves, but if their posture is closed off (arms crossed, head down, avoiding eye contact), they could be feeling uncomfortable or left out. In this case, try to engage in a low-pressure way. Ask if they are okay first, then ask if they need help.
• The key is to be considerate and flexible. It’s not about forcing interaction but providing a friendly and open invitation for them to engage on their terms.
• You might encounter people who are upset or even angry. The key here is to remain calm and composed. Your calm demeanor can have a soothing effect on others. If they are extremely stressed, see if you can refer them to the friends they came to the event with. Have them help the individual out.

Medical/Physical Support Tips

In certain situations, an attendee may become unwell due to intoxication, a medical emergency, or an overdose. As a community supporter, you need to recognize the signs of distress. Taking action is important, but you must prevent yourself from being liable of any medical incidents. Here are the steps to follow if you encounter someone who is intoxicated, experiencing physical distress, or potentially overdosing:

• Signs of Intoxication or Alcohol Abuse
  • Behavioral Changes: Slurred speech, stumbling, difficulty maintaining balance, or being overly talkative.
  • Physical Symptoms: Vomiting, pale or flushed skin, sweating, or an inability to focus their eyes.
  • Disorientation: If someone seems confused, unsure of their surroundings, or having trouble following conversations.
• Resolution
  • If someone is visibly intoxicated but not in distress, check in with them to see if they need water, food, or assistance getting to a safer area.
  • Encourage them to drink water to help rehydrate and reduce the effects of alcohol.
  • Ensure they’re in a safe space away from any hazards (like stairs or high-traffic areas). If they are too drunk to stand or walk, assist them in sitting down in a safe, calm space. Make sure their friends are accompanying them at the event.
• If you witness a conflict between two members at the event:
  • Your first priority is your safety, second to other attendees’ safety. The third priority is to de-escalate and keep things from escalating further.
  • Contact NYF security as soon as possible. If the conflict looks like it could turn physical or dangerous, immediately alert the mall or arcade security to ensure everyone's safety.
  • Watch the situation and see if the individuals are just joking around or if their behavior is genuinely harmful.
• When addressing individuals who are mocking attendees:
  • Approach them without aggression but make it clear that their behavior is unacceptable. Ask them, “Why did you do that?” to confront them and put them on a pedestal for their aggressive behavior. If the individuals continue their disruptive behavior or refuse to leave, escalate the situation by involving security.
  • After the situation has been resolved, return to the attendees who were targeted by the mockery to check in with them. They may need emotional support or reassurance that the situation was handled appropriately. Acknowledge their feelings without judgment.
  • Sometimes, people feel guilty or self-conscious after being ridiculed. Let them know that the problem lies with the person mocking them, not with them. For example, “The people who make fun of others are in the wrong, and you have every right to be here as yourself. You’re part of this community, and you belong here.”
  • If they seem open to it, suggest connecting them with other attendees to involve them in conversation again. This will usually make them feel better while being at the event, as they stay with people who are likeminded in the furry community.
  • If security is involved, keep the attendee informed on the steps being taken to address the situation and ensure their safety. NYF Security should work with you to resolve the issue.
• If the situation worsens, or if they begin becoming aggressive or disruptive, immediately alert the location’s security. NYFurs Security cannot be held responsible for any incidents at the event and is therefore encouraged to refrain from interacting in medical/physical situations, but rather, is meant to communicate these issues.