Mat Carrier Guidelines

Grab a Corner. Don't Carry the Whole Mat.

Mark 2 Initiative is pretty simple. When someone in our community needs a hand, we try to connect that need with people willing and able to help.

Mat Carriers are neighbors helping neighbors. We aren't expected to fix every problem, and nobody needs to be an expert at everything.

If you're not qualified to carry a particular corner, don't grab it.

Use Good Judgment

Only accept work you are comfortable doing and know how to do safely.

If you arrive and discover that a project is different, larger, more complicated, or more dangerous than you expected, stop. There is nothing wrong with saying, "This is beyond what I can safely do."

We can always look for another Mat Carrier or recommend that the person contact a qualified professional.

Stay Within Your Abilities

Mat Carriers should not perform work requiring a professional license, permit, certification, or specialized training unless they are legally qualified to perform that work.

Be especially careful with electrical work, gas lines, major plumbing, roofing, tree removal, structural repairs, hazardous materials, and other work where a mistake could seriously injure someone or damage property.

Changing a light bulb is one thing. Rewiring the house because you're already standing on the ladder is another.

Safety Comes First

Use appropriate tools and safety equipment. Don't use equipment you don't know how to operate.

If a property, animal, person, weather condition, tool, project, or situation makes you uncomfortable, don't proceed.

Never feel pressured to complete a job simply because you agreed to help.

People Matter More Than Projects

Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Remember that we may sometimes meet people during very difficult seasons of their lives. Be patient. Listen. Don't judge someone's circumstances or lecture them about how they got there.

Sometimes the most important thing a Mat Carrier does is show up.

Protect Vulnerable People

Use extra wisdom when helping children, elderly adults, people with disabilities, or anyone who may be particularly vulnerable.

Whenever circumstances suggest it would be wise, bring another Mat Carrier with you rather than going alone.

Never transport a minor without appropriate parental or guardian involvement and authorization.

Never place yourself or another person in a situation that feels inappropriate or unsafe.

Money and Financial Matters

Don't borrow money from someone you're helping, lend significant amounts of money, ask for payment, or become involved in managing someone's finances through Mark 2 Initiative unless you are actually qualified legally to do so. Help us connect them with an appropriate resource.

Don't accept expensive gifts for volunteer work.

Medical Needs

Mat Carriers aren't acting as doctors, nurses, counselors, therapists, or emergency responders unless an individual happens to hold those qualifications and is specifically acting within them.

Don't give medical advice, manage medications, or attempt medical care beyond ordinary emergency assistance you are qualified to provide.

For emergencies, call 911.

Vehicles and Transportation

If you volunteer to provide transportation, you are responsible for having a valid driver's license, a safe vehicle, and any legally required automobile insurance.

Never drive someone if you are impaired, exhausted, or believe conditions are unsafe.

Tools, Equipment and Property

Use tools and equipment responsibly and only for their intended purpose.

If you accidentally damage something, get hurt, discover a dangerous condition, or have another significant problem while helping, let Mark 2 Initiative know as soon as reasonably possible.

Don't hide mistakes. We're trying to help people, not pretend we're perfect.

Respect Privacy

You may learn personal things about the people you're helping.

Treat that information with respect. Don't post someone's circumstances, photographs, address, financial situation, medical information, or personal story on social media without permission.

A person's need for help doesn't make his or her life public information.

Faith and Prayer

Mark 2 Initiative grew from the story in Mark 2 of men carrying their friend to Jesus. Our Christian faith is the reason behind what we do, and we make no apology for that.

At the same time, you don't have to be a Christian to grab a corner. People of any faith, or no faith at all, are welcome to serve alongside us. We simply ask that everyone respect one another. We won't criticize you for what you believe, and we ask that you extend the same respect to the Christian beliefs and purpose behind Mark 2 Initiative.

We want to serve people with the love, humility, and compassion of Christ. Nobody receiving help should feel that assistance comes with religious strings attached. We don't want someone's need to become an excuse to pressure, argue with, or preach at them.

If someone wants prayer, pray with them. If a natural opportunity arises to talk about faith, be gracious and respectful. If they aren't interested, respect that and keep carrying the mat.

Carry the mat. Trust Jesus with the rest.

When in Doubt, Stop and Ask

You don't have to figure everything out yourself.

If something doesn't seem right, stop and contact Mark 2 Initiative before proceeding.

There will always be another project.

There isn't another you.

Remember Why We're Here

We aren't contractors showing up for a work order. We aren't heroes arriving to rescue people.

We're neighbors.

One person may bring tools. Another may bring groceries. Another may shovel the driveway. Another may sit at the kitchen table and listen.

Nobody has to do everything.

Grab a corner.