If your words could heal, would you speak up?
If your presence could provide comfort, would you show up?

If you answered yes, consider becoming a Volunteer Advocate. Crisis Services Volunteer Advocates provide support, advocacy, and referrals for survivors of sexual assault, their families, and loved ones. You can download a Volunteer Advocate Application on the bottom of this page. We are continually recruiting Volunteer Advocates.  Volunteers advocate in following areas:

Telephone

Volunteers respond to calls on a 24-hour crisis hotline by providing emotional support, referrals and information to survivors of sexual assault, their families, and loved ones. All calls are dispatched to your home or cell phone. Your personal contact information is completely confidential.

Hospital

Volunteers accompany sexual assault survivors to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Unit (SANE) and area hospitals. Volunteer Advocates provide crisis intervention, support, referrals and information to survivors of sexual violence, their families, and loved ones. Support may also be provided for friends, family members and significant others who present with victims. They provide resources and referrals to recent victim/survivor and family, if needed. In addition, volunteers may serve as an advocate with law enforcement, judicial and medical personnel, as well as other agencies as needed.

Qualifications

All volunteers must :

• Be stable enough to support someone who is in crisis.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of training.
• Complete an application (scroll to the bottom of this page to download).
• Successfully complete the 40-hour training (trainings are held at least three times per year).
• Have an open mind to issues pertaining to sexual assault, relationship violence, substance abuse, choice, race, gender, age, ability, and other cultural factors.
• Give information and referrals regarding abortion providers and related services. We are a pro-choice organization.
• Have the desire and ability to work with individuals and groups of varying backgrounds.
• Have access to a phone.
• Provide their own transportation to and from the hospital.
• Make a minimum six-month commitment to the program.

People of any gender are invited to become part of the advocate team. Because of the sensitive nature of the work, it is important that only those who have a strong sense of commitment, responsibility, and dedication need apply. People from all different backgrounds and with all different experiences are encouraged to become volunteers. We have a great need for bilingual volunteers, and we are willing and able to support internships.

Crisis Advocate Training is for People Who:

• Want to make a difference by helping survivors of sexual violence.
• Are caring, compassionate, motivated, and empathic.
• Are interested in working with diverse populations - bilingual volunteers needed!

What You Get Out of the Training

• Crisis intervention skills.
• Listening skills.
• Anti-oppression training.
• Knowledge about sexual violence and its causes and effects.
• Cultural awareness: working within a diverse community.
• Understanding of community resources.
• Skills for advocating for Survivors within the criminal justice system.
• Personal growth and a better understanding of the world around you.
• A good feeling about yourself and your desire to help!

Time Commitment

Potential Volunteer Advocates are required to complete a 40-hour training that includes a reference check and exit interview. Volunteer Advocates are expected to complete at least four four-hour shifts each month during evenings, weekends or holidays, and attend monthly meetings. Volunteer Advocates are asked to commit to at least six months of service.

Although most of our shifts are from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and all day weekends, in 4 hour increments, we do have some day shifts available. All Volunteer Advocates have an after-hour crisis supervisor available on-call for assistance and support.

Challenge & Opportunity

Volunteering as an Advocate with RCCCNM is not for everyone. As a Crisis Advocate, you need to focus your attention on others and their crisis and must have a firm grasp on your own emotions.

Despite the challenges, it is a truly rewarding opportunity. Your effort is rewarded by knowing that you have helped someone through a difficult time and that you made a positive impact in someone's life.

We could not offer immediate crisis intervention, support, and advocacy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without our dedicated Volunteer Advocates.

We hope that you will consider joining our team!

More Information & Application

Please see News & Events for upcoming Volunteer Advocate training sessions.

The Volunteer Advocate Application Form may be download below.  For best results, fill-in the form on-screen and then print and sign it. You may also save the form to your computer to complete off-line, or print and complete the form manually.  Please print legibly.

For more information, contact our offices and ask for the Volunteer Advocate Coordinator or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .