A person may choose to be a volunteer sexual violence advocate for any number of reasons. Whatever the reason, sexual violence advocacy can be a highly rewarding experience for many people. As a volunteer advocate, you may find yourself called upon to serve victims and survivors who live in your community. You may be able to help survivors feel comfort and support during an exceedingly difficult time of their lives. If you are considering becoming a sexual violence advocate, please send your resume along with anything you think we should know about you, to jamie@sapnslc.org. If your application is accepted, you will then have two options…

Option 1- To be required to complete forty hours of sexual violence advocacy training before you can be called on for advocacy services as these services would be working directly with victim/survivors, offering direct support etc.

Option 2- To volunteer without the 40 hour training, and be called on for services within the agency and not directly with those in need of services. These may include sitting at event tables, handing out agency information, organizing donated items and clothing etc.

Our program thanks you for your dedication to the anti-sexual violence movement and your willingness to serve victims and survivors.

THE ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Volunteer advocates are an important component of our Sexual Assault Program of NSLC.

Advocates who want to complete the 40 hour training volunteer in the following ways:

• Crisis intervention

• One-on-one advocacy

• Group advocacy

• Systems advocacy

• Awareness education

• Professional training

• Community education and public speaking

• Fundraising

• Promoting awareness

Advocates who do not complete the 40 hour training volunteer in the following ways:

• Table at awareness events and interact with the community

• Promote awareness

• Fundraising

• Assist in the organization of donations/clothing

• Assist in setting up/taking down at events

To become a volunteer with the Sexual Assault Program of NSLC, the following requirements must be met:

• A written application must be filled out

• Participate in a pre-screening process

• Background Check compliant with State and Federal guidelines

• A minimum training of 40 hours must be completed if you choose direct service advocacy (training standards are set by the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault and our Agency and must be completed by each volunteer)

• A review and understanding of a Code of Ethics

• Post screening and evaluations

• Follow recommendations of program (additional training if necessary)

• Continued ongoing education and refresher courses annually

• Comply with agency Best Practices and Standards