Fill out an application today!
Thank you for your interest in our volunteer program!
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization’s services, and we appreciate your interest in getting involved. Below, you can learn more about our upcoming 40-hour training cycle and about volunteering in general.
FOR APPLICANTS: FAQ
Why do I need 40 hours of training?
The state of California requires 40 hours of training for DV organization staff and/or volunteers who provide counseling to survivors. The training provides education on DV dynamics and other related topics. Ensuring that all of the team members complete this training is pivotal to maintaining client confidentiality.
If you are not looking to become a DV counselor with WOMAN Inc or another DV organization, consider setting up an educational workshop or joining an upcoming 20-hour training at W.O.M.A.N., Inc. For more information on either opportunity, please email us at training@womaninc.org.
What does this volunteer opportunity involve?
We are recruiting volunteers for our 24-hour domestic violence support line.
Folks interested in volunteering can fill out an application here. We ask applicants to take the time to complete applications, as this helps us determine who we interview before each cycle. We can’t provide training spaces to every applicant.
What does the W.O.M.A.N., Inc. support line training involve?
Alternating Thursdays 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. (Zoom), Saturdays 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (in person). Volunteer trainees must also complete approximately 18-20 hours of self-paced online modules (via Teachable).
OUR NEXT TRAINING DATES:
- We invite trainees into a community of learning and unlearning.
- We invite folks to deepen their understanding of DV dynamics, intersections of violence, and examine how our systems contribute to the oppression experienced by DV survivors & our larger community.
- Trainees must commit to and attend ALL training sessions (remote and in-person) to be accepted into training and eventually placed on the line.
What are some ongoing commitments once training concludes?
We will ensure that each training graduate fully understands not only their role but also how to receive support from staff as they fulfill their role. Some of the tasks of a support line volunteer include:
- Ongoing 4- to 8-hour shifts on the support line
- Communication via email (reading emails and responding to emails from the staff and volunteer community)
- We ask for a one-year commitment from volunteers (though many volunteers stay on past that term)
What are you looking for in a volunteer?
- We seek to assemble a team that reflects our participants’ race, ethnicity, gender identity, language, and other characteristics.
- We provide ample support for all our program participants; to that end, we seek bilingual-bicultural volunteers.
- Folks who identify as part of historically marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.
- We prioritize folks who live in the SF Bay Area, and residence in California is required.
- Volunteers must be 18+.
- We are seeking volunteers who have daytime or overnight availability (9a-1p or 1-5p; 9p-5a – overnight).
- Strong communication and follow-through are MUSTS for support line volunteers.
- We look for committed folks who take their work seriously and understand the importance of showing up for shifts.
- We hope volunteers will play an active role in the W.O.M.A.N., Inc community during and after the 40-hour training.
- This can include attending ongoing education, outings, volunteer meetings, etc., and/or asking questions and making suggestions along the way.
Check back for our Everyday Allies community training program coming soon! To learn about the community training, email Alicia (alicia@womaninc.org).
HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Contact training@womaninc.org for more information or alicia@womaninc.org