Be a Helpline Volunteer!

Our helpline volunteer advocates are vital to RCC’s mission and play a crucial role in our ability to provide 24/7 immediate crisis response services to victims of sexual violence and their loved ones. Helpline advocates answer our 24-hour helpline on nights and weekends (20-shift commitment annually). Trainings are facilitated by RCC staff every winter, summer, and fall. To qualify, volunteers must attend all training sessions.

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  • We are looking for volunteers of all genders to staff the helpline on overnight shifts (7:00PM to 7:00AM, seven days a week) and weekend shifts (9:00AM to 5:00PM, Saturdays and Sundays). There is one volunteer on each shift and a back-up RCC staff person on call at all times.

  • Qualifications

    • Completion of RCC’s volunteer training program
    • General understanding of, or interest in learning about, issues related to sexual violence
    • Ability to respond to callers in a supportive manner
    • Must be at least 18 years old

    Duties & Responsibilities

    • One-year commitment

    • Check-ins with on-call advocate each shift, and with direct supervisor as needed

    • Complete at least 1 shift a month

    • Provide support by phone to victim/survivors of sexual violence and/or childhood sexual abuse, their support people and concerned community members

    • Provide accurate information about community resources to helpline callers. Make referrals when appropriate.

    • Follow all RCC guidelines, policies and procedures for the helpline as well as those outlined in the volunteer handbook

  • All new volunteers are required to attend five training sessions that will provide guidance on being a helpline volunteer, including education on taking calls, RCC services, and caller role plays.

  • Consider some of our other volunteer opportunities below!

  • Please fill out the Helpline Volunteer application by clicking the 'Apply' button below!

    Training dates:

    Session 1: Monday, October 28th 5:30-8:00pm

    Session 2: Wednesday, October 30th 5:30-8:00pm

    Session 3: Monday, November 4th 5:30-8:00pm

    Session 4: Wednesday, November 6th 5:30-8:30pm

    Session 5: Friday. November 8th 5:30-8:30pm


    It is required for all new volunteers to attend every training session.

Other Ways to Get Involved!

  • Office Support Volunteers

    Office Support volunteers help RCC keep operations running smoothly by offering their administrative expertise, or sometimes just an extra set of hands. Tasks that these volunteers complete include: stuffing envelopes, data entry, answering our business line, fundraising tasks and general clerical tasks.

    SIGN UP

  • Event Volunteers

    Event volunteers assist RCC staff at community activities such as fundraisers, educational workshops, Sexual Assault Awareness Month offerings, and other events. Tasks that these volunteers complete vary and include: loading and unloading supplies, set-up and take-down at venue, decorating, assisting guests, and clean-up after events.

    SIGN UP

  • GameChangers Program

    Dane County high school students are encouraged to apply to our GameChangers program every fall.

    MORE INFORMATION