Become a Helpline Volunteer!

RCC 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.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Fill out the Helpline Volunteer application by clicking the 'Apply' button below!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are looking for volunteers of all genders (age 18+) to staff the helpline on overnight shifts from 7:00PM to 7:00AM on weeknights and 9:00AM to 5:00PM on weekends.

    Note: 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.

  • Thank you for supporting RCC’s mission! Please consider exploring some of our other volunteer opportunities below, including event and office volunteering, or join us in the community at one of RCC’s upcoming events.

  • Email our Helpline & Volunteer Manager, Taylor Jones, for questions regarding volunteer opportunities!

Upcoming Volunteer Training Dates TBA

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Upcoming Volunteer Training Dates TBA ✳︎

Other Involvement

Office Volunteers

Office Support volunteers help RCC keep operations running smoothly by offering their administrative expertise, or sometimes just an extra set of hands.

Office volunteer tasks include: welcoming clients to our space, stuffing envelopes, data entry, answering our business line, fundraising support, and general clerical tasks.

Apply

Event Volunteers

Event volunteers assist RCC staff at community activities such as fundraisers, educational workshops, Sexual Assault Awareness Month offerings, and other events.

Event volunteers tasks vary and include: loading and unloading supplies, set-up and take-down at venue, decorating, assisting guests, and clean-up after events.

Apply

Youth Programs

Dane County high school students who are passionate about social justice and violence prevention are encouraged to apply to our paid GameChangers Youth Advisory Board each fall.

We also offer involvement opportunities at several Dane County high schools through Gender Equity clubs.

Learn more