Volunteer and Make a Difference
in Your Community
Our advocates walk alongside others on their healing journey.
We do not inquire whether or not our volunteer advocates
are survivors of violence.
Some characteristics we look for in an advocate are; passion for supporting others, genuine compassion, ability to maintain confidentiality, follows healthy and appropriate boundaries, and strong communication, and listening skills.
We offer advocacy training once a year or by demand. If you are interested, contact the VPC office to learn more about the position and fill out an application.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - WE TRAIN YOU.
Becoming a Volunteer Advocate
-
Potential volunteer advocates must complete our 40 hour training program. This involves both in-person and online training.
-
Upon completion of the training, individuals are certified as a Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate. This grants them the ability to provide advocacy services through our support line.
-
Advocates attend one mandatory evening advocate meeting each month (focused on continuing education, building team support, and processing through calls received).
-
Advocates sign up for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 on-call shifts each month.
-
On-call operates when the VPC office is closed. Shifts are 4pm-8am on Mondays-Fridays and occasional weekend shifts if needed.
-
The VPC crisis phone line is forward to the advocate's cellphone or personal phone. Advocates do not need to remain awake for on-call shifts but do need to be available to answer calls throughout the night.
-
When an advocate is on-call, we ask they: remain within Cook County, refrain from consuming alcohol or non-prescribed mood-altering substances, have access to phone services at all times throughout their shift, and have access to a reliable vehicle.