The mission of the Violence Prevention Center is to serve individuals and families in Cook County affected by domestic and sexual violence and to act as a catalyst in building healthy relationships and developing a community where violence is not tolerated.

Violence Prevention Center. Cascade Building, 21 W. 2nd St., Grand Marais, MN 55604.

(218) 387-1262. (218) 387-1237. hope4u@boreal.org. www.violencepreventioncenter.org

volunteer and make a difference

in your community 

Our advocates walk alongside others on their journey to a better life.

We do not inquire whether or not our 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.

Becoming a Volunteer Advocate

  • Potential volunteer advocates must complete our 40 hour training program. This involves both in-person and online training. 

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  • 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 crisis phone line. 

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  • Advocates attend one mandatory advocate meeting each month. 

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  • Advocates sign up for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 on-call shifts each month. 

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  • On-call operates when the VPC office is closed. Shifts are 4pm-8am on Monday-Friday and the 8am-4pm or 4pm-8am or Saturdays and Sundays. 

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  • 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. 

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  • When an advocate is on-call, we ask they: remain within Cook County, refrain from consuming alcohol or mood-altering substances, have access to phone services at all times throughout their shift, and have access to a reliable vehicle.  

 

Click                to download the volunteer application and contact us to learn more:

218-387-1262, hope4u@boreal.org

 

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. 

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NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - WE TRAIN YOU.