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.

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. 

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 (focused on continuing education, building team support, and processing through calls received). 

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• Advocates sign up for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 on-call shifts each month which will include some weekend and holiday coverage. 

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• On-call operates when the VPC office is closed. Shifts are 4pm-8am on Mondays-Fridays, 8am-4pm or 4pm-8am or Saturdays and Sundays, and holidays when staff are out of the office. 

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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 non-prescribed mood-altering substances, have access to phone services at all times throughout their shift, and have access to a reliable vehicle.