Get Involved
We need your help, because without you our work wouldn't be possible. Whether you donate, volunteer as an advocate, serve on our board, or just spread the good word about our work and keep informed, it all matters. Apply Below to become a volunteer advocate, or join our mailing list and share how you'd like to be involved and someone from our team will reach out to you.
DO GREAT THINGS
Become a Volunteer Advocate
Are you passionate about supporting victims/survivors? Do you have good listening skills? Consider becoming a volunteer advocate. No experience necessary - we train you! Come to the interest meeting to ask questions and learn more. This is a great volunteer opportunity to help make our community a safer place where domestic & sexual violence is not tolerated and victims/survivors are believed and supported.
Volunteer Advocate Information
Our advocates walk alongside others on their healing journey by helping to cover the 24/7 Support Line after hours.
Training
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.
The Work
Advocates attend one mandatory Advocate Meeting each month to continue education & training, build team support, and debrief calls.
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.
The VPC Support Line is forward to the advocate's cell phone 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.
Expectations
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.