about us : volunteer opportunities
Commonly Asked Questions about being a YWCA Volunteer Advocate
Do I need to have work/school experience with the issues of relationship violence?
No, our training is intended to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to be an advocate. The only requirements are agreement with our philosophy and an open and compassionate mind and heart. The YWCA welcomes advocates from all walks of life, experiences, cultural heritage, sexual orientation and all faiths and non-faiths.
What if I am a survivor of relationship violence and I want to volunteer?
The YWCA values and understands the power of knowledge gained from surviving a violent relationship, and the ability of survivors to advocate for other survivors. The YWCA has found that it is helpful if survivors have been out of the violent relationship for at least a year and have done significant work with a support group or counselor.
Can I do internships or practicums at the YWCA?
Yes. Both internships (defined as obtaining class credit or going through internship services on campus) and practicums (usually graduate level students needing to fulfill a large amount of hours and is a requirement for their licensure or certification; occasionally, undergraduates also need to fulfill a significant number of hours for an honors thesis) are offered at the YWCA. For those wishing to do their practicums at the YWCA, a separate interview is required. For those doing internships, please indicate your interest to the Volunteer Coordinator at the time of application.
What if I want to work with children?
The YWCA Children’s Program offers opportunities for advocates who want to work with children. The Children’s Program’s mission is to break the cycle of violence by walking alongside children as they process their experiences of violence in their home. They use therapeutic play to encourage children to express themselves and give voice to their feelings. Children’s advocates can work with children at our emergency shelter or in the Circle of Peace Children’s Group.
Can men volunteer?
The YWCA recognizes the essential role men play in fighting to end relationship violence. It benefits our agency to have men involved in serving survivors. Men volunteer with the Children’s Program, at the shelter, in our peer counseling walk-in room, and as educators. However, due to the large number of survivors who have had violent male partners, certain areas of volunteering are not open to male volunteers. These include the crisis line and response advocacy.
Can I volunteer if I am a high school student?
Yes. If you are under 18 years old you must have a guardians permission to volunteer. You will go through the same application, screening and interview process that all potential volunteer advocates go through. Decisions on whether or not you can volunteer (for all volunteers) will be based on maturity and ability to work with the specific issues of relationship violence.