about us : volunteer opportunities
Basic Advocacy Training is required for all Volunteer Advocates who wish to provide services to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or child abuse. Training is a 40-hour process that takes participants through the dynamics of relationship violence and the role of advocacy. The following are topics covered in Basic Advocacy Training.
- YWCA mission, services and history
- Philosophy of empowerment advocacy
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Sexual Violence
- Effects of violence on children and how to break the cycle of violence
- Dynamics of Active Listening
- National Coalition Building Institute-prejudice reduction workshop
- Legal issues/laws concerning relationship and sexual violence
- Mental health and suicide concerns
- Crisis Counseling
- Community resources
- Orientation to emergency shelter/crisis line work
Additional training is required for those interested in sexual assault advocacy. For information about how to be a part of the sexual assault advocacy team, call the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator at 543-6691.
For those interested in being a part of the group facilitation advocacy team, please indicate on the application when asked. Additional training is required to be a part of the YWCA group facilitation team. This training provides participants with the tools to work with survivors of relationship violence in a group setting set up on the premise of “women empowering women.” This training takes place after the Basic Training. Call the Groups Coordinator at 543-6691 for more information.