Volunteer
Volunteers play a vital role in SARA’s mission to educate our community and assist and empower people who have experienced sexual violence. Our volunteer opportunities include Hotline Volunteers, Community Outreach Volunteers, Administrative Volunteers, and Group Volunteers.
Volunteer Menu
Hotline Volunteers
SARA's 24/7 hotline offers free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence as well as secondary survivors (loved ones), allied professionals, and the general public. Hotline services include crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, emotional support, information, and referrals.
Hotline volunteers help callers stabilize emotions, clarify issues, and provide support and assistance. SARA aims to empower callers with information to make their own choices and conduct their own healing process. ​
Requirements:
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18+ years old
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Application
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Interview
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Background & Reference-Check
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40-hour Crisis Services Training
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​Minimum volunteer commitment: 1-2 shifts/month. Shifts range from 4-12 hour blocks on weeknights, weekends, and holidays. Hotline volunteers must commit to the Hotline Volunteer role for at least 1 year.
​Crisis Services Training
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SARA trains staff and volunteers to provide Crisis Intervention, Advocacy, and Engagement Services using the Professional Standards for Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs.
The goal of Crisis Services Training is for volunteers, staff, and interns to have a basic understanding and awareness of these concepts. Training methods include lecture, guest speakers, small group activities, and call simulation.
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Training Topics
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Confidentiality
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Definitions and Dynamics of Sexual Violence
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Definitions and Dynamics of Domestic Violence
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History of Sexual and Domestic Violence Movements
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SARA's Approach
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Trauma-Informed Care
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Individual and Systems Advocacy​
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Survivor-directed Services
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Adverse Childhood Experiences
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Crisis Response
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Safety Planning
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Suicide and Self-Inflicted Harm​
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Call Scenarios and Simulation
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Basic Advocacy Skills​​​​
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Civil and Criminal Justice Systems Processes
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Medical Information and Processes
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Making Appropriate Community Referrals
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Recordkeeping and Data Collection​
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Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care​​​
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Cultural Humility
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​How to Access and Work with Interpreters​​
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Winter 2025 - Crisis Services Training
Tuesday, January 7, 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, January 9, 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday, January 11, 10am-4pm
Tuesday, January 14, 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, January 16, 5:30-8:30pm
Tuesday, January 21, 5:30-8:30pm
Thursday, January 23, 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday, January 25, 10am-4pm​​
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Hotline Volunteer FAQs
If I’ve completed a hotline training elsewhere, do I still have to go through SARA’s training?
Yes, each hotline has different protocols, and we want to make sure volunteers are prepared to support survivors in our area with local resources and referrals. Some training content may be familiar, but a lot of things will be new, too! That said, we’d love to hear your perspective and experiences throughout training.
Can I take calls from home?
Yes! Our hotline system allows calls to be forwarded to your personal phone lines, so there is no requirement for volunteers to be at the SARA office while taking a hotline shift.
Do I have a support system as a volunteer?
Definitely. SARA staff serves on call 24/7 and is always available to debrief with you after hotline calls. Additionally, we work to maintain a community of all our volunteers and advocates. Call content can be heavy, and debriefing with others helps our volunteers maintain enthusiasm for the work. We host monthly meetings for our volunteers and advocates to connect with one another, process their work, and boost skills.
Will I receive a training manual?
Yes! We create a comprehensive manual that will include all your training materials and resources to access while taking hotline calls. This manual will be yours to keep.
Community Outreach Volunteers
Community Outreach Volunteers organize and participate in community awareness events and projects. As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you will team up with other people in our community who care about making positive change, and interact with community members at events, while also providing the necessary support for these events and projects to take place.
Participation in a 2-hour virtual volunteer orientation is required. Outreach Volunteers organize, execute, and participate in community awareness events; reach out to community organizations, both local and rural; table specific events; and promote the agency's vision and mission.
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Upcoming Outreach Trainings
Coming soon!
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You only need to attend one session to become an outreach volunteer. If there is expressed interest in alternative or additional training dates, changes can be made.
If you are interested in becoming an outreach volunteer, please email katie@saracville.org.
Administrative Volunteers
Administrative Volunteers assist with answering office phones, greeting clients, and completing office responsibilities and projects as needed. Availability for this type of volunteer is extremely limited and only on an as-needed basis.
Group Volunteers usually volunteer on a one-time or yearly basis and assist with a larger project in and around our office/community. Past group volunteer projects include painting, organizing, and flyering. We can host office groups, friend groups, clubs, etc.
Groups are not required to complete an application. Upon arrival, groups will be given a brief presentation on SARA and will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. If your group is interested in volunteering, please email katie@saracville.org.
Group Volunteers
If you have any additional questions about volunteer opportunities, please email katie@saracville.org.