Call for YWCA volunteer advocates

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 in Mama(lode) says, Stories

The YWCA is hosting orientations for volunteers interested in advocating for women and children in crisis or mentoring girls ages 9 to 18. The orientations will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Prospective volunteers need only attend one of the orientations.

The YWCA offers many different opportunities for volunteers including advocating for survivors, helping children, and the GUTS! leadership program.

Advocate for Survivors
Want to answer our 24-hour crisis line or work at the shelter? Pathways volunteers join our team of advocates in providing crisis intervention and emotional support to women, children and men survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 45-hour professional-caliber training required.

Help the Children
Relationship and family violence deeply impacts children, who are often forced to become little adults as they try to keep Mom safe. These kids are in need of adult role models who can show them alternatives to violence in a safe and caring atmosphere. To volunteer with children living at the shelter or attending support groups, email dthompson@ywcaofmissoula.org

Volunteer with Girls Ages 9 – 18
Volunteers in the GUTS! girls leadership program work to provide a safe and supportive environment for young women ages 9 to 18 to explore their own personal values and discover their strengths. Upon completion of a 6-hour training, GUTS volunteers lead outdoor summer adventures, facilitate action groups through out the school year, and help out with community adventures all year long. For more information, contact director Jen Euell at 406.543.6691.

After the first orientation, volunteer advocates must attend a 45-hour training starting February 17 to prepare them to take shifts at the shelter, advocate for survivors of violence, and/or answer the 24-hour crisis line. Volunteers join the YWCA’s team of staff advocates in providing crisis intervention and emotional support to women, men and child survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Women interested in volunteering as mentors for the GUTS! girls leadership also need to attend one of the two orientations, but the training will be just six hours long.

To volunteer with children living at the shelter or attending support groups, email dthompson@ywcaofmissoula.org . Men are encouraged to become children’s advocates. For more information about GUTS! volunteer opportunities, email jeuell@ywcaofmissoula.org . Applications for both opportunities are available at the YWCA Web site.

Founded in 1911, YWCA Missoula is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Learn more at www.ywcaofmissoula.org.