Volunteering with PWCL

PWCL is a volunteer-driven agency that operates with the support of dedicated members and volunteers. Volunteers may choose to provide direct services as advocates in the Crisis Line and/or the Sexual Assault Programs. Volunteers may also help with community outreach, fundraising efforts, the Board of Directors, or various projects as needed.

Overall Requirements for Direct Service Volunteers

• Complete Basic Advocacy Training.
• Minimum 6 month commitment; 1 year highly preferred.
• 18 years or older, unless otherwise specified.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to provide equal services to individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender identify, sex, sexual orientation, economic background, religious belief, age, and/or ability.
• Ability to provide information and referrals to a variety of resources, including abortion, and without involving personal judgment, experiences, blame or religious/moral beliefs.
• Ability to work effectively in a crisis-oriented environment.
• Ability to create and uphold personal boundaries.
• Belief in the rights of all individuals to self-determination and empowerment.
• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Willingness to become educated about issues of domestic and sexual violence.

Please download a Direct Service Volunteer Application (Volunteer Application.doc)

Crisis Line Program

• Provide over the phone information, referrals, and advocacy-based support to individuals who call on 24-hour crisis line.
• The Crisis Line operates 24/7 and volunteers may choose to work any 4 hour block of time that works for their schedule.
• Work a minimum of four shifts a month (16 hours total).

Sexual Assault Program

• Provide in-person and phone advocacy and support, information and referrals to survivors and non-offending family and friends during medical exams, police interviews and/or courtroom appearances and follow-up meetings in the tri-county area.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle, current insurance, and driver's license.
• Must have access to a telephone.
• Sexual Assault pager shifts are: 6am-noon, noon-6pm and 6pm-6am
• Work a minimum of four shifts a month (24 hours total)

Sex Worker Outreach Project

• Provide outreach and advocacy to those working in the sex industry.
• Provide in-person advocacy at a weekly clinic with Outside In.
• Provide direct services to survivors of sexual assault who are working in the commercial sex industry and provide education to individuals and communities impacted by the sex industry.
• Using a harm reduction philosophy, help to support sex workers to be safe and healthy while respecting their rights and choices in all areas of their work.

Mobilizing through Education Project

• Help to represent PWCL in your community (i.e. tabling and community education fairs, etc ).
• Provide education to community groups on issues related to domestic and sexual violence.
• Participate in school awareness campaigns on domestic and sexual violence.
• Help plan events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October).

Please download a Mobilizing through Education Project Job Description here (Mobilizing through Education Description.doc)

Board of Directors

Board members are elected for a minimum of two-year terms. The Board of Directors meets once a month for approximately two hours, and board members are also required to participate on committees. The total time commitment varies depending on the member's availability and involvement in committee work.

PWCL also has opportunities for volunteers interested in fundraising and marketing efforts. For more information, contact PWCL's Development Director at 503-872-8599.