For Volunteers

Don't miss the May 2008 issue of THE LINK! Click here to view our publication by and for WHBW Volunteers!

How to Volunteer

Who are the volunteers of WHBW? Who would choose to give up their Saturday morning to answer crisis calls or help diaper a fussy infant? They are mothers, grandmothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lawyers, teachers, artists, students and survivors. They are community women and men helping community women. They are the roots of the domestic violence movement. They are the roots of Women Helping Battered Women.
WHBW depends on volunteers to keep all of our services and programs running smoothly and consistently. If you have time and energy to give, can make a commitment, and want to get involved in real social change, please contact us at whbw@whbw.org or (802)658-3131 ext 1076 -- or download our volunteer application packet and follow the instructions on the form. Our volunteer opportunities vary and range from working directly with women and children to working "behind the scenes." Click here to view descriptions of our current volunteer opportunities. However, at this time, WHBW would benefit primarily from administrative help.

If you have particular skills in other areas that you think could benefit WHBW, please contact us. Bilingual individuals, people with disabilities, deaf women, women of color, lesbian and formerly battered women are especially encouraged to volunteer.

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Orientation and Training

All volunteers must attend an orientation session that will provide an overview of domestic violence issues, the agency, and the services we provide, and specific volunteer opportunities.

Once a prospective volunteer completes the orientation, if that individual wishes to volunteer in a direct service area, she or he must also complete our comprehensive, 22-hour training program. The training takes place three times a year and covers:
*Dynamics of domestic violence
*Peer counseling skills
*The effects of domestic violence on children
*Sexual abuse
*Related legal issues
*Diversity issues and cultural competencies
*And more…

Upcoming orientation sessions: Wednesday, January 9th, 5:30 - 7:30pm & Monday, January 14th, 5:30 - 7:30pm.

Please call Katie at (802) 658-3131 ext. 1076 to register or learn more about full volunteer trainings occuring in January 2008. Thank you for wanting to be part of our community and help to end domestic violence!

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For Students

WHBW has 1-year internship and work-study opportunities for many of our programs. Come earn academic credit or even a paycheck while helping to make a difference in the community!

If you are interested in an internship or work/study position, please call (802)658-3131 or download our application packet and follow the instructions for volunteers.

For Men

Men are welcomed and encouraged to apply for all types of volunteer opportunities except those in the shelter. As part of the healing process for the women in shelter, it is important that the residence be staffed with women.

However, men are encouraged to apply for the Children’s, Housing or Legal programs that take place outside the shelter, as well as any and all of the administrative, fundraising and committee volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in getting involved with support groups for men who are batterers, please contact: The Domestic Abuse Education Project (DAEP) 802/864-7423.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Service Volunteering

How much time does volunteering require?
Please plan to stay with us for at least one year and offer a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Can I train for more than one direct service program?
We prefer that you commit to one program at a time. If, after six months, you want to switch programs, you may attend the skills training specific to the direct service program of your choice whenever the training is next offered.

Can I get academic credit for my work?
Internships are offered in all of our direct services. We also have work-study positions available.

I have young children. Is childcare provided for me while I volunteer?
No, we are unable to offer childcare for volunteer hours. However, we do provide childcare during the training sessions if arranged in advance.

Are there any financial costs associated with volunteering?
Volunteers who complete the direct service training will be asked to donate $25 to offset the cost for training materials. We do not turn volunteers away if they cannot afford this contribution.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a direct service volunteer?
All volunteers agree to adhere to the mission and philosophy of the agency. Maintaining confidentiality, and the physical and emotional safety of the women and children we serve are the central goals that guide our work. WHBW operates as a modified collective and; each volunteer is a valuable member of the collective.

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