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How You Can Help the
Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention
You can help the
Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention through direct donations, donations of goods and services,
and by just doing everyday online shopping. There are also many volunteer
opportunities as described below.
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Crisis Intervention Worker (CIW) - Direct Service in Office and On-Call. |
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Support Group Facilitators - Domestic Violence Group at MCVP, Domestic Violence Group for DCYF, Sexual Assault Group |
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Office Assistant - Special Projects (In-Office, but not working with Clients) |
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Fund raising and Event Planning Committee, Ideas and Volunteers always needed!!! |
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Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Activities Planning (October and April Respectively). |
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Opportunities in the School System, contact Educational Outreach Coordinator. |
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Trainers for Advocate Training (2-3 times a year)
CIW Newsletter (monthly). |
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Shelter Opportunities support group facilitators, transportation to appointments, etc. (This is still a work in progress so please see the Shelter Manager for more updated information!). |
*New ideas are always welcome! Please feel
free to contact the Direct Services Coordinator anytime. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is qualified to become a MCVP volunteer?
- What do Volunteers do at MCVP?
- How would I know the right thing to say/do?
- Isn't doing this work to depressing?
- How can I get involved?
Who is qualified to become a MCVP volunteer?
You are qualified if:
- You are 18 years of age or older;
- You are sensitive to issues of sexual assault and domestic violence;
- You are open minded and non-judgmental in your interaction with others;
- You complete the volunteer training program.
What do Volunteers do at MCVP?
Crisis intervention volunteers provide confidential support, information, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, their families, and friends, either over the phone or in person at police stations, hospitals, or the
MCVP office.
Court advocates assist with filing domestic violence petitions, other related court procedures, and are available to accompany a sexual assault victim through the court process.
Educational Volunteers work in the schools to help conduct programs about sexual assault and domestic violence, and to make community presentations.
How would I know the right thing to say/do?
Volunteer Crisis Intervention Workers (CIW's) are provided with extensive training before working with victims. This training covers a wide range of topics and provides ample opportunity for volunteers to practice responses to a variety of situations. In-service sessions are up to date with the latest information needed to assist survivors, their families, and friends.
Isn't doing this work too depressing?
Many people fear that doing this type of work will overwhelm them. Most CIW's find, however, that it is very rewarding to have helped empower a person who is going through a crisis related to sexual assault/domestic abuse. We learn as much about people's strength as we do about their pain. Volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing that the work they do makes a real difference, both in individual lives and in the struggle to end sexual and domestic violence in our society.
How can I get involved?
To register for volunteer training or for more information, contact the Direct
Services Coordinator at (603)-352-3782. You can make a Difference!!!
Applications
Anyone seeking to volunteer with
Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention will complete the standardized volunteer application process. If at any point during the application process or during the course of training, the Executive Director and/or the Volunteer Coordinator conclude that it is not in the best interest of
Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention for the applicant to become a volunteer, they may terminate, without cause, the applicant's participation with the agency.
PROCEDURE:
- All applicants will complete an application form, provide the names of three references, and participate in either an interview with the Direct Services Coordinator or attend the New Volunteer Orientation.
- An applicant may be ineligible for volunteering or terminated from the training program should the Executive Director/Direct Services Coordinator determine that the volunteer is conducting her/himself in such a way as to be considered detrimental to the agency, or if any false, dishonest, or misleading representations have been made.
- All information submitted is subject to investigation and will be considered in determining eligibility for volunteering with the agency.
- All information will be kept in strictest confidence, to the extent permitted by law, and will become part of the volunteer's file.
Crisis Intervention Worker - Job Description:
Provides confidential crisis intervention, support, and information to survivors, their families, and friends through the agency's 24-hour hotline. Provide advocacy for survivors of sexual assault at the hospital, police department, and courts when necessary; promote community awareness and understanding of sexual assault and domestic violence issues as a representative of
Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Successful completion of training program (minimum of 30 hours).
- Uphold client confidentiality.
- Attend a minimum of 1 CIW meeting per quarter.
- Provide support, information, and referrals as appropriate to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, their families, and friends by:
- Assisting in contacts with police, hospitals, and community resources;
- Keeping current and accurate information on legal and medical procedures and community resources.
- Be available for all selected shifts unless special arrangements have been made. CIW's are required to fill 4 shifts a month with one shift on a Saturday or Sunday, or fill 6 week night shifts per month. Take responsibility for scheduling another advocate if unable to fill a shift.
- Be responsible for the collection and return of beeper borrowed for shift.
- Contact staff the next business day to report call activity on the hotline.
- Complete and submit appropriate report forms promptly after completion of shift.
- Keep up to date on agency protocols through reading the newsletter and other bulletins.
Support Group Facilitator - Job Description:
Provide support and direction to participants of our groups once each week for eight weeks or ongoing. Select materials for handouts relative to the topic chosen by the group for the next meeting. Act as gatekeeper, when needed, highlight guidelines, and go over general housekeeping issues. Discuss with staff any significant changes or concerns that come up during group.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Successful completion of training program as well as group facilitator training.
- Uphold client/participant confidentiality.
- Attend minimum of 1 CIW meeting per quarter and quarterly facilitators meetings.
- Contact staff for copying on a timely basis, if you are unable to come in between 8:30am and 4:00pm to make copies.
- Submit attendance record to staff at the end of group.
- Contact staff the next business day to update on group activity.
- Solid understanding of the complexities of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Availability.
Court Advocate - Job Description:
Accompanies survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence through the medical, police, and court process.
Qualifications:
- Successfully completes volunteer training sessions and therefore have an understanding of physical, emotional, and sexual violence;
organization procedures; and legal advocacy.
- Accompany clients to court and assist with obtaining domestic violence and stalking petitions, provide support and referrals to appropriate agencies, provide information and support throughout, to file temporary and final hearings.
- Communicate with staff on a timely basis if unable to meet with client.
- Make accurate notation of client contacts for case file.
- Report any difficulties when working to office staff.
- Monitor your own effectiveness and contact the Direct Services Coordinator when further support or advice is necessary.
CIW (Crisis Intervention Workers) Commitments:
Length of Stay:
Commitment is initially for 1 year. Initial commitments may be extended on a yearly basis by agreement with the Direct Services Coordinator and the volunteer. A signed statement of recommitment is placed in the volunteer's file.
Termination of Contract:
Voluntary termination of responsibility must be given to the Direct Services Coordinator at least 30 days in advance, preferably in writing so it can be placed in the volunteer's file. Involuntary termination may be appealed to the Executive Director.
Missed Shifts/Change of Shifts:
CIW's are expected to be available for the shift they sign up for.
- In the event of an emergency, contact the office immediately. Staff will make arrangements.
- If you want to reschedule a shift, you are responsible for finding someone to swap with you. You must notify the office of any changes.
CIW Monthly Meetings:
- CIW's must attend a minimum of 4 meetings per year.
- Meetings will be held monthly, usually the 2nd. Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm (an annual schedule will be provided).
- CIW's must attend a minimum of one meeting per quarter.
- Exceptions or alternatives must have prior staff approval.
- CIW's must have a total of 6 hours of training yearly (hours must be earned by attending CIW meetings).
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