By Jennifer Sutherland | Rise Above Violence
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need. Victims in our community need you. Rise Above Violence provides hotline coverage 365 days a year 24 hours a day. As a volunteer, you have the unique opportunity to help someone when they need it the very most.
The benefits of volunteering can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place, learn new skills, and even advance your career. All the training is free and provided to you.
Giving to others can also reduce stress and keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose when you help a victim in crisis. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day; committing to volunteering will not interfere with your normal daily activities. When on call, we ask that you be available to respond to any calls that come in. We do not expect you to put your life on hold during your shift, just that you remain accessible to respond to a crisis call if you are needed.
Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.
People with disabilities or chronic health conditions can still benefit greatly from volunteering. In fact, research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions all show improvement after volunteering.
Rise provides all the necessary training to become a victim’s advocate with ongoing support and monthly trainings. Trainings can be conducted remotely or via Zoom for anyone who cannot show up in person. Free lunch to be served during all monthly trainings, held on the third Wednesday of the month.
There are many benefits to volunteering; here are the top eight: make new friends, build your network, expand your resume, improve your confidence, develop emotional stability, feel happier, learn something new and explore your interest.
When it comes to being a volunteer advocate, passion and positivity are the only requirements.
If any of this has sparked your interest, volunteer now. Join us for our volunteer informational meeting on March 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please call to let us know you are interested in coming and to get more details.
Reach out to Rise at (970) 264-9075 for more information or email Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Sutherland at Jennifer@riseaboveviolence.org with any questions or possible interest in volunteering.
Rise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides 24-hour support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault or other forms of violence, serving around 400 victims each year. Rise also works to eliminate violence through education for youth and our community. All programs and services are free and confidential, including emergency prevention education and empowerment programs. Visit www.riseaboveviolence.org for more information or call (970) 264-9075 to talk to an advocate today.
