Dear Prospective Volunteer, Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Clackamas Women s Services! Volunteers are an integral part of our agency and we could not support survivors of domestic and sexual violence at the capacity we do without the dedication and unwavering energy of so many volunteers and community members. It is estimated that volunteers at CWS provide hours of service equivalent to 3 full-time staff members a year by donating their time and empathy to support in our many services and programs. What We Look for in Volunteers An open mind and a willingness to continually learn new information and skills. Flexibility to try new things, help where needed, and be responsive to changes. A commitment to ending domestic and sexual violence, and other forms of oppression. Good communication and conflict resolution skills. The willingness to interrupt oppressive (racist, sexist, heterosexist, etc.) comments. The ability to take care of yourself when working in an environment that can be, at times, emotionally taxing. We have volunteer positions doing both direct service and indirect service work. How to Become a Volunteer Fill out the attached volunteer application and return it to Clackamas Women s Services. Attend an in person interview with CWS staff to further discuss the volunteer program, your volunteering interests, and which position would be the best fit for you. Sign our volunteer agreement and job description forms and undergo position-specific orientation & trainings. Please note that completing the volunteer application and volunteer training does not ensure volunteer placement at Clackamas Women s Services. Having volunteers who are representative of our community and are passionate about ending violence and supporting survivors is enormously impactful for the survivors we work with. People of all races or ethnicities, men and other genders, people of any sexual orientation, age, socio-economic class, and ability are welcome and encouraged to apply. We look forward to receiving your application! Updated 1.19.2019
Volunteer Application Name: Date: Street Address: City, State: Zip: County: Phone: Birth Date: Email: Occupation/School: If Younger than 18, age: Gender Pronoun? Primary Language? Other Languages Spoken? Availability: Please check your volunteering preferences: (Note: shifts may not be available at all times) Morning Afternoon Night Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1. What kind of time commitment can you make (estimate weekly hours and timeframe in months of volunteering)? [Please note if you are interested in working with kids in our Children s Program, that consistency is very important for children to feel safe and supported. We ask volunteers within this program to make time commitments that honor our agency goal of providing that consistency.] 2. Are service hours required by your school, internship program, or through another program? If so, how many hours are required per week, by which institution, and by what date? 3. How did you hear about Clackamas Women s Services?
4. Why are you interested in volunteering with us? 5. What is your basic understanding of oppression, including power and privilege? 6. What are some issues that victims/survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault may be dealing with? 7. Why do you think victims/survivors stay in violent relationships or leave? 8. Describe how you can support someone who has experienced abuse. Note: If you are interested in volunteering with our Children s Program then please answer questions 9 through 13; otherwise, those answers are not required to complete the application. 9. Please describe any experience you ve had working with children (volunteer, paid, etc.). 10. Do you have any special training or skills that would benefit you as a volunteer while working with youth?
11. Why are you interested in working with children who have been exposed to trauma and/or family violence? 12. How do/could you create a playful, energetic, and inclusive environment while working with kids? 13. Are you a mandated reporter (either through your school program, professional certification, or job)? Mandated reporters are workers in certain professions that must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. 14. If interested in a direct-service volunteer position, are you able to commit to the 45-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training. Most trainings sessions take place on Wednesday mornings and are on an ongoing/rotating schedule. If you have already received the 45-hour training from another organization, please provide certification. Because volunteers often hear stories about domestic and sexual violence while at shelter or the FJC, we ask that survivors of domestic or sexual violence take time to focus on themselves and to heal before volunteering in the field. 15. Have you survived emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual violence? 16. Have you accessed services at Clackamas Women s Services within the last year? If you or someone close to you identifies as a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, where do you feel you are in your healing process? We run a criminal background check on all volunteers. We reserve the right to determine whether a criminal offense may impact a volunteer s ability to work effectively with survivors. 17. Have you ever been convicted of a crime related to domestic violence, child abuse, rape or sexual assault in Oregon or in any other state? 18. Have you ever been served with a stalking order, restraining order, or sexual assault protective order?
19. Do you have any other convictions or arrests? 20. If yes, please explain: 21. Please list one personal and one professional reference. If you are interested in volunteering with our Children s Program, please provide a third reference who can speak to your ability to work with children. Personal Reference Relationship Contact Information Professional Reference Relationship Contact Information Children s Program Reference Relationship Contact Information Signature: Date: Please send completed application and questions to Josie Greer, Administrative Coordinator: Email: josieg@cwsor.org Fax: 503-557-5808 Mailing Address: A Safe Place Family Justice Center 256 Warner Milne Rd Oregon City, OR 97045 Again, please note that completing the volunteer application and volunteer training does not ensure volunteer placement at Clackamas Women s Services.