Info for Current Volunteers

Volunteer Coordination Information

 If you are a current volunteer, and have questions or concerns, please contact Caroline at:

• Office #:  706-292-9024
• Email:  cgettis@sacnwga.org
• Address:  P.O. Box 928 Rome, GA  30162

Upcoming Volunteer Events

 

Volunteer Reminders

Just in case you have a sudden spell of forgetfulness and you can't seem to remember when volunteer meetings are or what you are supposed to do when you start your on-call shift...the list below offers a few helpful reminders to jog your memory!

• Volunteer Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00pm at SAC NWGA. The meetings are potluck style, so bring something tasty to share with the group!
• Advocates: make sure to check in with your Supervisor at the beginning of your shift or the night before a morning shift.
• Make sure your cell phone is on, ringing volume turned up, charged, gets good service, and you have it with you at all times when you are on-call.
• Supervisors: when an exam is at SAC, make sure to turn all lights off, lock all doors, and set the security alarm.
• Crisis Call Check-List

NEW On-Line Training Available!

Check out the new on-line training available from OVC VAT-Online!  This program, along with a Volunteer Resource Manual will be provided to all new volunteers joining our program.  Please review it and let us know what you think!

• https://www.ovcttac.gov/vatonline
• ACCESSING VAT ON-LINE
• VOLUNTEER ON-LINE TRAINING CURRICULUM
• VAT ON-LINE TRAINING SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

VOLUNTEER RE-CERTIFICATION

If you have been out of the loop of our volunteer program for a while, and want to re-join us, please follow the links below to begin the re-certification process.  We've missed you around here, and we're excited to have you back!  Please contact the office to let us know you have completed the re-certification process, and we'll help get you back into the swing of things!
 

• RE-CERTIFICATION ON-LINE TRAINING
• RE-CERTIFICATION ON-LINE TRAINING CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
   

Taking Care of Yourself
 

Volunteering at a sexual assault center and engaging with survivors of sexual violence can be a very meaningful experience. Having the opportunity to assist a client through a traumatic life event can be extremely rewarding. However, hearing the accounts of extreme violence against another person can also be very difficult. It's okay to feel outraged, horrified, shocked, frustrated, saddened, hurt, or vulnerable. We all have limits of what we can do and it's important that we make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Below are a few tips and ideas to help us all cope with the feelings we may confront as a result of this work. Always remember, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging that you need to take some time off from volunteering to be with family, spend time with friends, or just take time for yourself.

It Will Affect You

For persons who work with trauma survivors, it's important to acknowledge that it will affect you. If you've been trained in crisis intervention and active listening skills, this work will affect you. If you really listen to what the client is telling you, this work will affect you. Recognizing that it is "normal" to be affected by this type of work is the most important coping skill that you can give to yourself.

Self-Awareness, Balance, Connection

One way to remember self-care is ABC: awareness, balance, and connection. Take time to be self-aware and self-reflective. Keeping a journal and taking a few moments to check in with one's self can be very helpful after having a difficult crisis call. Trauma work is important, but it need not be one's whole life. Maintaining healthy boundaries between volunteering and your other interests is one way to maintain balance. This kind of work should not be done in isolation...Stay connected by sharing success stories and positive outcomes with other volunteers. Share what was difficult about a case or counseling techniques that you found worked or didn't work for you. Attending SAC activities such as monthly meetings, in-services, and fundraisers allow a safe environment for volunteers to vent frustrations, share, discuss, and learn from each other.

Self-Nurturing

As a volunteer, you are doing great work and truly on the front lines of serving your community, so be good to yourself! Treat yourself to the things you really enjoy: get a massage, go to a spa, take a long bath, read your favorite book, listen to your favorite music, go hiking, exercise, spend time with friends or family, go to the movies, etc... Volunteers are the most important resources the center has, so take care of yourself and take care of your fellow volunteers.

 P.O. Box 928   Rome, Georgia  30162      Ph: (706) 292-9024    Fax:  (706) 292-0114       CRISIS HOTLINE:  (866) 655-8625         Ft. Oglethorpe Expansion Ctr:     Ph: (706) 861-0929     Fax: (706) 866-0782    

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