Volunteer Program

UPCOMING 40-HOUR DATES & DEADLINES

Late Summer 2024

Training Starts August 24th!

Hybrid training – part Zoom and part in person in our Arlington Heights and McHenry offices.

Application

Training Dates:

August 24- September 14, 2024

Saturdays 10am to 4pm

Weekdays 5pm to 9pm

Join NWCASA’s Volunteer Program

Northwest CASA is a non-for-profit organization under the governing body of Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. NWCASA is made up of staff and volunteers who work to empower and support survivors of sexual violence.

Volunteer Opportunities with Northwest CASA

Our volunteer program is created into different positions that fit our volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers are able to become a part of our Outreach Program, Prevention Program, or Advocacy Program. Every volunteer has the opportunity to start off as an Outreach Volunteer or a Volunteer Advocate Trainee. All interested volunteers will have to complete our 40-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training. If you have further questions, please contact our Community Engagement Specialist.

Complete our volunteer application here

How do I know if this is the right time for me to volunteer with Northwest CASA?

You have 24 hours available each month to share with NWCASA and make a direct impact in the field of sexual violence.
It has been at least 1 year since you have stopped receiving services from Northwest CASA or another rape crisis center.
You have a strong support system in place and a strong self-care routine
If you are unsure about volunteering, you are always welcome to apply, and make your decision with the support of staff who can answer your questions

Roles and responsibilities

Volunteer Advocate Trainee

Volunteer Advocate Trainee’s provide crisis intervention on our 24/7 Confidential Crisis Hotline. Volunteer Advocate Trainee’s answer hotline calls, provide information and referrals on calls, respond to partner hospitals in NWCASA’s service area, and provide documentation within a timely manner. Advocates work directly with survivors of sexual assault and their significant others.

Become 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Trained in the state of Illinois
Complete 20-hours of volunteer training
Be on-call to provide crisis intervention on our 24/7 crisis hotline for at least four, six-hour shifts per month
Commit to a full year of service and complete NWCASA’s sustainability honorarium
Advocates must be 18 years of age or older

View our full Volunteer Advocate Trainee description here

Outreach Volunteer

The focus of the Outreach Volunteer is raising awareness of sexual violence in our community and informing people of NWCASA’s ability to help. Attend Volunteer Recruitment Events as a Northwest CASA representative Attend Outreach events and functions as a Northwest CASA representative Support Northwest CASA by attending events and fundraisers Outreach volunteers aid NWCASA in fundraising and advertising outreach events. As an Outreach Volunteer you can help organize, create, and attend events while engaging in meaningful relationships with the community.

Become 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Trained in the state of Illinois
Must be 17 years of age or older
Knowledge of sexual violence issues
Ability to deal sensitively with victims of sexual violence and their significant others