Get Involved
Volunteer
Join Our Mailing List
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Work at RAAP
Give a Financial Contribution

Volunteer

Picture

Thank you for your interest in volunteer work for the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program (RAAP).  We are honored that you want to give your time and energy to our organization.  We couldn't do our work without you!  There are several ways you can help RAAP succeed:

24-Hour Crisis Hotline Volunteer
Volunteer as an advocate on the 24-hour Crisis Hotline.  A volunteer hotline advocate is often the first point of contact for those affected by sexual assault.  You can make a difference by offering non-judgemental emotional support, crisis counseling and resource information to victims of sexual assault and other interested parties.  We offer a comprehensive training program for our hotline volunteers, giving you the tools to feel comfortable and successful in this important position. 

If you are interested in volunteering for our hotline, submit an application by clicking the "Apply Now" button, or for more information contact us at dchurch@raap.org. 

Next Hotline Training will begin on February 21, 2012! 
The next Mandatory Training will begin on February 21, 2012.  Trainings are held from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays within the training month and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. the second and third Saturdays within the training.

Hospital Advocate Volunteer
Be the safe and comforting person in a sea of confusion as a Volunteer Hospital Advocate.  Respond to the the hospital and provide advocacy and support to a sex assault victim.  You'll take the comprehensive hotline training (see training information above), receive full Hospital Advocacy Training, and shadow an experienced Hospital Advocate on a hospital visit.

Special Project & Office Volunteer
Volunteer to help with RAAP mailings, website and social media support, outreach events, data entry or other office projects.  Office project hours vary and include days, nights and weekends. 

In order to be considered for any volunteer opportunity, you must first complete an application form.  Please contact us at dchurch@raap.org with any questions or for more information. 

Thank you for your interest in the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program, and for helping to end sexual violence in our community!  We look forward to working with you!
Picture
Picture
"Volunteering for the hotline has given me the opportunity to give back to my community while challenging and enlightening myself.  Our callers are some of the most courageous women and men I have ever met.  They have experienced so much and it makes me feel so good to be able to support and listen to them.  My training and experiences on the hotline have helped me in other ways as well.  I think I'm a better friend, family member and employee because I volunteer with RAAP.  this work and the people I have come into contact with have strengthened my conviction in the inherent goodness of people.  The staff and other volunteers at RAAP have become an extended family to me.  I am so thankful to have them in my life." 
~ Angie Dolan
Hotline Advocate Volunteer

Spotlight on Volunteer Extraordinaire Bob Owens by Sara Ingram

Picture
Meet Bob Owens, also known as "Super Bob" by RAAP's staff.  In 2009, Bob was contacted by RAAP's Canvassing staff to make a commitment to RAAP's mission to realize a world where all people are free from sexual violence.  Bob recalls, "After being contacted to volunteer, I went to see what I could do.  It was like things just fell into place.  First I cleaned and sorted through the basement, then did some painting and so on.  Along the way, I became more aware of what RAAP was about ... I am well-rewarded many times over." 

Bob has generously offered his time and energy as volunteer extraordinaire!  Each week, Bob spends around 4 hours at the office working through a list of facility needs that range from general repairs and yard care to the creative, complex maintenance tasks and projects.  Recently, Bob completed the courtyard, a gift to us.  He built and installed a beautiful trellis, cleared the weeds, nurtured flowering plants and trimmed the trees - in addition to re-laying the engraved bricks into a secure, level patio area.  Bob's efforts transformed a dilapidated courtyard into a serene place for volunteers, staff and house visitors to enjoy.  Bob shares, "To me, it was that I was supporting people who are on the front line of victim assistance, who on a rough day, could use a little assistance themselves."  Bob comes from a varied background as a local truck driver, production manager in Duluth, administrative clerk in Washington, D.C., and paperboy in Portland, Oregon.    He is the father of two daughters, and step-father to five adult children.  He and his wife, Eloise (a gifted artisan), share grandparent responsibilities for 20 grandchildren.  Bob is a Vietnam veteran serving four years in the Navy.   

We extend our sincere gratitude to Bob for his gracious donation of time, supplies and extraordinary skill in maintaining the facility.  His presence at RAAP, good humor and endless goodwill is appreciated. Thank you, Bob!