Volunteer
RCASA volunteers use their talents in a variety of ways, whether in our administrative office, at our outreach events, or working directly with clients. Previous experience with advocacy work is not necessary; however, we require volunteers to attend our 40-hour advocacy training and commit to 10 hours of service every 3 months. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for information regarding the next volunteer training.
Office
From helping ensure the smooth functioning of the office to creating a positive space for clients to come to our building, office volunteers play a critical role in the ability of RCASA to effectively serve our community. Jobs may include data entry, filing, putting together outreach packets, or creating grounding stones. Office volunteers are welcome to come any time between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Legal Advocacy
Volunteers that have completed the 40-hour advocacy training are eligible to attend our 10-hour Legal Advocate Training. Legal Advocates provide in-person support to survivors as they navigate the judicial system. They discuss the survivor’s legal rights, the legal process, possible outcomes and provide information that will help survivors make informed decisions about whether to engage in the court process. Legal Advocates also assist with obtaining personal protection orders and are available for court accompaniment to all court hearings.
Hospital Accompaniment
Volunteers that have completed the 40-hour advocacy training are eligible to participate in additional training to become Hospital Accompaniment Advocates. Hospital Accompaniment Advocates provide in-person support to recent survivors at area hospitals. They also help survivors explore their immediate options, advocate for their needs, and connect them to case management.
Outreach & Events
Outreach volunteers are the face and voice of RCASA at different events throughout the year in Fredericksburg City, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. Seeing our materials and resources at community events is often the first contact that survivors have with RCASA, and so we make it a point to attend as many outreach events as we can. By fostering awareness about sexual violence and providing info to the community about our work and impact, outreach volunteers remain critical to the mission of RCASA.