In 1977, our organization relied solely on volunteers. Forty-five years later, we still rely on students, community members, and passionate supporters to provide 24-hour support to survivors, raise funds, participate in events, donate supplies and more.
In the past three years, our volunteer numbers have dropped drastically. You are crucial to ensuring our organization continues to provide the best quality and accessible care and crisis intervention to survivors and their significant others. Continue reading below to learn more about becoming a SACIS/CAISA volunteer.
Volunteer Overview
Advocacy volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 40-hours of crisis intervention training provided by a certified rape crisis center in the state of Illinois, or by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA).
Advocacy volunteers must also complete 6 hours of continuing education training/in-service training, in order to remain current and in compliance with our service standards.
- Advocacy volunteers:
- must be 18 years of age or older
- must be able to pass a DCFS background check and/or a criminal background check
Types of Advocacy Volunteer Activities
Medical Advocacy
Respond to local hospitals and police departments when a sexual assault survivor is present.
Prevention Education Facilitation
Participate in age-appropriate prevention presentations with children and adolescents in public and private schools throughout the service area.
24-Hour Crisis Hotline Coverage
Provide emotional support and information to survivors and their loved ones on the crisis hotline
Legal Advocacy
Attend legal proceedings of sexual assault cases in the local county courts.
Agency Volunteers
Types of SACIS Volunteer Activities
Clerical and Organizational- tasks in the office and out in our community
Fundraising – helping to increase funds for our center so that we may continue to expand the services available throughout the service area
Awareness Programs – participate in events that will help to engage the community
Board of Directors
Join the movement! Contact Stephanie Anderson at volunteer@sacis.org or (217) 348-5033 to get started.