My Sister's Place volunteers are vital to our existence. They contribute many talents to our various programs enabling us to provide the high level of service for which we are known. Because our program is so diverse, we generally can use whatever time volunteers have to give. We do ask that volunteers make at least a one year commitment to the program, however, and volunteer at least eight hours a month. Volunteers must attend one of our free, quarterly, training programs in crisis counseling skills and the dynamics of domestic violence.

Our volunteer opportunities include:

The Hotline

Counsel callers with referrals and support; screen potential residents; complete intake process with new residents and assist residents on-site as needed. (Training required)

Community Education

Contact and arrange educational speaking engagements with local organizations; help staff tables at community events and speak on domestic violence issues to a variety of audiences. (Public speakers must attend our Speaker's Bureau training.) We can also use help with research and helping to update our extensive library and materials.

The Clothesline Project

Our clothesline project committee meets bi-monthly to work on issues of public awareness and solicit places to both show the project and host shirt-making sessions. We also need volunteers to solicit donations of T-Shirts and Paint.

The Children's Program

Assist with children's groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:30 pm; accompany children on monthly outings; and tutor children after school (when needed).

Development and Fundraising

Help plan and assist with fundraising events; identify and contact donors; assist with the yearly Combined Federal Campaign; and research grants.

Supporting Our Survivors (SOS) Center

Provide administrative support for our drop-in center, such as: answering phones, greeting clients, etc; help with the children on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 pm while mothers are in support group. We especially need daytime volunteers to assist with running the center.

Volunteer Program

Phone volunteers to schedule for hotline; present specific areas of training; and assist in producing the volunteer newsletter.

Administrative Support

Provide office support; compile shelter statistics; update forms; research; and assist with mailings.

Translation

Be "on-call" to translate for shelter residents and talk to non-English speaking residents to help prevent a feeling of isolation and improve resident staff communication.

Intern opportunities are also available in all of the above areas, call for details.

For more information and a Volunteer Application phone our volunteer coordinators at (202) 529-5261.