ADVOCACY

The choice to become an advocate is a personal decision, and one that should not be taken lightly. Please consider the following important information before completing our online application:

Criteria for Acceptance

Survivors Interested in Volunteering

Training

Time Commitment

Advocate Guidelines

Advocate Benefits

What Advocates Have to Say

Volunteer Application

Criteria for Acceptance

• Be at least 19 years old

• Commit to volunteering for at least one year

• Commit to following RVAP’s confidentiality policy

• Live within 20 minutes of The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

• Provide two references

• Consent in writing to a criminal background check. You will be disqualified if you have an assault on your record

• Commit to attending all scheduled trainings (32 hours over two to three weeks)

• Demonstrate maturity and mental/emotional preparedness for discussing sensitive topics

• Demonstrate respectful and effective communication and listening skills

• Demonstrate acceptance of diverse lifestyles, values and opinions, and refrain from judging others' choices

• Possess the desire to provide advocacy, support and information to victims/survivors of sexual abuse and their significant others

• Show an ability to understand and willingness to adapt to a non-blaming, nondirective, survivor-centered model of counseling

Back to top

Survivors Interested in Volunteering

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, it is important that you have had time to heal. Sometimes providing support to other victims/survivors can trigger issues you thought were in your past. We recommend that following an assault, you wait at least one year to volunteer at RVAP.

It is important to let staff know if you are a survivor so we can work together to determine whether attending training is appropriate at this time. Ultimately, it is the decision of RVAP staff as to whether you are ready to participate in training and volunteer.

Back to top

Training

To become an advocate you must complete 32 hours of mandatory training. Advocate training is offered three times per year in February, June and September.

Classes are limited to 12 participants, so please apply well in advance for the session you wish to attend. Click here for the next training schedule.

Back to top

Time Commitment

• 32 hours of mandatory training and successful completion of assignments and role-plays

• One continuing education meeting each month

• Two to three volunteer shifts each month. Shifts are eight to 24 hours long, and conform to the schedule listed below:

*Advocates also cover holidays when the RVAP office is closed

Back to top

Advocate Guidelines

To provide the highest quality services to victims/survivors, volunteers must be emotionally healthy and well-trained.

A lack of emotional health could result in:

• The inability to provide support and advocacy

• Making harmful mistakes

• Detrimental effects on advocates who are trying to offer support but are not feeling emotionally healthy themselves

A lack of training (knowledge and skills) could result in:

• Relaying inaccurate information  

• Making unintentional insensitive remarks

To that end, it is essential that advocates:

• Successfully complete all aspects of training

• Attend monthly continuing education meetings

• Request training or additional information about topics on which they feel unsure

• Convey any concerns, insecurities or inadequacies they may feel to the Volunteer Coordinator or Executive Director

• Agree to receive feedback on their volunteer performance

• Be cognizant of their own emotional well-being and request time off from advocate duties if they are experiencing stress, busy schedules, sleep deprivation, or other circumstances that negatively impact emotional health

Back to top

Advocate Benefits

As an advocate, you will offer support to victims/survivors and their loved ones. In return, RVAP provides many benefits, including:

The opportunity to make a tangible difference: You can see the impact your work has during one-on-one contact over the phone or in-person at the hospital or police station.

Personal growth, empowerment and confidence: The skills you develop as a volunteer are often useful in your personal, school and work life. Being an advocate prepares you for difficult conversations, empowers you to speak up when victims are blamed, and provides you with confidence when helping others and yourself.

Improved counseling skills and increased knowledge: Advocates receive 32 hours of training on the dynamics and effects of sexual abuse, counseling and active listening skills. They also receive information about community resources and referrals.

College credit: Many University of Iowa departments offer college credit to volunteers. See your advisor to determine if you qualify.

Job or graduate school experience: Graduate schools and employers often look for well-rounded applicants who give back to their communities. Your commitment to training and volunteering will look great on your graduate school application or resume. RVAP can provide references for graduate applications, jobs or scholarships after you have completed six months of volunteer work.*

Networking and friendship: During training and monthly meetings, you will meet others who have common interests. Many advocates find friendship and networking opportunities through RVAP.

10,000 Hours Show credit: RVAP volunteers qualify for the 10,000 Hours Show, an annual free concert for individuals who volunteer 10 hours at participating organizations. Past performances have included Ben Folds, Guster, Cake, Jack’s Mannequin, OK Go, Girl Talk and Howie Day.   

 *Due to staff time constraints, references are limited to four per advocate.

Back to top

What Advocates Have to Say

“RVAP advocate training allowed me to now be in a position where I can help people - not just people who call the line, but also my friends and classmates who have questions about sexual assault. It is a great feeling to be able to answer questions and to do my part in raising awareness and making a difference.”

“I started volunteering as a class requirement to provide community service, but I fell in love with the staff at RVAP and mission of helping those in need. Whether I cover the crisis lines or provide in-person advocacy, I find satisfaction that I played a role in helping someone cope through their crisis.”

“I would highly recommend volunteering at RVAP to anyone who is looking for a volunteer experience that is both personally challenging and incredibly rewarding. I have been positively changed by my experiences volunteering with RVAP, and I will treasure the memories of the RVAP community and my work here for the rest of my life.”

For more information about volunteering, email volunteer-coordinator-rvap@uiowa.edu or call (319) 335-6001.

Back to top 

332 S.Linn Street | Suite 100 | Iowa City, IA 52240

Business Line: (319) 335-6001 | Fax: (319) 335-6057