Needs From: Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

WHAT IS IOWA CRISIS CHAT?

Iowa Crisis Chat is an online resource for emotional support, operated by CommUnity Crisis Services. Located in Iowa City. Since launching Iowa Crisis Chat in 2011, the number of chats and texts we receive has surpassed the number of calls we receive by phone. Because of this growth, we are expanding our volunteer recruitment across the state! People of all ages use this service to talk about a variety of concerns. However, the median age is 21 and 80% of chatters are experiencing thoughts of suicide.

WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers learn a wide variety of counseling techniques and offer direct support to clients in need. Our training prepares people who have gone on to become therapists, social workers, teachers, lawyers, clergy, doctors, and even genetic counselors. Besides looking good on a resume, volunteering with CommUnity feels good! You get to make a positive difference in the world by connecting with people who are hurting. Even though this is a remote position, you will be supported throughout the process. We have been a volunteer-driven organization for nearly 50 years, and we have volunteers who have stayed with us for 15+ years because of our positive and supportive culture.

REQUIREMENTS Must be 18 years or older. Must be able to work one 3-hour shift per week for a minimum of 9 months. (Does not have to be a consecutive 9 months.) Must attend weekly in-person trainings in Iowa City Must have access to a reliable computer and secure internet connection. Must have access to Skype, Zoom, or Google Meets for a one-time interview (sometimes school or public libraries have this capability). Must be able to complete approximately 30 hours of training and mentoring. Must successfully complete a background check.

Volunteers are supervised and supported by full-time staff members who are available through our chat portal during every shift. Supervisors are there to provide support and advice, and to handle any escalated situations that might require 911 contact.

Apply at: builtbycommunity.org/volunteer

Do you want to help create a more humane society for all animals? Check out our Humane Policy Volunteer Leader opportunity!

Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders are at the forefront of our work to advance priority federal, state and local animal protection policies. These efforts serve to advance humane priorities across all 435 congressional districts and thousands of state legislative districts across the nation. Please join our team! To learn more, review our Humane Policy Volunteer Leader ad here: www.humanesociety.org/policyvolunteer

Humane Policy Volunteer Leader responsibilities:

Establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with government officials and encourage their support of the HSUS’s priority animal protection positions. Actively engage in federal, state and local policy advocacy, including submitting comments to federal and state agencies on proposed animal-related regulations, as well as letters to the editor in coordination with HSUS staff. Work closely with your state director to serve as an ambassador for the HSUS by communicating our mission, approach and policies in order to foster a stronger and more visible animal protection presence in your community. Participate in HSUS-facilitated webinars or meetings. If possible, participate in and assist with your state’s Humane Lobby Day and/or local grassroots events. Develop and implement a local animal protection project, preferably working with your city council or county board of supervisors to advance an HSUS priority ordinance or resolution in your community. Encourage your networks to take action on HSUS alerts and priority policies. Recruit HSUS allies to continue expanding the diversity of our audiences, volunteers and the organization, and make the animal protection movement more inclusive for all. Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders commit to taking actions as directed by HSUS program staff and their state director, averaging one to three hours per week for one year (weekly time may vary). Ongoing participation after the first year is preferred.

Benefits of becoming a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader

The Humane Policy Volunteer Leader program is the first, largest and most effective animal protection policy volunteer program of its kind in the nation. HSUS volunteers are essential partners in our lifesaving work for all animals and are an integral part of this community of compassionate individuals, all of whom are deeply committed to advancing humane public policies for all animals.

Humane Policy Volunteer Leaders will become highly skilled in the rapidly growing animal protection movement, receiving advanced training and ongoing support. You will receive an orientation on our policies and programs as well as access to support and resources not provided to the public, including:

Volunteer toolkit and other resources on effective policy advocacy. Regular virtual meetings conducted by your HSUS state director. Monthly webinars on timely animal protection issues.

As a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader, you will develop skills in public policy advocacy, networking, leadership and strategic thinking, and have the opportunity to share your expertise and experiences with community members. You will gain a deeper understanding of how to be an effective animal advocate, gain in-depth knowledge about the HSUS’s priority issues and deepen your understanding of the policy process and political landscape at the federal level, as well as in your specific state.

Apply Today!

If you've read the Humane Policy Volunteer Leader ad and feel the position would be a good fit for your skills and commitment level, here’s how to take the next steps:

Please complete and submit your Humane Policy Volunteer Leader application. After clicking on the application link, click the red "Apply Now"' button in the top right corner. After reviewing your application, a staff member will invite you to complete a user-friendly, digital interview. If we mutually determine that this opportunity is a good fit, you will be offered the volunteer position and asked to sign a volunteer agreement and waiver/release of liability.

If you would like to learn more or have questions about this volunteer program, please email us or call 301-721-6405.

Pillar of Cedar Valley is looking for volunteers to write letters to their residents. Click the black RESPOND button to the right of the screen if you are interested. You will be contacted by someone from Pillar of Cedar Valley to be paired with one of their residents to correspond with. This would be a great opportunity for families to write encouraging cards for seniors during this time. Below are some ideas