Volunteer for MOCSA

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of our organization. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our agency and provide important services to the community that otherwise would not exist. Through volunteering at MOCSA, you join a community of diverse individuals who are dedicated to ending sexual violence in our society.

Current volunteers please click here to access the volunteer database. Click here for a map of hospitals where we provide advocacy.

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NEXT VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION: Feb. 27 to March 12!

The next opportunity to become a MOCSA volunteer is fast approaching! The training will take place every Monday and Wednesgay evening, with additional days of training on Saturdays. Fill out a volunteer application to get started, and be a part of an organization that changes lives every day!

Additional Upcoming 2012 Volunteer Trainings

June 4th - 18th
October 1st - 22nd

Check out our video about daytime volunteering!

Check out our video about hospital advocacy volunteers!

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Q&A with MOCSA hospital advocacy volunteer Julie Davis

Q: How did you first hear about MOCSA?
A: My step sister is on the board of directors. We're relatively new to KC; we moved here a couple years ago from Houston. She invited me to a luncheon, and I had no idea what MOCSA was, I just went to support her. At the luncheon, we heard some local victims speak, and I was so moved. I just thought this was such a valuable agency, and I thought, 'I have to get involved somehow.' Right away, I signed up to be on the distribution list for the newsletters, so each time I got one I would read it cover to cover, and was just so moved by the stories. Eventually I thought, 'It's time, I've been here a couple years, and this is a place I want to give my time.'

Q: What were you feeling the first time you got called for hospital advocacy?
A: The first time, I was extremely nervous, but I felt prepared. The compassion just kicks in the minute you walk in the door, and all the training just comes to you.

Q: What did you think about the MOCSA volunteer training process?
A: It definitely prepared me for what I was going to be doing. It was long, but very interesting, very diverse -- we were able to learn about everything from gay rights to law enforcement, and took a tour of a hospital facility with a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner).

Q: What would you tell someone who is considering volunteering for MOCSA?
A: I would say that MOCSA is so much more than just the hospital advocacy part, and that there are so many other opportunities where they could be of service and contribute so much. You can give as many or as few hours you want each month, and the flexibility is so accommodating.

Q: What's the most gratifying part of being a MOCSA volunteer?
A: You just know that each volunteer and staff member is working together, and each one of us is a part of that puzzle in helping that person, that victim, maintain a healthy life from that point forward. It's gratifying to know that I played a small part in putting that puzzle back together for that person, and hospital advocacy is the first piece.

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For more information on volunteering, please contact:

Volunteer Coordinator
816-931-4527

Find out more:

Volunteer Application [DOC]
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteer Positions

How to become a MOCSA Volunteer

1. Volunteer Application: First, start by completing the volunteer application.
2. Interview: After MOCSA receives your completed application, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to set up an interview. After the interview, appropriate candidates will be asked to attend training.
3. Screening: All candidates asked to attend training must complete a criminal background check. A reference check may also be required.
4. Training: The 40-hour initial volunteer training consists of group learning sessions and independent self-study. For one-time or short-term volunteers, a short orientation may be all that is required.

After training, you are ready to serve as a MOCSA volunteer!

Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering for MOCSA

Q: Who can volunteer?
A: MOCSA has opportunities for women and men, survivors and non-survivors. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, in some instances have access to transportation and/or a phone, be sensitive to issues of rape and abuse, and have effective communication and listening skills.

Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Volunteer commitment is typically one year and time commitment varies based on position. However, there are also opportunities for short-term or one time volunteers.

Q: What opportunities does MOCSA have for volunteers?
A: MOCSA has several opportunities for people interesting in serving their community. You can get involved in direct services to victims, awareness and prevention efforts, fundraising, or agency support.

Volunteer Positions

Hospital/Victim Advocate

Provide crisis intervention, information, resources and referrals to victims of sexual assault during the forensic exam or while making a police report. Advocate is on-call to respond to hospitals or law enforcement agencies.

Pick two shifts per month that work best for your schedule:

• Daytime (Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm)
• Evening/overnight (Monday-Friday 5:00pm-8:30am the next morning)
• Weekend (Saturday or Sunday from 8:30am – 8:30am the next morning)

Crisis Line Advocate

Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, information, resources, referrals, and problem solving to victims of sexual violence through the 24-hour crisis line. Advocate is on-call via an after-hours support system. Spanish crisis line opportunities are available for individuals who are fluent in English and Spanish. This is an advanced volunteer position. An applicant must first have experience volunteering with MOCSA in a different role to be considered.

Pick one shift per month that works best for your schedule:

• Weekday shift: (Monday-Thursday from 5:00pm – 8:30am each day)
• Weekend Shift: (5:00pm on Friday through 8:30am on Monday).

Group Facilitator

Co-facilitate weekly adult or child support groups. While group times vary, most take place during the evening. Volunteer must be comfortable working with survivors in a group setting.

Community Educator

Promote awareness and prevention of sexual violence in the community. Time commitment is dependent upon the number of community education requests and speaker availability.

• Facilitate presentations
• Participate in health fairs and other outreach efforts in the community.
• Share victim impact stories as appropriate as part of the Speaker’s Bureau.

Youth Educator

Promote awareness and prevention of sexual violence in the schools. Daytime availability is required for 2 half-day presentations or 1 full-day presentation per month.

• Project Aware: Provide educational presentations to children grades K-5 on how to identify sexual abuse, how to protect themselves, and how to get help if someone tries to abuse them.
• Teen Education: Provide prevention and awareness education to middle and high school students on a variety of topics related to sexual violence and healthy relationships.

Man Up! Program

Empower boys and men to have greater awareness and opportunity to be a part of the solution to end sexual violence and also have the ability to speak up, stand up…. “Man Up!”

Become involved in any of the following roles:

• Community Educator
• Youth Education

• Grassroots Development

• Agency Support

For more information:

• Visit the Man Up! blog at kcmanup.org

• Sign the "Man Up!" pledge

Special Events/Fundraising

Promote awareness of MOCSA services, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising through organizing and hosting small scale events or assisting with MOCSA's annual special events. Volunteer must enjoy working on special events and be comfortable with public speaking. Time commitment is flexible and can be arranged around your schedule.

Agency Support

Assist MOCSA in a variety of areas. Time commitment is flexible and can be arranged around your schedule. Opportunities include:

• Answering the agency phone
• Preparing mailings
• Developing newsletters
• Maintaining MOCSA databases
• Managing the MOCSA Resource Library
• Serving on agency or board committees