Volunteering for MOCSA
The Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) was founded in 1975. The agency began with two staff members and a core group of volunteers. Though MOCSA has grown considerably in both staff size and workspace, one aspect has remained unchanged: MOCSA continues to rely heavily on the time, energy and commitment of our volunteers. Our volunteers provide services to the community that otherwise could not exist. We feel our volunteers are invaluable, never “just volunteers”.
The reasons for volunteering with MOCSA are as diverse and unique as our volunteers themselves. Volunteers can be survivors of a sexual assault who have successfully worked through issues surrounding their abuse and want to help fellow victims begin their own healing process. They can be individuals who have experienced the terror of a close friend, neighbor or loved one being assaulted. They can be individuals who are concerned with the empowerment of victims of violent crimes. Whatever the circumstances, each volunteer is a concerned individual interested in community service, with a common thread linking him or her to our agency: their desire to contribute in some way to end sexual abuse in our society.
How to become a MOCSA Volunteer
Due to our responsibility to our clients, MOCSA conducts thorough screening and training of volunteers. The first step in becoming a volunteer is to complete the volunteer application. After we have received your completed application, we will call you to set up an interview. The interview is informal, but vital to the volunteer process because it will be used to screen appropriate volunteers, answer questions and discuss training requirements. After the interview, appropriate candidates will be asked to attend training. Please note that if you are asked to attend training criminal history background and reference checks are required.
Training provides 30-hours of specialized information on sexual violence and prepares volunteers for theie role as hospital advocates, crisis line advocates, community educators or support group facilitators. All sessions are mandatory. After training, you are ready to start as a MOCSA volunteer!
Requirements
MOCSA volunteers must be 18 years of age, have access to transportation, and in some istances have their own phones(for crisis line). As a volunteer, you must be sensitive to issues of rape/abuse and have effective helping communication and listening skills. Volunteer commitment is typically one year and time commitment varies based on position.
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