Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteer Services supports all of our agency's programs. We also offer program
volunteer and special project volunteer opportunities, as well as internships. Interact
treats its volunteers as professionals to help the organization remain successful and
efficient in carrying out its mission. Without the volunteers' help, Interact would not
be able to meet the demands for services.
How do I get started as a volunteer at Interact?
What's the difference between program volunteers and special projects volunteers?
What can I do as a volunteer at Interact?
What kinds of internship opportunities are available?
How do I get started as a volunteer at Interact?
Starting in 2009, all volunteers must attend one of our monthly information sessions to
receive a Volunteer/Intern or Special Projects application. All volunteers must be
approved by the Volunteer Services Coordinator before being placed in the agency.
The upcoming information sessions are:
- Wednesday, June 10, 2009 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Wednesday, July 8, 2009 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
- Wednesday, August 12, 2009 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
The sessions will take place at Interact's new Family Safety & Empowerment Center at
1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh. You do not have to RSVP for the information session.
What's the difference between program volunteers and special projects volunteers?
Volunteers who want work with clients must complete 32 hours of core training in
domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, legal topics, client diversity, and crisis
counseling, as well as topic training in their department placement. All volunteers must
be approved by the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Individuals who want to volunteer his/her services and time with one-time or short-term
projects, fundraising efforts, event planning, product drives, or administrative duties
are Special Projects volunteers.
Any volunteers who want to help in one of Interact's thrift stores must also complete a
Special Projects application. Pass It On is located at 309 South Main Street in
Fuquay-Varina, and Pass It On Too is located at the Family Safety and Empowerment Center
at 1012 Oberlin Road in Raleigh.
What can I do as a volunteer at Interact?
There are many different things you can do as an Interact volunteer
depending upon your interests and upon your schedule. Some volunteers
work directly with the individuals who use our services and some
volunteers work in a more administrative role. Listed below are
descriptions of the different volunteer opportunities available
at Interact:
On-site counselor
Provide on-site telephone and office crisis counseling to victims
and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Requirement:
1 four-hour shift per week during weekday or evening hours. Overnight
Counselor:
Provide telephone crisis counseling to victims and survivors of
domestic violence and sexual assault. Requirement: 2 overnight
or weekend shifts per month.
Hospital
Responder
Provide hospital advocacy to survivors of sexual assault at S.A.F.E
Center at Wake Med. or other area hospitals. Requirement: 2-4
overnight or weekend shifts per month.
Court
Advocate
Provide practical information and emotional support to victims
and survivors of domestic violence in civil and criminal court.
Requirement: 1 four-hour shift per week.
Children’s
Group Facilitator
Co-facilitate support/educational group for children affected
by domestic violence following established curriculum. Requirement:
2 eight-week groups per year.
Adult
Group Facilitator
Co-facilitate support group for victims and survivors of domestic
violence, sexual assault, and incest following established curriculum.
Six months of direct client experience at Interact is necessary
before becoming a group facilitator. Requirement: 2 eight-week
groups per year.
Adult
Advocate
Assist shelter staff in providing services to residents of 18-bed
transitional, residential facility. Duties may include providing
shelter coverage and emotional support, transporting residents
to meetings, organizing donations, and helping staff with special
house projects. Requirement: 6-8 hours per month.
Child
Advocate
Provide support to children of various age groups living at the
shelter by modeling positive behavior and maintaining non-violent
forms of discipline, participate in weekly support group for children,
and assist with other scheduled activities. Requirement: 6-8 hours
per month.
Administrative
Assistant
Assist staff with daily administrative tasks including filing,
data entry, answering phones, preparing mailings, etc. Requirement:
Must be available during regular business hours; Hours flexible.
Special
Project Volunteer
Participate in agency special events and projects, such as fundraisers,
and assist staff as needed. Requirement: Hours flexible.
Youth
Presenter
Make presentations to 3-12 school classes about anger, conflict
resolution, sexual harassment, dating violence, and date rape.
Requirements: Must be available during normal school hours.
Speakers’ Bureau Adult Presenter
Make presentations to community groups about the agency, domestic
violence, and sexual assault. Also staff agency displays as needed.
Requirement: 12 presentations and/or displays per year.
Victim Advocate
Provide on-site telephone and office crisis counseling to victims and
survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at Southern Wake Outreach
Center in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Requirement: 12 presentations and/or
displays per year.
Cashier
Handle all money for sales at Interact's Pass It On Thrift Store in Fuquay-Varina,
NC and Pass It On, Too in Raleigh, NC. Requirement: 4-hour shifts during weekdays,
evening or Saturday hours.
Sorter
Sort and place items for sale in the Pass It On Thrift Store in Fuquay-Varina, NC
and Pass It On, Too in Raleigh, NC. Requirement: 1 or 2 4-hour shifts per week
during weekday hours.
What kinds of internship opportunities are available?
Internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of
disciplines: psychology, social work, counseling, communications, etc. Students have
the opportunity to become involved in all areas of the agency depending upon their
interests, academic requirements, and availability. Each intern will receive
comprehensive training, regular supervision from a qualified staff person, and ongoing
support. Interact is a wonderful setting for students to grow personally and
professionally! Students interested in completing an internship at Interact should
call Interact's administrative line at 919-828-7501 and speak to the Volunteer
Services Coordinator.
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