Volunteer
DAIS Client based volunteers provide direct aid to adults and children fleeing violence and work to build a society where all people can live their lives free of violence and fear. To learn more about all the Client-based opportunities, please view the opportunities below and click the role to view the position description.
Our application process is open! We are currently accepting applications for our November training through October 24th, 2025.
Please read about our volunteer opportunities below and complete our application if you are interested in joining our next group of volunteers.
New Advocate Training November 2025
Some volunteer roles work directly with victims in crisis and their children. These positions require a 26-hour New Advocate Training, in addition to program-specific training and observations.
New Advocate Training (NAT) Dates:
In-person sessions will be held at DAIS – 2102 Fordem Avenue, Madison, WI
- November 8th (Sat) | 9:00am- 5:00pm | *IN PERSON*
- November 11th (T) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *IN PERSON*
- November 12th (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *IN PERSON*
- January 28th (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | ZOOM
- January 29th (TH) | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | ZOOM
- February 3rd (T) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | ZOOM
- February 4th (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | ZOOM
Program-specific training schedules will be set by the supervisors for each program and will take place after the general sessions are completed.
Forte Volunteer
Forte Volunteers play a crucial role in helping DAIS communicate its message within the community and in identified on-site programs by contributing their areas of expertise, aka their Forte, to support DAIS mission. Some of our established Forte opportunities are listed below. Just click on the opportunity to view the role description. Have thoughts on other ways you might contribute your skills or expertise that are not included in our established Forte opportunities? Feel free to provide more information about any skills and expertise you may have and how you would envision using them to benefit our organization by including the information on your application for consideration!
We are currently working on scheduling the Forte Training Date. Please stay tuned!
Forte Opportunities
All DAIS volunteers are required to undergo a background check, complete confidentiality forms & follow our Covid-19 policy for the safety of the DAIS facilities and the protection of those we serve.
If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact volunteer@abuseintervention.org.
Volunteer Job Descriptions:
- Children’s Advocate: Children are involved in both structured activities and free play through the DAIS Parent and Child Advocacy Program. Volunteers help lead group activities, as well as assist individual children. Volunteers must be able to commit to one 2-hour shift per week for a minimum of 1 year. Most shifts are weekday evenings, M-TH from 6:15pm – 8:15pm. Daytime and weekday hours may be available based on programming.
- Court Watch:Court Watch Volunteers are trained to observe court hearings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm. Volunteers must be able to commit to one 4-hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months. Shifts take place at the courthouse downtown.
- Donation Room Volunteer: Volunteers help organize, tidy, and track our in-kind donations that are given to us by our generous community. Volunteers are expected one 2–4-hour shift per week with more opportunities available during high volume times of the year.
- Gardening Volunteer: Volunteers help plant and care for our garden that is used by our clients, staff, and volunteers. Hours are dependent on weather and are expected to be 6-10 hours per week. Note: this position is not required to attend the full 26-hour New Advocate Training, DAIS staff will discuss training with you.
- Help Line Advocate: Volunteers are trained to answer the 24-hour Help Line and Text Line. Calls and texts from survivors, concerned family and friends, other health/service professionals, and staff from other organizations are typical. Volunteers must commit to at least one 3–4-hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months. Shifts are available from 7:00am-11:00pm.
- Reception/Front Desk: Be the first friendly face our visitors and clients see when they come to DAIS. Offer a warm welcome and address general reception tasks. Available shifts are 4 hours (Monday – Friday), must be able to commit to one (or more) 4-hour shift per week. Minimum commitment of 3-months required.
- Shelter Cook: Volunteer Cooks work together to cook and serve dinner once a week to shelter clients and families in the DAIS Kitchen and Shelter, in addition to dishes and clean-up after dinner.
- Support Group Advocate: Advocates lead and facilitate one peer-based support group weekly. Opportunities are available on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s in the evening and Friday’s midday. Advocate must be able to facilitate one group a week for a minimum of 1.5 years.
- Shelter Hospitality Volunteer: Volunteers will assist in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all shelter residents. Tasks will include supporting daily operations, helping to keep shared spaces tidy, and ensuring rooms are ready for new families. Volunteers must be able to commit one or more 4-hour shift per week. Shifts take place from 5:00pm-9:00pm daily.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with DAIS – we hope to work with you soon!