Help Line: (608) 251-4445, or Text (608) 420-4638 | If you are in immediate danger call 911
 

Volunteer

Volunteer

DAIS volunteers provide crucial, life-saving services to domestic violence survivors and their families. Your time and compassion will go a long way in providing support to those impacted by domestic violence in Dane County.

 

Our application process is currently closed while we onboard our new group of volunteers.

 

Please read about our volunteer opportunities below and complete our contact form if you are interested in joining our next group of volunteers. Our next New Advocate Training session is planned for January/February 2025.

 

CONTACT FORM

 

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 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.
  • 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. Hours are available from 8am-12am.
  • 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 our peer-based support group weekly. Opportunities are available on Wednesdays & Thursdays in the evening and Fridays midday. Advocates must be willing to facilitate one group per week for a minimum of 1.5 years.