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 open! We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2025 training. The submission deadline is currently May 2nd, 2025

 

To be considered for our volunteer roles, approved applicants will be invited for a volunteer interview for the specific role identified in the application, and a satisfactory criminal history background check must be completed along with reference checks. 

Please read about our volunteer opportunities below and complete our Application Form  if you are interested in joining our next group of volunteers. The application for our next New Advocate Training session is scheduled to open in February of 2025.

APPLICATION FORM

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. 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.

New Advocate Training (NAT) Dates:

In-person sessions with be held at DAIS – 2102 Fordem Avenue

  • May 31st (Sat) | 9:00am – 5:00pm | *IN PERSON*
  • June 3rd (T) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *IN PERSON*
  • June 4th (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *ZOOM*
  • June 5th (TH) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *ZOOM*
  • June 10th (T) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *ZOOM*
  • June 11th (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *ZOOM*
  • June 12th (TH) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | *IN PERSON*

Program-specific training schedules will be set by the supervisors for each program and will take place after the general sessions are completed.

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. 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 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.