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 now OPEN and we are accepting applications!
Please read about our volunteer opportunities below prior to completing an application. Our next New Advocate Training session is set for January 2024 (dates below).
New Advocate Training January 2024
Some volunteer roles work directly with victims in crisis and their children. These positions require a 27-hour New Advocate Training, in addition to program-specific training and observations
*Both in-person sessions will be held at DAIS – 2102 Fordem Ave., Madison, WI
- January 27 (Sat) | 9:00am – 5:00pm *IN PERSON*
- January 30 (T), January 31 (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm *Virtual*
- February 1 (Th) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm *IN PERSON*
- February 6 (T), February 7 (W) | 6:00pm – 9:00pm *Virtual*
- February 8 (Th) wrap-up | 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.
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 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: Our Donations program is currently full.
- Gardening Volunteer: Our Gardening Volunteer program is currently closed. 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 Chef: Volunteer Chefs 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 support group, weekly. Opportunities are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Advocate must be able to facilitate one group a week for a minimum of 1.5 years.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with DAIS – we hope to work with you soon!