How to Volunteer with Us
FSACC’s Pro-Active Approach
The Volunteer Crisis Intervention Program is a major activity of the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre however while the crisis service is a significant element of our mandate, it is not our sole focus. Ultimately, our goal is to work towards a time when the need for sexual assault services will be obsolete. To this end, we are a feminist, pro-choice organization that participates in action, prevention and education to promote the equality of women in order to bring about an end to violence against women.
Commonly Asked Questions about Volunteering with The Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
1. What is the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre?
The Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is a feminist collective whose primary goal is reflected in a commitment to work towards the eradication of sexual violence against women and children. We strive to meet this objective through two broad activities; public education and the provision of direct services to those affected by sexual assault.
2. What is the philosophy of the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre?
The fear of sexual assault is a reality for women in our culture - 39% of Canadian women 16 years of age and older have experienced at least one incident of sexual assault.
As feminists we believe that the roots of sexual violence can be found in the social, political and economic structures of society, and ultimately, in the power differences between women and men created by these structures.
We believe that sexual violence is a result of the inequalities in power between women and men. Sexual assault reflects an attempt to demonstrate power over another individual, and has nothing to do with sexual passion. Sexual assault takes away a woman's right to have control over her own body.
Inequalities exist in society on many levels. We attempt to challenge these inequalities first within our own Centre. Consequently, we operate on the basis of collectivity - meaning that we as volunteers share equally in responsibilities, decision-making, power and benefits. We recognize that there are no individual solutions to common problems; that working together on a collective and equitable basis as volunteers will better equip us to tackle the inequalities at large outside of our Centre. We work together as a women-only collective.
3. What are the responsibilities and commitments expected of volunteers at the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre?
Volunteers at the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre are expected to:
*Understand, endorse and advocate the philosophy of the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (generally, as described above in Question 3)
*Take at least six (6) phone shifts on the crisis line per month, one of which must be a weekend shift. Shifts may be taken from the volunteer's home. Volunteers are responsible for finding their own replacements for shifts or other commitments when necessary.
*Fill in the necessary forms regarding the calls you receive during your shifts. These are important for the purposes of compiling statistics, and for our own records.
*Be responsible for follow-up on your calls.
*Maintain confidentiality of calls and meetings. Calls in particular are not to be discussed with anyone not directly involved with the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
*Attend the monthly Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre business meeting.
*Be actively involved in all aspects of Centre work (i.e. public speaking, advocacy, fund raising, calls, etc).
*Ask for help and/or support from another volunteer when you are involved in a call or activity that you are unable to handle effectively alone. Remember, we are working together for a common goal.
4. What should volunteers expect from the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre?
Volunteers are a valuable resource to the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre. The Centre will provide volunteers with:
*training and orientation to perform required duties;
*feedback and support from senior volunteers;
*opportunities to use existing skills and develop new ones;
*an equal voice in all aspects of the Centre's operations and activities;
*recognition for efforts and accomplishments.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please print off this application and reference form and send them in to the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre or for more information contact us at:
Telephone (506)454-0460
Fax (506)457-2780
Email:fsacc@nbnet.nb.ca
Website: www.fsacc.ca
Mailing Address:
Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre
P.O.Box 174
Fredericton, NB
E3B 4Y9
OUR 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE
(506)454-0437
Fax (506)457-2780
Email:fsacc@nbnet.nb.ca
Website: www.fsacc.ca
Mailing Address:
Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre
P.O.Box 174
Fredericton, NB
E3B 4Y9
OUR 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE
(506)454-0437