Does Anyone Know About Volunteering Abroad Organizations?

Volunteering at women's shelters/organizations?

• Im really interested in volunteering at one of my local womens shelters/organizations, which I have never done before. I have volunteered at various humane societies but I’m guessing my skills of hosing out kennel runs clipping nails and shaving bellies for the hot weather will not apply lol. Anyway, I've been trying to find shelters in my area to volunteer at but I'm curious what to expect. So i have a few questions to anyone who has experience with this form of volunteering... 1)What kind of tasks are given to volunteers at women's shelters? 2)I'm assuming there is some form of a screening process to protect the "refugees"(sorry don't know what they call them) what does the screening process entail? 3)Can volunteering at shelters lead to employment opportunities at the shelter? 4)How long is the training process? 5) Any other info you think i should know I realize that these will be specific to the shelter i end up applying to just trying to get general ideas. Thanks all

• Answer:

  First, let me begin with saying that this is the first interesting question that I have seen in this section. Second I applaude you for wanting to help in those area, because they are in desperate need for volunteers. I was a volunteer at one and also a resident, so I can tell you first hand what you can expect to see there. Now to answer your questions, in the order that you asked them. 1. The types of taks given may be anything from helping in the kitchen with meals, clean up, or dishing out meals. You may also be asked to go with the groups when they go out to meeting, shopping, etc...especially if you are in a battered women shelter, they always like for there to be a person who accompanies the ladies, for safety of course. You may help out in the nursery or with the kids while the mommies are talking to counselors, or are in groups. 2.They usually do a criminal background check, just to make sure you haven't had any charges of violent crimes or been involved in drugs. They may ask you to go to the local police department and get a police record printed out. You may be fingerprinted, and may have to go through a interview with the director to make sure you fit the requirements of the volunteers they are looking for. 3.Most definately, if you are a good volunteer and are interested in working in the field, you have a great chance of obtaining employment. There are always in need of ppl who are able to work in these shelters. They sometimes even will pay for all or part of schooling if you decide to get a degree that specializes in that field. 4. That depends on the shelter,,,usually no more than a week maybe two. 5. Just remember that depending on the shelter, you will be dealing with women/children who may have been through some horrible things. Keep an open mind and remember the best thing you can do is listen....they just want someone to listen about how they feel, they don't want someone to bad mouth their abuser, because sometimes they are still in love with them and they will still be in that " defensive" mode. SO just listen, have an open mind, and try not to get too emotionally involved. Not that it is exactly like working at the animal shelter, but you will feel drawn to take these women /children home with you, like you would that cute little puppy. But just remember you are there to assist them and offer them an ear and help out where you are needed. It can be such a fullfilling position and one that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. I really think you will enjoy it and you will learn so much., Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.