volunteer at a crisis hotline

starts in early september.

The hotline I volunteered for required 10 weeks (54 hours) of training. I think that everybody working at a crisis hotline should have more, but the reality is that with so few volunteers, that’s about as much as you’ll get from most places.

Volunteering for a hotline is INTENSE. I volunteered for a rape crisis hotline. There were some nights, after spending six hours learning about child sexual abuse or domestic violence or elder abuse that I would just come home and cry. I knew not to schedule myself for anything else on the days that I had training, because I would need space emotionally.

The calls can also be very emotional. Its easier after your first few shifts, but I care a lot about everybody who calls, and I sometimes wonder how things ended up… because you can spend several hours talking to somebody on the phone, learn that their life may be in danger, and then never hear back. Are you prepared for that?

It’s worth it. It’s a hard thing to do, but that makes it even more meaningful. You are providing an invaluable resource that changes lives. It can change the way you see yourself. I think that the rape crisis work that I’ve done is probably the most meaningful thing that I’ve ever done in my life. I would suggest that everybody here get involved, but know what you’re in for.

Only lasted 2 years, but what I learned it training will last me a lifetime