We look forward to receiving your application!
Volunteer
Volunteers are the cornerstone of our agency, which began as a grassroots volunteer phone line in 1975.
Throughout our evolution, the Support and Information Line (SIL), as well as the volunteers who answer the calls, have remained at the centre of our agency and its values. Over the years we have also been very fortunate to integrate additional volunteer opportunities into our programs, such as fundraising, special events, and text and chat support.
The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) is incredibly grateful for all of the volunteers we have had in the past, as well as those who continue to work with our organization today. We value the contribution of our volunteers a great deal and are thankful for all of the compassion and energy that they bring to our organization. SACE is always looking for volunteers who are passionate about upholding a culture of consent and are excited to contribute to the work that we do.
Available volunteer opportunities
Support & Information Line
Providing phone, text and chat support on the SACE Support and Information Line, and Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence.
Help Us With Fundraisers
Supporting SACE fundraising efforts such as casinos, fundraisers, and special events.
Become a Board Director
Sitting on our Board of Directors means you have the ability to influence real change within your city.
Volunteering on the Support & Information Line
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to volunteer on the Line, you must be:
- 18 or older
- Not have accessed support at the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, through the Support and Information Line or counselling, regarding your own experience within the last two years (as per the Alberta Psychologists’ Association’s guidelines).
- A Police Information Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check must be completed. Any information disclosed will be considered depending on the nature of the results and the context of the volunteer opportunity.
- Be able to provide resources and information on all three options of parenting, adoption and abortion to callers seeking support regarding pregnancy.
- Not have used sexual violence against, or stalked another individual.
- Not have a personal relationship with a SACE client.
Qualifications
We are looking for people who possess:
- A non-judgmental attitude
- A willingness to learn
- The ability to work with a variety of people
- Good communication and listening skills
- Responsibility, maturity, and punctuality
Frequency
We offer training twice a year: in the fall (September to November) and spring (May to June).
This training occurs on:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
6 to 9 p.m.
Saturdays (several)
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Volunteering changed my life. It ignited a passion and led to a career that I would have never chosen if I was not given the opportunity to volunteer and be exposed to like-minded people.”
SACE Volunteer
“This training is worth all the time you invest into it. The information received is invaluable and overall, just an amazing experience.”
SACE Volunteer
“Such an amazing experience, with amazing people. I feel really grateful to have been able to have this experience!”
SACE Volunteer
Commitments
Volunteering on the SACE Support and Information Line, and Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence requires a commitment of:
Attending five monthly volunteer meetings or events per year
70 hours of mandatory crisis line training
Minimum of a six month commitment
What we cover in SIL training
During the 70 hours of training we will cover topics including:
- Communication and support skills
- Information about sexual violence, including the cultural context in which it exists, definitions, and sexual assault within the criminal code
- Anti-oppression
- Trauma
- Sexual violence in diverse communities
- The criminal justice system
- Self-care
- Text/chat support
- Stalking
- Sexual violence facilitated through technology
- Intimate partner violence
- Suicide intervention
- Community resources
FAQs
Support & Information Line application process
After the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager has received the completed application package, which includes the two online reference forms, successful applicants will be contacted in order to schedule an interview with the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
Application
Step 1
Submit your volunteer application form online.
References
Step 2
Two references are also required. Only work, volunteer or academic references will be accepted (no personal references such as family, friends, etc.).
The online reference form is to be completed and submitted by the person providing the reference, not the applicant.
Completed Forms
We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the volunteer application process, please contact us.
Interview
The interview generally takes an hour and is more conversational and personal in nature than many other types of interviews. You do not need to prepare anything in advance of the interview.
Once the interview is complete, if the partnership is deemed a good fit for both the applicant and SACE, you will be invited to join us for training. In the case of the Support and Information Lines, this would be the mandatory 70-hour Training Program.
All volunteers who are applying to take calls, texts and chats on the support lines must also attend an exit interview with the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager and participate in a final assessment role-play. After these assessments, the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager will then determine readiness for taking calls, texts and chats on the line.
Questions
If you have any questions about the volunteer application process, please contact the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
Help us with fundraisers
Fundraising & Special Events volunteer
Job Summary: Occasionally, volunteers are needed to assist with the planning and implementation of casinos, special events, booths, seminars, conferences, and fundraisers.
Responsibilities:
- Will vary depending on event
Fundraising & Special Events application process
Applications
Completed applications can be sent to the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton via email or mail.
Mailing Address:
Attn Volunteer & Support Lines Manager
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton
300 – 10339 124 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5N 3W1
We look forward to receiving your application!
Interview
Interested applicants will be contacted by the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager who may choose to interview the applicant.
The interview for these positions is generally casual in nature and around 30 mins in length. This interview may be used to determine if the position applied for is a good fit for both the applicant and SACE.
Questions
If you have any questions about the volunteer application process, please contact the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
Become a board director
The SACE Board of Directors is the governing body of the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton and is responsible for exercising governance authority, approving the annual budget, setting policy direction, hiring the Chief Executive Officer, and implementing the SACE Strategic Plan and Mission, Vision, and Core Beliefs.
Occasionally, there are opportunities for general and executive board members to replace outgoing members. When this is the case, any adult in good standing with the agency may apply.
At SACE, we believe that people who experience sexual violence should have access to inclusive, professional services regardless of age, race, gender, culture, language, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. We also recognize the value and importance of building a team at all levels of the agency from direct service provision to governance that reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
We encourage board applications from candidates with diverse professional and personal backgrounds, and especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous Peoples, racialized or visible minority communities, people identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
Our current board
Dr. Barbara Van Ingen
Chair
Jennifer Forsyth
Vice Chair
Hannah Graham
Treasurer
Dr. Shazma Mithani
Devin Laforce
Kristen Flath
Celia Sonmez
Manjot (Joti) Deol
André Corbould
Ziyah Karmali
Michelle Fong
Jodi Goebel
Keltie Gower
Structure
The Board is comprised of an Executive Committee, general members, and advisory members who provide as-needed support to our Board of Directors to advance our agency’s mandate.
Board members engage with the Chief Executive Officer to provide governance and strategic direction for SACE. The Board is not an operational Board and is not involved in the day-to-day decision making or direction.
Commitments
SACE board members may be required to participate in Board committees. These committees include, but are not limited to: Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Finance Committee, and Fundraising Committee.
Other commitments include:
3 year terms
SACE board members serve three-year terms, up to a maximum of three consecutive terms. Individuals may be eligible for re-election to the board after a lapse of one year.
5 meetings annually
There are five Board Meetings annually, plus additional subcommittee meetings as necessary. In total, general members contribute approximately 25 hours annually, and executive members commit upwards of 40 hours annually.
Ambassadors
Board members are also expected to be ambassadors for SACE; increasing awareness of and support for our work, as well as the broader issue of sexual violence and how this intersects within the diverse communities we serve.
Assist with fundraising
Members are expected to assist in fundraising initiatives, including attending events, recruiting donors, and leveraging connections.
Board Applications
Applications are now closed for 2024
A shortlist of candidates will be presented to the Board of Directors in the summer. Candidates then need to be approved by the board before they are voted in during elections held at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September.
Qualifications
We are looking for individuals who have experience and expertise in a variety of areas, all of which can help to provide insight and guidance to the agency.
How to apply
Please submit the completed Board Application, along with a CV or resume (including the names and contact information of three professional references). A letter of intent, explaining your interest and experience, can also be submitted. All application materials should be emailed to ac.ecas@yratercesdraob using the subject line: Board Member Application.