Volunteers are the cornerstone of our agency, which began as a grassroots volunteer phone line in 1975.
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.
“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.”
“This training is worth all the time you invest into it. The information received is invaluable and overall, just an amazing experience.”
“Such an amazing experience, with amazing people. I feel really grateful to have been able to have this experience!”
Available volunteer opportunities
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to volunteer on the Line, you must be:
Qualifications
We are looking for people who possess:
All interested applicants must also complete a Police Information Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check, which can be completed during volunteer training at no charge to the volunteer.
Frequency
We offer training twice a year: in the fall (September to November) and spring (May to June).
This training occurs on:
FAQs
- Training for the support lines will take place over Zoom with some in-person training.
- Training for fundraising support positions happens at the beginning of the fundraising events themselves.
- Training for the Board of Directors takes place after your term begins.
After a volunteer completes training they will have another meeting with the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager to discuss getting started on the SACE Support and Information Line, and Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence. If both you and the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager feel you are ready to take calls/texts/chats you will start volunteering from home, taking calls/texts/chats on your personal computer during the hours that you are on shift.
- We ask that our volunteers commit at least six months to volunteering on the lines after they complete training. There is no maximum time commitment for volunteering, and we have many volunteers who take calls, texts and chats on the line for many years.
- Volunteering as fundraising support is a less rigid time commitment, and any level of support, whether it be one event or many years, is much appreciated.
- The board of directors is a three year term, with the option for serving multiple terms.
Commitments
Volunteering on the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton’s Sexual Assault Support and Information Line, and Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence requires a commitment of:
What we cover in SIL training
During the 70 hours of training we will cover topics including:
SIL application process
Applications for Fall training are now closed. Spring 2025 training applications will open in early 2025.
Completed Reference Forms 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!
After the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager has received the completed application package, which includes the two reference forms, successful applicants will be contacted in order to schedule an interview with the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
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.
If you have any questions about the volunteer application process, please contact the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
Fundraising & special events application process
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!
After the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager has received the completed application package, which includes the two reference’s contact information, successful applicants will be contacted by the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
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.
If you have any questions about the volunteer application process, please contact the Volunteer & Support Lines Manager.
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. Therefore, we encourage board applications from candidates with diverse professional and personal backgrounds, and especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups such Black, racialized or visible minority communities, Indigenous Peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2S+, and people with disabilities.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Members are expected to assist in fundraising initiatives, including attending events, recruiting donors, and leveraging connections.
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.
If you are a candidate who experiences barriers due to systemic oppressions and would like to discuss accommodations in the recruitment process, please contact us at ac.ecas@yratercesdraob, or call 780.423.4102 and ask to speak to Mary Jane.