Volunteer Opportunities

The YWCA provides several ways for volunteers to support our organization. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, we are grateful for your time. The following opportunities are currently available for volunteers:

Fundraising and Events
Immediate Needs
Internships
Group Projects
Donate Your Professional Skills
Join a Committee

FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS

Individuals who are interested in fundraising and event management are encouraged to participate in the following YWCA volunteer opportunities:

• Circle of Friends - Composed of influential women from prominent businesses throughout the City of Chicago, the Circle of Friends support the YWCA by soliciting donations and volunteers for Leader Luncheon, Chicago's most prestigious tribute to the accomplishments of women. Click here for more information about Circle of Friends.
  
  
• Future Leaders Council - The YWCA Future Leaders Council is a volunteer organization of young professionals that advocate and volunteer for the YWCA. Click here for more information about the Click here for more information about the Future Leaders Council

IMMEDIATE NEEDS

The YWCA often needs volunteers to assist with special program needs and requests. To learn more information about our rape crisis hotline or medical advocate volunteer opportunities, please click here. Currently, the YWCA is in need of the following assistance:

• CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING BEGINS SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 - Fall training for the YWCA's Rape Crisis Hotline will run from September 17, 2009 to October 29, 2009 on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YWCA's Laura Parks and Mildred Francis Center located at 6600 S. Cottage Grove. For more information or to RSVP for the training, please contact Jane Hereth at jane.hereth@ywcachicago.org or call 312.762.2714.
  
• Rape Crisis Hotline Volunteer - Volunteer to answer calls for the YWCA's Rape Crisis Hotlines or respond to crisis calls in-person at local area hospitals. Help counsel victims of sexual violence and provide resources to assist them in recovery.
  
• Medical Advocate Volunteer - As a medical advocate volunteer, you will be on call to provide 24-hour medical advocacy to hospital emergency rooms. With the survivor’s permission, advocates are expected to stay and provide comfort throughout hospital examinations, evidence collection and police interviews. Volunteers must demonstrate a non-judgmental, supportive attitude toward all survivors of sexual assault. Volunteers should be able to provide a one-year service commitment and complete the 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training. Volunteer Advocates will benefit from free training, experience in crisis counseling, references for future job opportunities and opportunities to interact with veteran advocates and other sister organizations. For more information, contact Lafay Thompson at lafay.thompson@ywcachicago.org or 773-955-3100.

          For more information, please contact the representative in your area:
               Chicago - jane.hereth@ywcachicago.org.  
               DuPage County - tammy.james@ywcachicago.org.
               South Cook County - barbara.mccormicksomerville@ywcachicago.org.

INTERNSHIPS

The YWCA offers a variety of internships that allow students to gain practical experience in a non-profit environment. Click here for information and currently available internships.

GROUP PROJECTS

We appreciate any amount of time our volunteers can give to the YWCA. If your employer or group is interested in organizing a customized service project, please contact us at info@ywcachicago.org.

DONATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

If you have special skills, please consider donating your time and services to the YWCA. The YWCA is in need of the following:

• Photography
• Graphic Design
• Printing
• Advertising
• Catering
• Legal Services
• Writing/Editing
• Training
• Speech writing

For more information about volunteering your special services, Sarah Frick at 312-762-2723. or click here to sign up online. 

JOIN A COMMITTEE

For individuals interested in taking an active role in supporting our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, the YWCA encourages you to consider the following leadership opportunities:

• Audit Committee
• Board Nominating Committee
• Mission & Programs Committee
• Donor Relations Committee
• Corporate Council
• Volunteer Recruitment & Development Committee

For more information about YWCA leadership positions, contact Sarah Frick at sarah.frick@ywcachicago.org or click here to volunteer online.