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June Volunteer Training | I-Site | Street Safety | Helping Victims Become Survivors | Upcoming Advocate Training
June Volunteer Training
The Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) is offering training for advocates and volunteers who wish to help those impacted by sexual assault.
During training, advocates will learn about topics concerning sexual abuse and counseling including general facts about sexual abuse, sexual harassment, incest, the medical and legal processes, victim impact, healing from sexual assault, crisis intervention skills, cross-cultural counseling skills, and general counseling skills.
Summer training starts Monday, June 1 and includes 32 hours of training at the RVAP office, 320 S. Linn St. in Iowa City.
The training schedule can be found at Summer 2009 Training Schedule
If people are interested in other volunteer opportunities, they can fill out an application online or call 319-335-6001 or e-mail volunteer-coordinator-rvap@uiowa.edu.
I-SITE
Forum Theatre Peer Educator (I-SITE)
RVAP’s new peer education group for students, I-SITE (Iowa Student Interactive Theatre Experience), will address issues including sexual assault, stalking, consent, gender stereotypes, homophobia, and other related topics. An important focus of the group is to educate students about the new UI sexual misconduct policy.
To do this, I-SITE will utilize a variety of techniques, many of them adapted from a forum theatre model including audience participation and intervention in scenes, interactive games between educators and audience, and candid discussions between audience members. I-SITE educators will facilitate dialogue between students and aid them in meaningful, authentic conversations. The dynamic approach of forum theatre makes it easier and more fun for students to genuinely discuss uncomfortable issues like sexual assault and stalking.
Although I-SITE uses some theatrical techniques, there are a large variety of other valuable skills to be gained from participation in the group: public speaking, event planning, public relations, interpersonal communication, violence prevention, victim advocacy, and teamwork are just a few. Any and all majors are encouraged to get involved! Acting ability or theatrical inclinations are not necessary! Class credit or credit towards volunteer hours are also possibilities for the fall semester.
Peer educators will be interviewed by I-SITE staff, will complete a background check, and participate in a brief RVAP training before presenting any programs. The time commitment for educators will be approximately two hours each week, in addition to programs scheduled.
Interview application.
For more information, contact Jamie Schlote at 335-6001 or theatre-rvap@uiowa.edu
Street Safety
Street Safety Tips (PDF Document)
Helping Victims Become Survivors
The Funding Restoration Project is a partnership between the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault (IowaCASA) and the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) and their member programs to ensure vital state funding for sexual and domestic violence in Iowa so that no victim finds the door to safety closed
Upcoming Advocate Training
The next RVAP volunteer advocate training is in June 2009. For more information on volunteering for RVAP, visit the Volunteer page.
