Volunteer
Since the first woman answered the Rape Crisis Line in 1973, the volunteers at the RVAP have been the heart and soul of the organization. Our volunteers are dedicated to making our community a safer and more supportive place.
The Rape Victim Advocacy Program is continually seeking motivated individuals who will volunteer their time, talents and skills.
Page Contents
I-SITE | Advocate | Indirect Service | Advisory Board
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.
Advocate
Advocates provide direct services through offering support, information and referrals on our 24-hour local and statewide crisis lines and/or by providing in-person medical advocacy and support for recent sexual assault victim/survivors. This year, volunteers and staff will respond to an estimated 650 new victims.Learn more...
Indirect Service
Rape Victim Advocacy Program volunteers are the backbone of the agency. Through community outreach and organizing, they combat the societal attitudes that tolerate sexual violence.
Here are some of the ways community members volunteer for RVAP providing indirect service:
- Educate youth and adults about sexual
- Conduct research and literature searches on specific projects
- Assist RVAP staff in setting up and staffing information tables
- Assisting with RVAP marketing needs
- Plan a fundraiser
- Write editorials
- Distribute posters and brochures
- Participate in a community event
- Assist with planning and execution of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- Lend your expertise to train RVAP volunteers on related topics
- Contact law makers regarding issues and legislation that impact sexual assault victims and the centers that offer services to sexual assault victims
- Assist with periodic displays of the “Clothesline Project”
- Update and maintain the RVAP library
- Apply to join the Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Advisory Board Members act in a variety of ways utilizing individual and collective experiences and skills to advance RVAP's Mission... Learn more...
