VOLUNTEER

 

Role of Volunteer ADVOCATES

On average it takes approximately one year for an Advocate to get their security clearance and complete their Basic Training. Once the security clearance comes through for an advocate, an office orientation at the Bashaw RCMP Detachment will take place with our staff and the new advocate will be paired up with a mentor who is a senior Advocate to train with on call.

All Advocates may be contacted by the RCMP to provide immediate assistance to victims 24/7/365. Each Advocate makes a commitment to be on-call. Our Advocates are required to spend some time in the office. This office time is usually broken down into smaller time slots. Of course we work around vacations, busy periods of employment and family commitments that may arise.

Advocate Meetings are held the last Monday of every month (except for July & August). Advocates are required to attend these meetings.

Advocates are required to keep their training up to date and to take advantage of various different types of training throughout the year that is provided and paid for by our program.

In the past we have had people commit to becoming Advocates because they think it will be a fast-paced role working side-by-side with the police to assist victims right after a crime. The reality is that although 90% of our referrals come from the RCMP, some do NOT require immediate, in person response. Very few call outs require Advocates 'on scene'. Advocates provide most of their assistance to victims over the phone. The work done by our volunteer Advocates isn't usually exciting but to the people we assist it can make a huge difference. Advocates are required to keep victim files current, either by writing these by hand, calling or emailing information into the office staff. These records are secured and maintained in our Victim Service office.

Download our Volunteer Advocate Application

Role of Volunteer BOARD MEMBERS

Our Board of Directors meets once a month. Board members do not meet in July or August. 

There are a number of positions on the Board including past & present President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and several Director positions. Terms for Board members are two (2) years in length and these can be renewed if desired.

Although we have a few projects a year that may require extra time, most Board members say that realistically their time commitment to Victim Services rarely exceeds six hours a month.

We encourage people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to become Board members as this diversity contributes to the quality of our program and our Board.

Board Members must satisfy a Criminal Records check. Board Members do not have access to victim files and are not involved in the day-to-day operation of our Victim Service Unit. Training is provided to Board members by the Alberta Solicitor General. This training is usually held in twice a year and our program pays for any training costs incurred.

Board Members help raise awareness of our Victim Service unit in our communities at different events throughout the year.  The Board is also responsible for ensuring that our program has the required funds to continue to operate. The Board assists the Program Manager in completing Grant applications, sustaining Municipal Funding and assists the organization's Promotions Committee with various Events.

Download our Volunteer Board Member Application

"Supporting Victims of Crime and Tragedy" Bashaw & District Victim Services Unit