VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES
Advocate
Helping and empowering Asian victims and survivors of domestic abuse is a key aspect at SAHELI. Advocates help us reach this part of our mission by providing peer counseling, crisis intervention and overall support to survivors. In addition, Advocates also provide victims and survivors with legal resources on issues of domestic violence, family law and/or immigration. Basic responsibilities include screening for client intakes, giving referrals, providing ongoing case management and safety planning. Depending on comfort level and experience, advocates may take on additional responsibilities such as linking clients to the necessary resources and assist with accompaniment to court, attorney’s offices and other legal agencies. All Advocates will be under the guidance and work closely with the staff Family Advocate.
This position is ideal for those with excellent listening and communication skills with diverse populations, a willingness to tackle a variety of problems and can successfully manage stressful situations. As many meetings take place during business hours, daytime availability is preferred but not required.
Advocates are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
• Attend a 40-hour volunteer training conducted by SafePlace (a partner domestic violence organization).
• Undergo a criminal background check.
• Strictly adhere to agency rules and confidentiality policies.
• Attend monthly Advocate Meetings.
• Have volunteered with SAHELI consistently for one year and/or have one year or more of counseling experience.
• Dedicate a minimum of one year to SAHELI.
INTERPRETATION/TRANSLATION
Interpreter/Translator
Limited English is a major barrier faced by Asian victims and survivors of domestic violence. Interpreters and Translators help increase client access to services by assisting in translations and providing interpretive services when clients are working with SAHELI staff, doctors, lawyers, schools and other service providers. Daytime availability is preferred, but not required.
This position is ideal for those fluent in both English and any Asian language.
Interpreters and Translators are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
• Attend Interpreter Training provided by SAHELI.
• Undergo a criminal background check.
• Strictly adhere to agency rules and confidentiality policies.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Research Volunteer
Research is a vital aspect in developing curriculum for trainings, presentations and workshops. Research Volunteers assist with projects on the dynamics of domestic violence as well as other forms of oppression in the Asian community.
This position is ideal for those familiar with both Internet and library research and who possess good organizational skills.
Research Volunteers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
Community Speaker
Increasing community awareness of various forms of violence and oppression is a key aspect of our mission at SAHELI. Community Speakers provide information on a variety of topics including special issues in Asian populations, why there is a need for SAHELI services and various immigration topics.
This position is ideal for those with good communication and presentation skills.
Community Speakers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
Booth Supervisor
Creating a presence within the community is an important part of community outreach. In order to generate awareness, SAHELI attends numerous events throughout the year including resource fairs and cultural festivals. Booth Supervisors provide information to the public on the dynamics of domestic violence in the Asian Community and SAHELI services by assisting with informational booths at these events.
This position is ideal for those who enjoy socializing and have good communication skills.
Community Speakers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
FUNDRAISING/DEVELOPMENT
Grant Writer
To sustain SAHELI’s critical programs, the agency submits numerous private foundation and government grants every year. The grants team needs members to assist with researching, writing and reviewing grants. Grant Writers work directly with the Executive Director to ensure that grant proposals are congruent with the agency’s mission and strategic plan.
This position is ideal for anyone interested in learning about the grant process, research, program planning and non-profit management.
Grant Writers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
• Have strong research and writing skills.
Fundraising Planning Committee
Join this committee if you’re interested in taking a leadership role in planning, researching and spearheading fundraising projects. Fundraising projects include annual campaigns, events and community collaborations. Each member may select a project that he/she is interested in and see the project through with assistance from staff and other volunteers.
This position is ideal for anyone interested in project planning, fund development and/or event planning.
Fundraising planning Committee Members are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
• Meet with the committee at least twice a month.
Events Coordinator/Assistant
Every year, SAHELI puts together fundraising and community education events. For those who have a knack for event planning, this may the perfect position. Events include the Annual Walk for Asian Families, Asian Family Day and many others. Responsibilities include logistical planning, marketing, implementation and/or helping out on event day.
This position is ideal for anyone who is interested in working in a team environment, utilizing their creativity and just having good old-fashioned fun.
Event Coordinators/Assistants are required to ….
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
• Periodically meet with the Fundraising Planning Committee.
PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS
Graphic Designer
Each year SAHELI reaches thousands of people in the community. Graphic Designers help make this possible by creating brochures, flyers/postcards, posters and advertisements for various SAHELI events. Other opportunities include layout design for the SAHELI Newsletter.
This position is ideal for creative thinkers who have knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and/or Illustrator.
Graphic Designers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
Web Developer
Web Developers create, edit and update material for SAHELI’s Web site.
This position is ideal for those interested in Web design and maintenance.
Web Developers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
Writer/Editor
SAHELI disseminates information through two main publications: The Semi-Annual Newsletter and the monthly E-News. Writers and Editors contribute thoughts and ideas by writing articles on domestic violence, various forms of violence and oppression and news pertaining to SAHELI in general.
This position is ideal for those with an interest in writing and/or editing.
Writers and Editors are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
Public Relations/Media Coordinator
Raising community awareness is essential to creating social change. In order to accomplish this, SAHELI establishes relationships with local media outlets including print, broadcast and radio. Public Relations and Media Coordinators help SAHELI educate the community by creating and distributing press kits, identifying advertising opportunities and acting upon them.
This position is ideal for those with an interest in public relations, media relations, writing and/or editing.
Public Relations and Media Coordinators are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
ADMINISTRATION
Clerical Volunteer
Clerical Volunteers assist SAHELI with various administrative projects such as copying, mailing, filing, organizing and updating databases.
This position is ideal for those interested in organizing office affairs.
Clerical Volunteers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
Database Volunteer
Database Volunteers help with development, management and/or updating SAHELI’s donor and client databases. Data entry is another available responsibility for those who do not have database management experience. Databases currently used are Access and E-Tapestry.
This is ideal for those interested in honing their database management or development skills.
Database Volunteers are required to…
• Participate in the SAHELI Volunteer Orientation.
For more information on these positions,
please contact our Community Educator
communityeducator@saheli-austin.org
Direct Line: 512.356.1565
