Volunteers

Volunteers are the foundation of the Center. Without the hundreds of volunteer hours donated each month by our paraprofessional crisis line volunteers, LOSS Team members and board members, it would not be possible to provide our services.

Our volunteer crisis counselors use The PHONE, a 24 hour crisis telephone line that serves the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, and Crisis Chat, an online instant messaging program, to offer an alternative way for people in crisis to reach out for help. Volunteer counselors for both programs will receive extensive training in crisis and suicide intervention.

Training classes for The PHONE and Crisis Chat occur 3 times a year. The main qualification we are looking for in PHONE and Crisis Chat counselors is the ability to be empathetic and nonjudgmental, and a willingness to learn. Volunteer counselors are trained in active listening, crisis theory and intervention, suicide and violence assessment and community resources. The training is approximately 60 hours, and once training is complete, we ask for a volunteer commitment of 12 hours per month for at least 6 months. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

Volunteering at THE PHONE and Crisis Chat has many rewards. It is an opportunity to help individuals in crisis and to give something back to the community while building invaluable communication skills and increasing self-awareness. It can also be wonderful practical skill building and a networking opportunity for those going into social science professions.

To volunteer for the PHONE, please click here for an application packet.

Please Click Here for our Spring 2013 PHONE Training Schedule.

For specific questions or other information, feel free to send us an email: volunteer@brcic.org

 

WHAT VOLUNTEERS HAVE SAID:

When I reflect on the question of how my years as a counselor on THE PHONE affected my life, two key things come to mind, and I believe these two factors are the foundation of what it takes to serve on the PHONE. First, I learned to listen, to hear what a person was saying and to tune in to the emotion and what might be underlying their communication. Second, I learned that I am not responsible for solving the problems of others. I learned how to empower others. So, I believe I'm a better person for myself and for those around me because of what I have learned at THE PHONE.

I've been amazed at the impact one can have simply by listening to someone else's pain. I love being a part of this great organization!

Helping people is one of the best feelings in the world. Volunteering for THE PHONE is the best experience I've ever had.

After my uncle completed suicide, I wanted to help others who may be in a similar situation.