Starting Point was created by volunteers in 1981. As a result of their compassion, commitment, outreach, and organizational skills, the agency grew to its present-day operating capacity, which allows us to provide exceptional crisis intervention, shelter, transitional support, and education and outreach to victims, survivors, families, and the community.
Clearly, without the founding volunteers Starting Point would not exist. The continued work of Starting Point cannot be done without the support of volunteers.
Besides the actual work of advocating for victims and survivors, volunteers are the ambassadors of the movement to end violence in our community. They carry the message far and wide at a greater rate than a small staff could possibly do. As such, it is important to recruit and support the efforts of compassionate, committed, exceptional volunteers. We are indebted to your involvement in our collective vision to create a safe and supportive community.
About Volunteering
The Starting Point volunteer training follows NH RSA law for confidentiality, meaning in order to work directly with clients, one has to complete 30 hours in total. The breakdown amounts to 24 in-person/online and six hours of self-guided study with direction from our trainers.
Training also includes all the shadowing and support needed to feel comfortable. We provide recertification sessions yearly and regular opportunities to interact with staff, volunteers, and board members. And a once a year Volunteer Appreciation get-together!
The characteristics of ideal volunteers are those who possess:
- A desire to serve
- Compassion
- Commitment to the work at hand and the overall movement
- Non-judgmental attitudes and moral codes that promote equity for all
- An ability to create healthy boundaries that promote a collective front without invoking the privilege of the advocate over the victim/survivor, and that supports self-care
- Flexibility
- Strong self-confidence that denies ego-driven advocacy
- Organizational skills and an understanding of the importance of collecting data (completing paperwork) in relation to effecting change in legislation and supporting funding requirements
- An understanding of empowerment
- Willingness to learn, participate in ongoing trainings, and to decipher and adjust to emerging research
- A sense of lightness in troubling circumstances that supports the understanding that we are all involved in a journey with the goal of emerging from the pain and proceeding into a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle as defined by the individual and supported by the collective
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Starting Point. Although the topic is challenging and, at times, can feel overwhelming, those of us who do the work find that being involved with a dynamic program that works to resolve issues of domestic and sexual violence is extremely rewarding. Our purpose remains clear, both in our program mission and in our personal lives, and as such all our lives are enriched.
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer opportunities within Starting Point are limited only by a volunteer’s desire and competencies. The most common volunteer opportunities are office assistant, crisis line advocacy, legal advocate, shelter intake worker, transition advocate, hospital advocate, support group facilitator, transportation provider, fundraising, community education, and outreach.
Training
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See upcoming trainings below or visit our Events page for more.
Upcoming Trainings
We don't have any upcoming events at this time, but please check back soon.