When you become a volunteer for HAWC, you can
- Make meaningful contributions to your community.
- Build deep connections with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Develop valuable professional skills such as public speaking, peer counseling, and community outreach.
- Allow HAWC to develop and expand programs that empower survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence.
Because HAWC entrusts volunteers with sensitive and impactful work, we expect every volunteer to uphold the highest quality of care and respect towards staff members and clients. Volunteer opportunities vary depending on skill and time commitment. Explore our Volunteer Ladder and find what opportunities best fit you, then fill out an application and begin taking action today.
Short Term Supporters
For those who cannot dedicate a serious amount of time to HAWC or would rather gradually begin getting involved, consider the following volunteer opportunities that only require an orientation.
- Document translator Translate important documents into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian, Creole, Khmer, or other languages as needed.
- MSW Clinical Supervisor Provider:Clinically supervise a HAWC intern for one hour each week.
- Seasonal – Walk for HAWC Volunteer Help HAWC with set-up, registration, food service, crowd control, water stop staffing, clean up, and other jobs at Walk for HAWC in the spring.
- Seasonal – Holiday Giving Program Assistant Organize donations and select gifts for clients’ children for our Holiday Program in December.
Reliable Regulars
For those interested in a more involved commitment to HAWC, the following opportunities are available after you complete a 27-hour training session, where you will learn about different types of abuse and how to interact with and help HAWC clients.
- Administrative Assistant Answer our business line, greet visitors, make copies, process donations, prepare bulk mailings, enter data, and perform computer processes with other volunteers and staff members.
- Hotline Volunteer Answer calls on HAWC’s 24-Hour Hotline, guide callers through safety planning, give community referrals, and keep a call log with other volunteers and staff members.
- VOCA Court Volunteer Assist individuals seeking restraining and harassment orders in Gloucester and Peabody District courts as needed.
- SAFEPLAN Court Volunteer Assist individuals seeking protective orders in Salem and Lynn District courts, as well as Essex County Family and Probate. SAFEPLAN volunteers must also attend a four-day training in Lawrence through the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance.
Committed Colleagues
For impassioned individuals wanting more responsibility, HAWC offers the following opportunities after six months of dedicated volunteer service.
- Childcare ProviderSupervise and entertain the children of HAWC clients during support groups or in office appointments as needed.
- Initial Intake Collecter Complete initial intakes with clients by collecting their account of the abuse, completing service referrals, and communicating information to advocates.
- HAWC Ambassador Conduct presentations about HAWC services for local community partners, attend community events as a HAWC representative, and answer questions about HAWC.
- Support Group Facilitator Co-facilitate weekly support groups for HAWC clients, either during or after hours on a ten to twelve week cycle.
Bring the whole crew!
Turn your volunteer experience into a social activity by bringing your family, friends, and co-workers along! In the office, at the shelter, or during special events, HAWC can use all the hands it can get! HAWC offers many opportunities for workplace activism, but if you want your group to get involved in other ways, let us know!
Other opportunities to get involved
Volunteering is the first step to building a career dedicated to making a difference. HAWC offers internships for high school and college students who are passionate about taking the next step on the professional chain. Fill out this application to learn more.
New activists might not know where to begin speaking up. If you want to incite change in your community but live far away from HAWC, explore our Create Change page to discover tips, tricks, and ideas about getting started.
Opportunities to lend a hand, learn more, and meet HAWC vary during the year. If you have a limited schedule and cannot volunteer with HAWC, stop by an event to show your support anyway!