The Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center is seeking applications and nominations for
volunteer advocates to attend training in January-February 2009.
The R.A.P.E. Center provides 24-hour, year-round support and assistance to SU and
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students who have been
sexually assaulted. The R.A.P.E. Center works in collaboration with Vera House Inc.
to provide services to SU and ESF students. Volunteer advocates provide crisis
response services evenings, nights and weekends, and are critical to the center's
ability to provide these services after hours.
The center is seeking SU and ESF staff and faculty to join the volunteer advocate
program. Applicants will be contacted immediately upon receipt of applications to
schedule an interview. Volunteer advocates must complete the initial training,
conducted in partnership with Vera House Inc., during two weekends in late
January-early February 2009. Volunteer advocates are expected to participate on the
Vera House on-call schedule in order to complete their training.
Applicants should be responsible, sensitive to the needs of others and nonjudgmental.
Advocates are expected to listen actively to those in crisis to understand how to best
be of assistance and to present all options without attempting to influence decisions.
Advocates must uphold the confidentiality and respect the dignity of clients at all
times.
To apply or nominate a potential applicant, or to request a position description and
application, contact Janet Epstein, associate director, R.A.P.E. Center, at 443-7098 or
epsteinj@syr.edu.
