SASS offers Core Advocacy Training for qualified volunteer applicants throughout the year based on agency capacity and volunteer needs. We are currently preparing for our next training cohort, which will begin in November 2026.

We have received a large number of applications from people already on our waiting list, but we are still accepting volunteer applications. Qualified applicants may be considered for the November cohort or, if space is limited, invited to participate in a future training.

If you are interested in an internship, please visit our “Intern with SASS” page.

Qualified applicants will be contacted to participate in a brief screening interview before being invited to join a training cohort. All volunteers must complete the 40-hour minimum, state-mandated advocacy training before being placed in a volunteer role.

At this time, we are not able to offer volunteer opportunities to individuals who have received SASS services within the past two years.

Volunteer placements are based on the agency’s current needs. For our upcoming training, we are especially interested in applicants who would like to provide medical advocacy, as this is a significant current need for SASS. Applicants interested in other advocacy roles are still encouraged to apply.

If you have additional questions, please contact Madi at services@sass-lane.org or call our business line at 541-484-9791.

November 2026 Training Cohort

Our next Core Advocacy Training will be held virtually over four weeks beginning the first week of November 2026.

SASS will begin contacting qualified applicants in the next few weeks to schedule brief screening interviews. Applicants who move forward after screening will be invited to complete an availability survey, which we will use to determine the exact dates and times of the live training sessions.

Participants should plan for:

• One required live virtual training session per week for four weeks
• A start during the first week of November
• The possibility of skipping Thanksgiving week, depending on participant availability
• Required asynchronous coursework, including readings, recorded material, and assignments completed between live sessions
• Required in-person shadowing and role-specific preparation for volunteers who will provide crisis line or medical advocacy

Both the live sessions and asynchronous coursework are required components of Core Advocacy Training. We will use the availability survey to identify a schedule that allows us to include as many qualified applicants as possible. However, because the cohort must train together, we may not be able to accommodate every individual scheduling conflict.

Although the training sessions themselves will be virtual, crisis line and medical advocacy training cannot be completed entirely remotely. Volunteers preparing for these roles must be able to participate in required in-person shadowing before beginning independent advocacy shifts.

Because we have already received significant interest, not every qualified applicant may be able to join the November cohort. Applicants who are not selected for this round may be contacted about a future training opportunity.

Core Advocacy Training Details

This 40-hour training prepares and certifies volunteers, staff, and interns to provide confidential, survivor-centered advocacy under the supervision of SASS.

Core Advocacy Training includes a combination of live sessions and asynchronous coursework. Participants complete pre-recorded lectures, readings, assignments, and other training activities on their own time within established weekly deadlines. Live sessions focus on skill-building, discussion, practice, and connection with trainers and fellow participants.

Attendance at all required live sessions and completion of all assigned coursework are necessary to complete the training and receive certification. Training schedules and formats may vary from cohort to cohort depending on agency needs and participant availability, and live sessions may be held virtually or in person.

We make every effort to consider participant schedules and structure each cohort so that as many qualified applicants as possible can participate. Because live training depends on shared cohort participation, however, we may not be able to accommodate every scheduling conflict. Timely completion of coursework and all required training and shadowing components is also necessary before a volunteer can move into an advocacy role.

How Do Volunteers Support the SASS Mission?

SASS volunteers make a difference by:

• offering crisis-response and support to sexual violence survivors of all genders, as well as their partners, friends, and families.
• their dedication to empowerment, self-determination, cooperation, equitable access to resources and services, the right to reproductive choice, and recognizing and resisting oppression, discrimination, and abuses of power.
• being part of the movement to end sexual violence and the ensure the right of all people to live free from the fear of violence.

SASS volunteers contribute by:

• 24/7 Crisis and Support Line: Offer vital support and advocacy to survivors around the clock
• 24/7 Medical Advocacy: Provide immediate assistance and advocacy to survivors at the hospital after an assault
• Support Groups: Facilitate our drop-in support groups for survivors
• General Support: Assist coordinators with program responsibilities
• Board of Directors: Guide our organization’s strategic direction and governance