Our mission and philosophy Riverview’s mission is to serve the needs of survivors of sexual assault and abuse and to educate the community on how to eliminate crimes of sexual violence. Our services are accessible to all sexual assault survivors and their non-offending loved ones, regardless of race, gender, language, ability, sexual orientation, or religion.   Bring you heart and helping hand We’ll teach you everything you need to know. Riverview provides an outstanding, comprehensive 40+ hour volunteer training program several times a year. Call our volunteer coordinator for specific dates and times of upcoming training courses at 888-707-8155.   You should volunteer If you believe in equality and diversity and that absolutely no one deserves to be sexually assaulted or ever “asks” to be raped, you believe in the mission of Riverview. Women of color and bilingual women are especially needed in this effort…Men who wish to be allies in the anti-rape movement are also welcome to apply. You must be open-minded and non-judgmental, even around emotionally difficult and controversial issues. You don’t need to have a degree. The only requirement is that you are able to listen and empathize.   What Riverview will ask of you We’ll ask you to make a monthly commitment of volunteer shifts and to summit for at least one year. We would also like to see you once a month at a volunteer meeting.   The role of Riverview volunteers After the rape, a volunteer advocate can be a listening ear. In the aftermath of a sexual assault, the role of an advocate is to attend to the critical emotional needs of the survivor: To empower him or her, to be a source of information and support, to be a bridge between the survivor and the medical and criminal justice systems, minimizing revictimization.   Benefits of volunteering If not for its volunteers, Riverview Center would not be able to serve area emergency room victims, make hundreds of presentations, and provide rape crisis hotline coverage. Volunteers also benefit from helping Riverview. Benefits include: free training, improves communication skills, experience in crisis counseling, opportunities to develop leadership and public speaking skills.   Requirements Riverview volunteer advocates go to law enforcement agencies and hospital emergency rooms throughout the area to provide victims of sexual assault with legal/medical advocacy and crisis counseling. Requirements: Must complete Riverview's 40+ hour training and an additional six-hour training. Must attend a minimum of six hours of continuing education sessions each year. Must work 2 12-hour shifts each month. Education & Training Volunteers help staff provide information on sexual violence issues to adolescents and adults in the area. Requirements: Must complete Riverview's 40-hour training and additional program-specific training Administration Volunteers provide administrative support to Riverview Center at all levels, from office assistance to organizational leadership. There is a particularly important need for volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors' committees, which focus on areas such as fundraising, public relations and volunteer training.   What role is right for you? People with a wide range of skills, interests, and schedules perform different volunteer duties for Riverview. Ask our staff for input as you consider your options. We are committed to helping you find a role in which you will flourish.   Getting Started People who want to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Riverview Center should call the main office at 888.707.8155   Rape crisis hotline - TOLL FREE Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselors/Advocates staff the 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline Dubuque       888-557-0310 Galena:         888-707-8155 Manchester   888-707-8155 Savanna       877-273-7772