Volunteer Program and Trainings

Our 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training is offered several times throughout the year. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of sexual violence and rape culture and how it impacts our community. Trainees will learn basic crisis intervention skills, explore signs of trauma and learn how to respond appropriately to disclosures. They will also learn about the legal and medical remedies available to survivors and explore how sexual violence impacts unique groups of survivors. The training concludes with an emphasis on vicarious trauma and self-care and empowers trainees with the resources that they may need to share with survivors in their communities.

The 40-Hour training is a requirement for interested volunteers, please contact our Advocacy Coordinator for more information.

UPCOMING 40-HOUR DATES

November 2026 40-Hour

Training Schedule

Dates: Monday, November 2 – Thursday, November 19

Format: Virtual sessions on weeknights and one in-person Saturday session.

Virtual Training

Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Dates: November 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, and 19

In-Person Training

Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location provided after registration (near Schaumburg/Arlington Heights).

January 2027 40-Hour

In-person 40-hour will run from 8am-5pm from Monday, January 11th to Friday, January 15th.

Location provided after registration (near Schaumburg/Arlington Heights).

Application

Training Payment

Join NWCASA’s Volunteer Program

Northwest CASA is a non-for-profit organization under the governing body of Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. NWCASA is made up of staff and volunteers who work to empower and support survivors of sexual violence.

Volunteer Opportunities with Northwest CASA

Our volunteer program is created into different positions that fit our volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers are able to become a part of our Outreach Program, Prevention Program, or Advocacy Program. Every volunteer has the opportunity to start off as an Outreach Volunteer or a Volunteer Medical Advocate. All interested volunteers will have to complete our 40-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training. If you have further questions, please contact our Advocacy Coordinator.

Complete our volunteer application here

How do I know if this is the right time for me to volunteer with Northwest CASA?

You have at least 6 hours available to share with NWCASA and make a direct impact in the field of sexual violence.
It has been at least 1 year since you have stopped receiving services from NWCASA or another rape crisis center.
You have a strong support system in place and a strong self-care routine
If you are unsure about volunteering, you are always welcome to apply, and make your decision with the support of staff who can answer your questions

Roles and responsibilities

Volunteer Advocate

Volunteer Advocate’s provide crisis intervention on our 24/7 Confidential Crisis Hotline. Volunteer Advocate’s answer hotline calls, provide information and referrals on calls, respond to partner hospitals in NWCASA’s service area, and provide documentation within a timely manner. Advocates work directly with survivors of sexual assault and their significant others.

Become 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Trained in the state of Illinois
Complete additional individual onboarding to certify readiness
Be on-call for 6 hours at a time to provide crisis intervention on our 24/7 crisis hotline
Advocates must be 18 years of age or older

View our full Volunteer Advocate description here

Outreach Volunteer

The focus of an Outreach Volunteer is raising awareness of sexual violence in our community and informing people of NWCASA’s ability to help. Attend Volunteer Recruitment Events as a NWCASA representative. Outreach volunteers aid NWCASA in fundraising and advertising outreach events. As an Outreach Volunteer you can help organize, create, and attend events while engaging in meaningful relationships with the community.

Become 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Trained in the state of Illinois
Must be 17 years of age or older
Knowledge of sexual violence issues
Ability to deal sensitively with victims of sexual violence and their significant others