WHAT IS IOWA CRISIS CHAT?
Iowa Crisis Chat is an online resource for emotional support, operated by CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, formerly The Crisis Center, located in Iowa City. Since launching Iowa Crisis Chat in 2011, the number of chats and texts we receive has surpassed the number of calls we receive on our crisis hotline (18,519 chats/texts vs. 11,293 calls annually for FY2019). Because of this growth, we are expanding our volunteer recruitment across the state! People of all ages use this service to talk about a variety of concerns. However, the median age is 21 and 80% of chatters are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers learn a wide variety of counseling techniques and offer direct support to clients in need. Our training prepares people who have gone on to become therapists, social workers, teachers, lawyers, clergy, doctors, and even genetic counselors. Besides looking good on a resume, volunteering with CommUnity feels good! You get to make a positive difference in the world by connecting with people who are hurting. Even though this is a remote position, you will be supported throughout the process. We have been a volunteer-driven organization for nearly 50 years, and we have volunteers who have stayed with us for 15+ years because of our positive and supportive culture.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be able to work one 3-hour shift per week for a minimum of 9 months. (Does not have to be a consecutive 9 months.)
- Must have access to a reliable computer and secure internet connection.
- Must have access to Skype for a one-time interview (sometimes school or public libraries have this capability).
- Must be able to complete approximately 30 hours of training, including online instruction and a FREE, 2-day, in-person ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) in your area (click here for current dates, more to be added depending on location of volunteers).
- Must successfully complete a background check.
Volunteers are supervised and supported by full-time staff members who are available through our chat portal during every shift. Supervisors are there to provide support and advice, and to handle any escalated situations that might require 911 contact.
Here’s what our volunteers are saying
Most of us want to help others, but we’re not sure how, or we’re afraid of doing harm instead. [CommUnity] provides training so that you can truly help those in need when they ask for it.”
-Ann, Crisis Intervention Volunteer, 1.5 years
“Although it may seem scary at first answering calls or chats, you learn the techniques needed in a fairly short time frame. There really is no right or wrong way to help someone, being there to listen is the most important part of the work you do as a volunteer.
-Darren, Crisis Intervention Volunteer, 5 years
“I worked with a teenager who had a habit of self-harming as a response to being verbally abused by her parents. We talked about how she could give herself positive attention and set different boundaries with her parents. I read in her post-survey that she, ‘had never had anyone be so kind and understanding and just listen before.’ It was inspiring to see the difference that acknowledging her thoughts and emotions made.”
-Leah, Crisis Intervention Volunteer, 8 months
“Recently, I spoke with a young woman who was feeling some major anxiety about upcoming finals and other stresses in her life… She ended the call saying, ‘until next time.’ That made me feel good that she now had something to turn to when she needed to do so.”
-Sean, Crisis Intervention Volunteer, 1.5 years