We’re gearing up for a busy and impactful fall season, and we need your help to make it all possible. Our work to empower youth and support survivors of domestic and sexual violence relies heavily on the dedication and compassion of volunteers like you. Without your involvement, many of our essential programs simply cannot run. That’s why we’re calling on our community to step up and make a difference by volunteering with us this fall.
Fill out this volunteer interest form and we will contact you!
We’re excited to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, whether you’re looking to take on a leadership role, provide direct support to survivors, or contribute in smaller but equally important ways. Here’s how you can get involved:
1. GUTS! Action Group Facilitator
Our GUTS! (Girls Using Their Strengths) program is a community-based leadership and empowerment initiative designed for girls and young women* aged 9 to 14. As a GUTS! Action Group Facilitator, you’ll lead weekly groups, helping participants discover their strengths, develop leadership skills, and use their voices to create positive change in their communities.
Why it matters: GUTS! is a transformative program, but it can only happen with the help of committed volunteers. By becoming a facilitator, you play a direct role in shaping the future leaders of our community.
Time Commitment:
Training Dates: Week of September 9th (exact dates TBD)
Fall Session Dates: September 23 – December 6th
How to Apply: Apply Here for GUTS! Facilitator
2. Advocate Training: Support Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
YWCA Missoula’s advocates are on the front lines of supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. As an advocate, you’ll provide crucial support that enables our staff to offer more comprehensive care. Your work might involve answering our 24/7 crisis line, supporting survivors at our walk-in counseling center, or assisting with therapeutic play activities for children at our shelter.
Why it matters: Advocates are essential to our mission. Your support ensures that survivors receive the help they need when they need it most, empowering them to rebuild their lives.
Training Details:
In-Person Trainings: 20 hours total, spread over several sessions
Initial 2 weeks: 2.5 hours each night, Monday & Wednesday
September 16
September 18
September 23
September 25
Every other Monday from October 7 through December 2
Online Training: 10 hours total, completed at your own pace
Shadowing: New advocates will shadow a minimum of 6 shifts with seasoned volunteers or staff before working 1:1 with residents.
How to Sign Up: To become an advocate, please email Alta Clark at aclark@ywcaofmissoula.org or fill out this interest form.
3. Other Ways to Volunteer
If you want to get involved but can’t commit to extensive training, there are still plenty of ways to make a difference at YWCA Missoula. These roles are just as critical to our mission and offer flexibility for those with busy schedules:
Donating Meals: Provide nourishing meals for residents at The Meadowlark.
Secret Seconds Thrift Stores: Help sort donations, organize merchandise, and support our mission through retail.
Front Desk Support: Greet residents and visitors, and assist with directing them to services.
Holiday Planning and Events: Help plan and execute fun, festive events for our residents during the holiday season.
Maintenance Projects: Assist with upkeep and maintenance projects around The Meadowlark, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Why it matters: These roles may not require as much time or training, but they are vital to the day-to-day operations of our programs. Your involvement helps create a supportive and welcoming environment for all those we serve.
If you’re interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for your continued support of YWCA Missoula!