Volunteers: Recruiting, Screening, and Training
Core Values
Any Job Worth Doing Requires Training
"But all I want to do is bring my tools and work on broken locks and windows," some volunteers say. "Why do I have to learn active listening skills and ethical considerations?"
After receiving training, however, most volunteers understand that it takes special skills and sensitivity to support a crime victim who is experiencing an emotional crisis, fear, and a sense of loss after a crime. Many of these skills, such as active listening, do not come naturally to all volunteers, so they must practice to develop the skill. Training also ensures that volunteers refer crime victims to appropriate community services and that they provide them with accurate information about the justice system.
All Crime Victims Will Be Treated Fairly and Considerately
Just as the original Good Samaritan gave aid to a crime victim without regard to the victim's personal beliefs or circumstances, modern-day Good Samaritans also assist victims without bias or judgment. The training includes "values clarification" exercises to help volunteers become aware of their own biases. Recognizing these biases helps volunteers become more accepting of those who differ from themselves and helps remove barriers between volunteers and the crime victims they serve. Volunteers also agree to abide by an ethical standard that requires them to set aside their own biases in the service of crime victims.
