Virtual Volunteering at RAINN

In 2020, volunteers contributed nearly 40% of the total hours spent supporting survivors and their loved ones on the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

About the NSAH Volunteer Program:

The National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH), operated by RAINN, provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Our services are delivered through a simple instant message format so they are accessible to the growing number of people who prefer communicating online.

NSAH volunteers are a critical part of the RAINN team that is responsible for providing high-quality services to users of the NSAH. Volunteers receive extensive and ongoing crisis-intervention training to equip them to provide services on the hotline as well as professional development and coaching opportunities.

About the volunteer role:

RAINN hotline volunteers are asked to complete regular set-shifts, meaning that each volunteer has a uniform monthly schedule throughout the duration of their voluntarism.

For example, a regular set-shift could look like the following: "Every other Tuesday from 6 pm-11 pm EST." Set-shifts are a way to ensure the hotline is staffed to serve the highest number of visitors possible and are essential to the most robust operation of the NSAH.

Set shifts also allow for volunteers to plan ahead and incorporate their volunteer time into their own schedules.

A range of shift times and days will become available, and these are determined based on the needs of the hotline to ensure survivors receive the support they need.

Available shifts will be communicated when applications are open in 2022.

Benefits of volunteering with RAINN:

• Provide much-needed support to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones from the comfort of your own home.
• Receive extensive, ongoing, and up-to-date crisis intervention training; facilitated by RAINN professionals and completely free of charge.
• Interact with experts in the field of sexual violence and an array of staff members and other volunteers nationwide.

Volunteer Application Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the time of submission.
• Applicants must be able to type at least 40 words per minute.
• Applicants must have a US Social Security number (SSN).
• Applicants must be able to complete their volunteer service from within the continental United States.
• Applicants must have access to a password-protected and stable Wi-Fi connection, use either a laptop or desktop computer in a private space, and use the Google Chrome browser.

Volunteer Qualifications:

• Applicants must be familiar with instant messaging and be able to interpret a variety of written instructions.
• A successful applicant would have the ability to work well under pressure and maintain composure during stressful situations and handle shifting and multiple priorities.
• Applicants should be willing to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings and weekends.

NSAH Volunteer Testimonial

“As a volunteer, I have felt emboldened and empowered by fellow volunteers through our monthly in-services and informal mentoring. RAINN supervisors have been inspirations, bringing expertise and excellence to the online hotline. With RAINN, we are never alone: we are unified to heal our world together, one person at a time.”
- Kafka, 8 years on the hotline

Additional questions? Contact the volunteer management team at volunteerinfo@rainn.org.

Volunteer in Your Community

Local sexual assault service providers answer calls placed to the National Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7 and offer critical support to survivors, their loved ones, and their communities. These local providers often look for volunteer staff to perform various functions, from administrative support to community service organizing to answering hotline calls. Search for opportunities in your area.

Please DO NOT email or call RAINN or its representatives about volunteer opportunities or training classes. This webpage is regularly updated to include the latest information.