Become a Volunteer!

The WRC operates from a pro-choice perspective. That is, we believe in informing a woman of all her options in the case of an unplanned pregnancy - including keeping the baby, abortion, and adoption - and supporting her in this decision. Do you feel comfortable in working from this standpoint?

The WRC respects and upholds diversity of gender, race, size, class, sexual orientation, and any characteristics that make us the unique and wonderful people we are! In keeping with this, we are open to any student on MUN campus and serve a wide and varied population. Would you be comfortable within this environment?

Would you feel comfortable engaging in informal peer support and crisis intervention? (Please note you can arrange to do hours with another volunteer if you prefer to not be placed in a support or crisis situation.)

Can you contribute at least two hours of your time per week?

If you answered yes to these questions, then fill out a volunteer application form today!

Volunteer Duties

The WRC exists as a safe, confidential space for women on campus, and act as a referral service for students to various campus and community resources (see Our Mission). As such, our primary service lies in informal peer support and crisis intervention with students experiencing personal difficulties. WRC volunteers are trained in these skills on an initial and on-going basis, as well as in options available to individuals (see below).

The Centre also provides a number of other student services, including an academic and self-help library, free products (such as pads, condoms, and tampons), and free photocopying of Centre resources. Office hours will mainly involve assisting students in using our services, as well as general office maintenance. Volunteers are expected to maintain a friendly, non-judmental, supportive, and professional demeanor at all times.

In addition to our primary services, the WRC engages in a number of outreach projects, which include talks with various campus and community groups (such as residence houses and high schools), workshops and seminars on various issues (see Who We Are), a bi-annual newsletter, and other special events. Volunteers may participate in these activites as time, interest, and comfort-level dictate!

Volunteer Training

Trainings are generally held once or twice a year, usually in the Fall semester, and less often in the Winter semester. Although the exact format may vary from semester to semester, it will usually involve about two days of 9-5 training, as well as additional sessions pertaining to specific issues. Topics will include a general orientation to the physical office and our services, and the main emphasis will be placed on sensitivity training and crisis intervention skills. Training is ongoing after the initial training weekend, and volunteers will be required to work with a senior volunteer for a limited period of time. All potential volunteers must complete all areas of training, and must become familiar with our code of conduct before commencing duties.

To get involved, you can stop by our office any time and fill out a volunteer information form, located just outside the main door. These are meant to give you an idea of what is involved in volunteering with the Centre, as well as to give you an opportunity to let us know what your interests are. You will be contacted when a training has been scheduled.

Note: Potential volunteers who are not interested in working in a peer support position are more than welcome. These individuals will work with a fellow volunteer who is trained in this capacity at all times.

If you are interested in women's issues and would like to become involved, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information! Feel free to stop by anytime for coffee and see what we're all about!

The Women's Resource Centre website is maintained by the WRC Collective.

Last modified on September 19, 2008.