Help prevent and address intimate partner abuse by joining our Volunteer Program.
Types of Volunteering
Direct Service Volunteers
As a Direct Service volunteer, you’ll have one-on-one contact with CORA clients. Direct Service opportunities include accompanying clients to legal proceedings, assisting with community education, children’s activities and more.
Direct Service volunteers must complete a state-mandated 40-hour training in domestic violence intervention and prevention and agree to volunteer a minimum commitment of hours dependent on the volunteer opportunity.
Indirect Service Volunteers
As an Indirect Service volunteer, you can support CORA’s clients without interacting directly. Indirect Service opportunities include annual and special events, translation, data entry, filing, and organizing our food pantry. More opportunities may be available to utilize your specialized skills (such as HR, accounting, web design, marketing and others).
While the Domestic Violence Training is not required for Indirect Service volunteers, we strongly encourage everyone working with CORA to take the training.
Volunteer at CORA!
Submit an application to start your volunteer journey at CORA! Once you submit your application, you'll be notified of the date of our next Volunteer Information Session, where you, along with other community members, will learn more about CORA and how you can get involved in our Volunteer Program.
Domestic Violence Training
Twice a year CORA offers Domestic Violence Training. (Trainings are currently 100% virtual.) Trainers include departmental and external community agency representatives who are experts in their fields. CORA’s Domestic Violence Training meets state guidelines and provides volunteers with practical, hands-on skills in peer counseling, crisis intervention, assessment and advocacy.
If you’re interested in signing up for the next training, please fill out the application for the Domestic Violence Training. We will contact you upon receiving your application. Space availability is limited for participants wanting certification only and is assessed on a per training basis.
Members of the public who take the training for certification are required to pay a nonrefundable fee of $300, due prior to the first day of training. Community Partner agencies pay a fee of $150.00.
If you are volunteering with CORA, the fee for training is only $100. If you need to have the fee waived due to hardship, please talk to our Volunteer & Community Education Coordinator directly.
Still have questions? Give us a call at 650-652-0800 for more information.
Volunteer FAQs
Who can apply to become a volunteer at CORA?
Anyone! We need all talents and vibrant energy! If you have accessed intimate partner abuse services, we ask that you wait a year after completing services to begin volunteering with CORA.
What areas need volunteers?
There are many opportunities to show you care and use your unique skills to change the course of intimate partner abuse. Apply and we’re almost certain there’s a rewarding fit for your personal passion and drive.
When can I volunteer?
Most of the volunteer opportunities are during normal business hours – weekdays, 9 to 5. There are some weekend and evening opportunities, but they are often sporadic or one-time functions.
How big of a commitment is usually expected?
Time frame varies according to project and volunteer, but for the usual Direct Service volunteer, we ask that you complete a certain amount of hours dependent on the volunteer opportunity.
Do I need to take the Domestic Violence Training to volunteer?
The Domestic Violence Training is required by the State Law of California to work directly with domestic violence survivors or their children (Direct Volunteer). This comprehensive training qualifies you to become a Certified Domestic Violence counselor in the State of California. You do not have to take the training if you are an Indirect Volunteer.
Can I take the Domestic Violence Training even if it isn’t required?
Of course! Everyone who wants to better understand domestic violence and how to help those experiencing it can take the training. Even if you’ve taken the training before, research evolves and requirements change, so a refresher training might be helpful.