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Volunteering at Next Door Solutions

Next Door Solutions (NDS) is grateful for the many volunteers who support our work in various ways. As a volunteer at NDS, you will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience working in a non-profit focused on domestic violence prevention and intervention, and become part of a movement that seeks to uncover the root causes of violence, find solutions, and offer spaces for transformation and healing.

NDS provides training based on the volunteer position. All volunteers are expected to attend a 2-hour orientation, and the majority of the positions require the completion of our 40 Hour Domestic Violence Training.

Completing this training meets the requirements set by California Evidence Code 1037.1 for designation as a Domestic Violence Counselor. After completing 40 hours of training, graduates shall receive a Certificate of Completion that will enable them to pursue volunteer and employment opportunities working directly with survivors of domestic violence in California.

At this time, due to the pandemic, we have limited volunteer opportunities available, and the majority of our volunteers work remotely. If you would like to volunteer with us, please fill out the volunteer interest form and follow the instructions for submission. You will receive a response via email with further details.

Volunteer Orientation Dates 2024

The volunteer orientation is a 1.5-hour virtual workshop for potential volunteers to learn about the mission and vision of Next Door Solutions, the dynamics of domestic violence, available volunteer opportunities, both direct and indirect, and training requirements.

To Be Announced

Years later, I would volunteer with the organization, seeking to give back to those who had helped me. In my case, many people helped even though I did not know exactly what I needed-a common situation with abuse victims.

Britta, Survivor & NDS Client

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers are an essential part of our team, and we appreciate community members who give their time. At this time, most of our volunteer positions are on hold as we navigate through the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working towards and slowly bringing back some of the in-person positions.

Below you will find some basic information and frequently asked questions regarding our volunteer program and how to sign up for our next volunteer orientation, which is the first step in our volunteer application process.

Can I volunteer in a direct client service role?

As a community agency addressing Intimate Partner Abuse, we have specific requirements that we need to meet as part of the service provisions to our clients. For example, all employees and volunteers who have direct contact with our clients must complete certification in a State Mandated 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training. This requirement is put in place from external factors outside our agency and is necessary for ensuring the safety and confidentiality of those community members we serve.

Volunteer positions in this area are limited—completion of the 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training does not guarantee a volunteer position.

Do all positions require the 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training?

No. Our non-direct client service positions, which do not interact with clients, do not require the 40-hour training; however, some positions will require a 2-hour basic domestic violence training. Some of these opportunities include:

Outreach and education
Administration
Virtual office assistance tasks such as data entry and graphic design
Special projects

What is the volunteer orientation?

The volunteer orientation is a 2-hour virtual workshop for potential volunteers to learn about the mission and vision of Next Door Solutions, the dynamics of domestic violence, available volunteer opportunities, both direct and indirect, and training requirements.

What can I do to help if I cannot volunteer for those opportunities outlined here or in person at this time?

If these opportunities do not work, volunteers can help by:

Hosting a wish list drive
Hosting a fundraiser
Following us on social media
Seasonal opportunities

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer

Step 1 – Attend New Volunteer Orientation & Learn about Non-direct and Direct Program Opportunities.
Step 2 – Schedule 1-1 Interview with the Program Coordinator.
Step 3 – Schedule the Appropriate Training.
Step 4 – Complete New Volunteer Paperwork Depending on the Volunteer position.
- Volunteer Information Form
- Confidentiality Agreement
- Volunteer Policies
- Volunteer Timesheet
Step 5 – Meet with Program Staff in chosen area for additional training and ongoing supervision.
Step 6 – Stay Informed and Connected!