Advocate Training

Statewide Advocate Training Opportunities

One of the core purposes of developing a standardized advocate training was to build the capacity of center staff. New staff, students (interns and work study placed at the agency), and volunteers are welcome to take the training at any member center offering the Foundations of Advocacy and Help and Healing manual-based advocate training.

Upcoming Advocate Trainings:

Rape Response Services (RRS): Fall 2022
Contact: Amanda Chambers

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services (SAPARS), VIRTUAL: Fall 2022
Contact: Jamie Demers

Aroostook Mental Health Sexual Assault Services (AMHC), Fall 2022
Contact: Wendy Page

Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center (SAC&SC), Fall 2022
Contact: Deanna Walker

Advocate Training Curriculum & Facilitator's Guide

In 2020, sexual assault support centers statewide decided to use the national Foundations of Advocacy training as the core of our 40-hour Advocate Training. Collective use of the curriculum launched early 2021. Below are the current tools and materials, with more to come.

MECASA Core Competencies for Advocate Training
Advocate Training overview with Foundations Sections, Core Competencies, & Help in Healing reading
Foundations of Advocacy Training Manual
Foundations of Advocacy Sections share folder with PowerPoints, agenda, trainer outline, & materials
Participant & Trainer evaluation share folder

Help in Healing: A Training Guide for Advocates

The Help in Healing manual has been the foundation for Advocate Training across Maine for decades. It holds the philosophy, history, and practice of advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. In 2021, the Advocate Training workgroup embarked on a thorough update and edit of the 2013 Help in Healing, including incorporating some of our favorite content and language from the Foundations of Advocacy curriculum.

Help in Healing – A Training Guide for Advocates, 2022 Edition

Welcome
Caring for Ourselves & Each Other
Healing Centered Care
History of Movements
Anti-Oppression Framework
Rape Culture
Ethical Commitments of Advocates
Spectrum of Sexual Violence
Impact of Sexual Violence
Active Listening
Trauma-Informed Care Advocacy
Advocacy Support Via the Helpline
Collaboration with Systems & Partners
Supporting Family & Friends

Recorded Webinars

Setting Boundaries on the Helpline
2020 MECASA webinar facilitated by Canyon Sears
In this webinar, participants will learn about strategies for assessing and creating policies for limiting time on the phone with repeat callers, responding to abusive callers, and discussing some common situations where boundary settings is needed and some example responses.

Volunteer Recruitment

Community Toolbox: Recruiting Volunteers
This section in the Community Toolbox provides some useful tips to assess whether volunteers are right for the current needs you have and some basic steps to volunteer recruitment.

Volunteer Maine

VolunteerMaine.org is a one-stop internet resource for volunteers and program staff.
Volunteer programs can recruit new volunteers, let donors know what goods or services they need, and reach potential board members.
Program staff can access online training and explore resources for improving program operation.
Citizens can search for opportunities to volunteer that match their interests.

Volunteer Match
VolunteerMatch offers a variety of tools and services to help you recruit new volunteers, manage volunteers and prospects, and become a great place to volunteer. Also includes a learning center with free training opportunities to help enhance and build on your skills. Some webinars are listed below.

Online Training or Webinars for Volunteer Managers
Competencies for Managers of Volunteers
Volunteer Maine

Recruiting Volunteers
2018 MECASA Webinar with Erika Allen