Get Involved! Volunteer Training

SAPAC Volunteer Training

The SAPAC Volunteer Training program is an intensive training that provides in-depth information on issues related to sexual violence prevention.  Volunteer Training is a requirement if you are interested in volunteering with the Bystander Intervention and Community Engagement Program (BICE)Consent, Outreach, & Relationship Education Program (CORE)Survivor Empowerment and Ally Support Program (SEAS)Michigan Men; or Graduate Research, Outreach, Workshops, and Evaluation (GROWE).

What will be covered?

SAPAC Volunteer Training is an intensive program spread over multiple sessions and weeks. Volunteer Training will provide participants with pertinent information they can utilize to be effective SAPAC volunteers on campus. Training will provide a framework for how one's role as a volunteer within a SAPAC program fits into our University's comprehensive public health plan (primary, secondary, tertiary) to prevent sexual violence.This training provides a foundation for volunteers to develop their skills throughout their time volunteering with SAPAC.  We will discuss topics such as:

  • Power and Control
  • Responding to Disclosures, Supporting Survivors
  • Consent & Healthy Relationships
  • Bystander Intervention
  • University of Michigan Policy & Procedures on Student Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence
  • Community Building
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
  • Self-care
  • Facilitation
  • Volunteer Program Specific Skills and Knowledge
  • And much more!

The curriculum includes general information presentation, mixed media presentation, group discussion, and personal reflection time.  Facilitators will include SAPAC staff, interns, and volunteers.

Who can participate?

SAPAC Volunteer Training is open to all currently enrolled students at the University of Michigan, including undergraduate and graduate students. To be able to volunteer with SAPAC, we require at least a two (2) semester commitment (Fall and Winter).

What can you do after SAPAC Volunteer Training?

Volunteer Training is required to participate in one of the five student volunteer groups:Bystander Intervention and Community Engagement Program (BICE); Consent, Outreach, & Relationship Education Program (CORE); Survivor Empowerment and Ally Support Program (SEAS); Michigan Men; or Graduate Research, Outreach, Workshops, and Evaluation (GROWE).  After you participate in Volunteer Training, you can join one of these groups to continue your knowledge and skill development as well as be actively involved in the movement to prevent sexual violence at the University of Michigan.

Regardless of which volunteer group you join, you will also have the opportunity to apply to facilitate our bystander intervention program for local bars, Raise The Bar as well as many other leadership opportunities like applying to be a co-coordinator for a volunteer program, applying to be a Peer Led Support Group (PLSG) facilitator, applying to be a multimedia coordinator, and more!

Volunteers attend weekly volunteer program meetings during the academic year and provide peer-to-peer education programming such as tabling, events, and workshops. Current volunteers are required to attend additional day-long training for their continuing education once a year (in the years following entering SAPAC as a volunteer).

When is the next SAPAC Volunteer Training?

SAPAC Volunteer Training occurs annually during the Fall semester. Applications for Fall 2024 Volunteer Training will open as the Fall 2024 semester approaches (typically late August/early September) and training occurs throughout the month of October. Further details TBA!

Other questions?  Feel free to contact the SAPAC office at [email protected]

 Can I get involved before Volunteer Training? 

If you are interested in learning about SAPAC events and opportunities before Volunteer Training, you can fill out this form or email [email protected] to request that you be added to our supporters listserv, where you'll receive early information about SAPAC campus events and opportunities.