Published: November 04, 2007 10:59 pm         

YWCA to hold volunteer training

YWCA Enid will conduct a free volunteer seminar 10 a.m. to noon Saturday for people interested in volunteering at upcoming YWCA events and seeking further training as Crisis Center volunteers.

“As the holidays approach, we are starting to receive many questions from community members regarding volunteer opportunities, and we thought a seminar would be a great way to introduce everyone to the basics of volunteering and the needs of our organization,” said Kayte Anton, community education and prevention specialist at YWCA Enid. “With an introduction to volunteering, people can choose to donate their time to the YWCA or decide that volunteering at the YWCA may not be what they are looking for.”

The seminar will include an outline of YWCA programs, volunteer rules and procedures, specific program requirements and a tour of the facility.

Staff also will provide a brief overview of volunteering at the Crisis Center, including confidentiality, victim advocacy and a summary of domestic violence and sexual assault issues. For most YWCA programs, volunteers must be at least 13 years old and have a desire to serve. Crisis Center volunteers must be at least 18 and complete an additional 10 hours of training over various subjects.

“Individuals can complete the seminar and decide that they want to begin the Crisis Center training process, or they may choose to volunteer their time to special event or project and consider the Crisis Center at a later time. The seminar is an opportunity for people to explore their options when it comes to being a YWCA volunteer,” said Anton.

The volunteer seminar also is open to people seeking to complete court-ordered community service. The seminar will not count toward community service hours, but will be viewed as the individual’s community service orientation, a requirement for all individuals completing court-ordered community service at the YWCA.

All seminar participants will receive a copy of the YWCA volunteer manual and a certificate of completion. Refreshments will be available.

A volunteer or court-ordered community service application must be filled out and turned in to the YWCA by Wednesday to participate in the seminar. The seminar is free and is open to anyone 13 years and older.

Applications are available at the YWCA, 525 S. Quincy, or by e-mailing kanton@ywca enid.com. For information, call 233-7581.