Volunteer
Join Us in Creating a Community of Care.
Be A Part Of The Salal Team
Join us in shifting society by creating safer environments and building communities of care and consent.
Whether you’re ready to support survivors directly, work behind the scenes, or help drive systemic change, your contributions make a real difference. We welcome you to join our journey in building a world where every voice is heard and valued.
Volunteer positions are open to people of marginalized genders: women, trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse folks, who are 19 years or older.
Crisis Line & Support Group Volunteers
Your Role
Answer calls on our 24-hour Crisis and Information Line (after hours, weekends, and holidays)
Offer immediate emotional support, help with safety planning, share self-care tips, and provide referrals
Assist our counselling team in facilitating support circles
Requirements
Complete a 12-week in-person Volunteer Training
Commit to a one-year volunteer term
Educational Outreach & Fundraising Volunteers
Educational Outreach: Your Role
Engage with the public at community events by running Salal information tables, creating campaigns and blogs
Be in community and share our work by participating in marches, rallies, ceremonies, and protests to share our work.
Fundraising: Your Role
Work with our Fund Development Team on donor stewardship and event management.
Requirements
Complete a 12-week in-person Volunteer Training
Commit to a one-year volunteer term
Office
Volunteers
Your Role
Provide essential administrative and reception support in the Salal office
Answer calls, greet visitors, and work alongside staff
Requirements
Complete a 12-week in-person Volunteer Training
Commit to a one-year volunteer term
Volunteer Training program
Our Oldest and Most Revolutionary Program
Be part of an over 40 year old legacy of community showing up for survivors and participating in mutual aid.
The training is offered free of charge in exchange for a one-year volunteer commitment.
Over 12 weeks, you will learn to support survivors using a feminist, anti-oppressive, and decolonizing approach in an environment that values your lived experience, learning and unlearning through generative discussions, vulnerability, and accountability.
“Salal’s Volunteer Training gave me the gift of language and taught me how to use love and compassion to resolve conflict, hold safer spaces, hold pain, see strength, and support others.”
— Former Salal Volunteer
What To Expect
Content & Topics
This training is a searching experience and requires personal exploration on behalf of the volunteer.
We explore subjects such as colonization, ableism, racism and white supremacy, anti-trans bias, childhood sexual abuse, and rape culture.
This can be a challenging process and involve sitting with both discomfort and grief.
We ask that applicants reflect on whether this feels like the right time to engage in this program before applying.
Learning Environment
Our sessions are hybrid, in-person, and virtual
The training is a journey of personal exploration and skill-building, designed to nurture community, because we know none of us can do this work alone.
Important Dates
Application Deadline
January 5th, 2025
Training Start Date
TBD
Volunteer Commitment
Our program is designed to support you through a structured yet flexible volunteer journey.
Below are details on the training schedule, attendance expectations, post-training commitments, and ongoing support.
Training Schedule
The 12-week training is offered twice a year (starting in January or September), with sessions held in the evenings twice a week.
Additionally, you’ll complete 8–16 hours of practical training alongside a Salal staff member to practice taking crisis calls.
Attendance
To successfully complete training, you must miss no more than 3 full sessions (or 13 hours total).
Post-training Commitment
After training, volunteers are expected to commit to at least one year of volunteering (about 8 hours per week, totaling roughly 400 hours).
These hours can also be fulfilled in other areas of our organization (support groups, outreach, fundraising, or office).
Ongoing Support
Engage in one-on-one supervision with our Volunteer Coordinator as needed.
Attend Monthly Volunteer Meetings (first Wednesday of every month, 5:30–8:00 pm) for shared support and collective care.
Ready to make a difference?
Complete our volunteer application and join us in shifting society by supporting survivors with compassion, care, and community.
Volunteer for the Board of Directors
Learn more about how you can contribute at a leadership level by volunteering for Salal’s Board of Directors.
Other Ways To Make An Impact
Become A Donor
Make a one-time donation, become a monthly supporter, or consider purchasing a Square of Care to help sustain our services.
Request a Workshop
We believe that change happens when we come together. Invite Salal to run a workshop for your organization or to speak at an event.
Host a Fundraiser
Have a great fundraising idea? Let us know—we’re excited to collaborate on activities that align with our mission.
News & Updates
Stay up to date on our takes on global news, community events and more. We delve deeply into topics, especially around sexual violence, that others shy away from.
Sign up for our e-newsletter