We offer on-going comprehensive training for volunteers throughout the year. Counselors
commit to a year of service on the Crisisline following the training. Counselors receive regular supervision and support and additional educational opportunities.
The 24-hour Crisisline schedule enables
people with a variety of personal and work schedules to participate.
Crisisline Counselors learn
how to help people during times of crisis
how to listen and respond effectively in all areas of life
how to prevent suicide and other violent behavior
how loss and trauma affect people
how mental illness impacts life
about other problems of living and how to help people manage them
about community resources for the wide variety of human needs
how to manage their own stress
Crisisline Counselors gain
skills and knowledge which
improve interactions with partners, children, colleagues, students, friends,
etc.
meaning which builds
confidence, competence, and joy in living.
experience which strengthens resumes and applications. Students,
people entering the work force, and those contemplating a career change
find that SPCS volunteer work is esteemed by graduate schools and
employers.
membership in a diverse group of dedicated and dynamic people.
meaning which builds confidence, competence, and joy in living.
Minimum Qualifications to train to be a
Crisisline Counselor
Maturity (typically 20 years old to 100 years old)
Ability to listen with compassion and open-mindedness
Training programs for volunteer Crisisline
counselors are held four times a year. Please call the Crisisline Directors
at (607) 272-1505 or email spcscrisisline@verizon.net for more information.
The SPCS Role Players is an
educational role playing ensemble whose purpose is to address mental health and
life issues, teach about communication skills, and facilitate problem solving
as they relate to each unique audience.
The role players are a
caring, trained group of volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds and life
experiences. Players from middle school age to senior citizens contribute
their time, role playing skills, and interest in the issues to the community
audiences.
Training for new role
players involves six hours of training and observation of Role Player events. Training
workshops are usually held in January each year or can be brought to community
groups. Please contact the Director of Interactive Theater, Lee-Ellen Marvin,
at 607-272-1505 x23 to find out how you can become a Role Player!
Office Volunteers
SPCS welcomes office volunteers to help with various administrative duties
and projects. Office volunteers can assist with annual reports, website,
newsletters, mailings and database management. Please contact us
at 272-1505 if you are interested in helping our SPCS staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crisisline
Q: I’d like to volunteer as a counselor, but I have
no experience and feel frightened by so much responsibility. Do I need to know
how to counsel? A: We provide a comprehensive training
program, on-going supervision and in-service training so that you will be fully
prepared. If you are a good listener and have an open heart and mind, we can
provide you with the necessary skills.
Role Players
Q:
Who are the Role Players and what do they do?
A: A group of trained volunteers
(ages teen - senior citizen) who present scenarios that depict tough situations
and issues that are relevant to audience members, followed by interaction with
the audience.
Q:
I might like to become a Role Player. Do I need to have acting experience?
A: No, we will train you. You need
to have an interest in helping people and in acting.
Q: What situations are enacted?
A: The players are available to address any social or
interpersonal issues or conflicts. Some of
these issues might be family conflicts, personal, professional, or school
stress, sexuality concerns, peer pressure, loneliness, rejection, aging, or
substance abuse.
