Volunteer Opportunities

Project Safeguard provides volunteer opportunities in five different areas of need to victims of domestic violence. We serve the entire metro Denver area through offices in Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Denver and Littleton. We provide services to a diverse community and strive to reflect that diversity in our staff and volunteers.

1. Courtroom Advocacy - "Daily between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm"
   Advocates assigned to a courtroom serve several functions. In the course of a normal day advocates provide
   • Emotional support;
   • Answer question for clients preparing documents used to petition the court for temporary protection orders;
   • Ensure that the necessary documents are presented to the clerks in a timely manner;
   • Discuss safety plans;
   • Assemble appropriate referral and resource information; and
   • May also assist clients preparing for permanent protection order hearings and accompany them to court.

Advocates are trained to answer questions about:
• Domestic violence;
• Protection orders;
• Divorce; and
• Allocation of parental responsibility.
These advocates also register clients:
• To attend clinics;
• Discuss safety plans;
• Assemble appropriate referral and resource information;
• Initiate follow-up contact for clients who have been seen in court; and
• Offer emotional support.
2. Legal Advocacy and Assistance Clinic - "Tuesday between 5:30 and 7:30 pm (Scheduled monthly in Spanish)
   This is an opportunity for advocates to assist women who are preparing to petition the courts for dissolution of marriage (divorce) or allocation of parental responsibility (child custody) without benefit of an attorney.
   An attorney will facilitate this clinic and will explain the forms as well as help women prepare for court appearances and answers any legal questions.
   Project Safeguard provides:
   
   • All the appropriate forms;
   • Helps clients identify which court to petition the attorney;
   • Explains the forms;
   • Answers questions, and
   • Provides individual assistance to clients regarding their case.
3. CourtWatch - "Daily between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm"
   CourtWatch is an opportunity to learn about court process and procedure. In this capacity:
   
   • Volunteers observe the proceedings of an assigned courtroom.
   • Volunteers document the activities with special interest in the treatment of women who come before the court where domestic violence is either the presenting or underlying issue.
   Results of these observations are analyzed and resulting recommendations are presented to the appropriate authority by the CourtWatch Coordinator with the intent of improving conditions for women requesting services through the courts.
4. Community Outreach
   This is a chance to raise awareness in your community about the seriousness of domestic violence. Opportunities in this area include:
   
   • Conducting research;
   • Participating in presentations; and
   • Supporting fundraising efforts.
   Volunteer should possess the following:
   
   • An interest in and a commitment to women's issues
   • A basic understanding of domestic violence issues
   • Excellent listening and communication skills
   • The ability to remain non-judgmental and supportive
   • The ability to work professionally with a variety of people
   • The desire to make a one-year commitment

Project Safeguard supports the academic community through placement of interns in some of our volunteer positions.

For more information call 303-863-7416, or email us at volunteer@projectsafeguard.net or fill out a volunteer application. After downloading the form, send to volunteer@projectsafeguard.net or fax it to 303.837.1808 or mail to:
Project Safeguard
815 E. 22nd Ave.
Denver, CO 80205

In addition to volunteer advocacy opportunities, Project Safeguard is guided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. For more information about Board positions, email director@projectsafeguard.net.