Volunteer with RAINN
Volunteers play an essential role in supporting survivors of sexual violence. Here’s what to know about volunteering with RAINN or a service provider near you.
Volunteers on RAINN’s online National Sexual Assault Hotline embody help, hope, and healing for hundreds of survivors every day. Your compassion and courage can ensure support for everyone affected by sexual violence.
5M
RAINN’s victim service programs have helped more than 5 million people since 1994.
1,200
Every day, RAINN’s staff and volunteers help an average of more than 1,200 people.
460K
In 2024, RAINN’s victim service programs helped more than 460,000 survivors.
“With RAINN, we are never alone. We are unified to heal our world together—one person at a time.”
–Kafka, volunteer since 2012
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
Volunteering with RAINN
As a virtual volunteer, you can work from anywhere in the U.S. All you need is a secure internet connection and a private space to chat online. We provide the training; you provide the compassion.
Provide Virtual Support
Help survivors and their loved ones.
Help survivors and their loved ones find immediate relief and resources when they need it most—without ever leaving your own home.
Create Connections
Become part of a community.
Join RAINN’s compassionate community of trained support specialists. Together, we center survivors to combat harm and promote healing nationwide.
Become Trauma-Informed
Learn best practices.
Gain comprehensive survivor-support training, build trauma-informed communication skills, and receive ongoing mentorship from experts.
Facilitate Recovery
Share information and resources.
Offer survivors a judgment-free, resource-rich support experience. The healing journey is long and winding—and it can start with you.
The Volunteer Experience: What To Expect
If you want to help survivors of sexual violence, consider volunteering with RAINN’s online National Sexual Assault Hotline. Here’s what to expect as a virtual volunteer.
“I feel empowered to make a difference in the lives of every single person who comes to the hotline for help.”
–Carlyn, volunteer since 2020
Apply To Volunteer
Become a virtual volunteer with RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. You could be the reason someone finds hope and healing.
Volunteer FAQs
What skills do I need to volunteer with RAINN?
To be a virtual volunteer on the National Sexual Assault Hotline, you must be able to:
- Comfortably use instant messaging technology and follow written instructions
- Work well under pressure, maintain your composure during stressful interactions, and thoughtfully handle shifting priorities
- Work a non-traditional set schedule that may include nights and weekends
Who can apply to volunteer with RAINN?
All applicants must:
- Be 18 or older at the time of submission
- Be able to type at least 35 words per minute
- Have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) and pass a background check
- Live and volunteer within the 50 states of the U.S.A.
- Have a laptop or desktop computer in a private space with a stable wireless internet connection that is password-protected
- Be proficient with technology and able to navigate internet-based platforms
Volunteers with RAINN’s bilingual virtual volunteer program must also have complete fluency in both English and Spanish.
To discuss special accommodations, please contact volunteerinfo@rainn.org
What kind of training will I receive?
Once your application is approved, you can begin RAINN’s Essential Skills training. This expert-developed, online course will prepare you to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support and resources to anyone who reaches out through the online National Sexual Assault Hotline.
The Essential Skills training comprises 40 hours of blended learning, including:
- 26 hours of self-paced online courses
- Four 3-hour live learning sessions (12 hours total)
- One 2-hour partnered role-play session
- Three unit exams
You will also receive two supervised sessions on the NSAH online hotline. During your first two online hotline chats, a licensed training supervisor will be on hand to provide support and guidance if you need them.
All training steps are completed remotely.
What hours do volunteers work?
As a National Sexual Assault Hotline volunteer, you’ll select a set shift and work the same hours month after month. For example, your set shift could be “every other Tuesday from 6-11 p.m.” or “Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m.”
Set shifts help RAINN ensure every survivor gets support quickly—even during periods of increased outreach.
Can I set my own schedule?
When you apply, you’ll be presented with a list of available set shifts. You’ll be prompted to select at least three shifts that would fit into your schedule.
If your application is approved, you will be assigned one of the set shifts you selected.
Get Recruited
Add your name to our recruitment list and get notified of new volunteer openings. You’ll also receive our quarterly newsletter with updates, application tips, and more.
Join Our Community
Support a future free from sexual violence.
Your contribution is critical to staff our hotline and support survivors.
