Being a Help Line volunteer requires a commitment of time and energy. The rewards are internal and everlasting. Since the nature of the service is confidential, volunteers become anonymous caregivers. Their motivation is their sincere desire to help their fellow citizens.

Training sessions are usually in the spring and fall. All Help Line volunteers must pass a screening, which consists of a criminal record check, a personal interview, and a comprehensive training program. On-going evaluation and monitoring are the responsibility of the two coordinators of the program. The mandatory training incorporates the following subject areas:

• Volunteer motivations and expectations
• Helping techniques
• Help Line history
• Basic communication skills
• Telephone listening models
• HIV/AIDS information/awareness
• Defining crisis, phases of crisis, risk assessment
• Suicide and protocols
• Cross cultural training
• Domestic violence
• Volunteer self care, stress, burnout, debriefing
• Community resources and referrals
• On-the-Line orientation