Volunteer
Have you ever considered volunteering? CRJ is always looking for volunteers for our various monthly restorative panels and COSA teams.
Volunteers are the heart of successful restorative justice programming. Without our volunteers restorative programs would not exist. Restorative panel and COSA volunteers hold people who have caused harm accountable to their victims and the community. They care about helping people get their lives back on a positive track. They dedicate their time every month because they care about their community and the people in it.
CRJ volunteers undergo an extensive interview process to make sure the fit is right as well as a criminal background check. CRJ offers a comprehensive training program for all volunteers.
CRJ encourages people from all backgrounds and life experiences to apply. Please fill out the Volunteer Application and email it to us.
Call us with your questions: 802-447-1595.
You can also mail the application to:
Center for Restorative Justice, 439 Main Street, Suite 2, Bennington, VT 05201
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that has.”
Margaret Mead
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
Q: What are the specific roles of a volunteer?
A: Following a positive reference and criminal background check, volunteers go through a comprehensive training program to serve on either a community restorative justice panel or COSA team. Depending on which program a volunteer chooses to engage in, panel volunteers commit to serving on one restorative panel per month or one COSA meeting per week.
Q: What skills or qualities do you look for in your volunteers?
A: CRJ volunteers must possess the values of integrity and respect. Adherence to confidentiality is mandatory. Objectivity, compassion, equity, acceptance, and a commitment to the philosophy of restorative justice are important qualities of a CRJ volunteer.
Q: Will I be working directly with victims, offenders, or both?
A: Work with victims and offenders are done in restorative group settings with trained staff members.
Q: How does CRJ ensure volunteer safety?
A: All volunteers undergo comprehensive training programs. CRJ also follows strict safety protocols.