Will you Join Us?
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia seeks to advocate for all Virginians with disabilities, but we cannot do it alone. Will you join us?
Volunteer
Our Volunteer Program
Learn more about our volunteer program.
dLCV Podcast: Volunteer with dLCV!
This episode is all about our volunteer program. We interviewed Valerie Jones, our former Community Outreach Specialist. She shared with us all the different counsels dLCV has, volunteer opportunities, and how you can get involved! Check out more information and how to sign up below. We have opportunities in our office, but also plenty of opportunities that can be done remotely so feel free to reach out to our current Community Relations Assistant, Youssef Guerch, directly to find out how to best use your time and skills to help us out. We are so grateful to all our volunteers and look forward to working with more of you!
Volunteer Opportunities
ADMINISTRATIVE
- We are looking for a semi-regular volunteer who can come in once a week to help with an assortment of admin tasks such as staffing the front desk, assembling packets, light data entry and typing, and copying documents. You can set your own schedule Monday – Friday between 8:30am and 5pm.
- Sort and file our Computerized Human Rights Information System (CHRIS) reports.
If you would like to become a volunteer, contact Youssef Guerch at youssef.guerch@dlcv.org or (804) 662-7307 or complete our Volunteer Application.
COMMITTEES
We have many committees that help us keep going. These committees often meet monthly during a particular season or all year long. Contact us to find out more about the availability. This is great for young professionals looking to get involved or anyone interested in learning about becoming a board member.
- Coalition for Community Safety
- Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illnesses (PAIMI) Council
- Resource Development Committee
ADVOCACY
Extra Extra! Virginia is developing new seclusion and restraint regulations. Helps us IDENTIFY parent advocacy groups to send out these NEW guidelines and more. Your assistance will help us keep parents informed of new regulations that affect students. Submit your group’s information online.
Learn more information about seclusion and restraint in Virginia.
Help us update our referral guide. We are looking across Virginia to find information for referrals and advocacy services. We receive over 1,000 phone calls each month and are not able to provide direct case services to each person who calls. Because of your research skills, we can provide resources or referrals to assist more individuals. Submit your resource information online.
PRESENT
- Do you have a great speaking voice? Join us to EDUCATE day support facilities about their right to access the community. Each presentation is 15-30 minute long. You’ll be trained on the materials. We can help you set up the day/time of a presentation or you can schedule one with your local facility.
- Give two short (10 to 15 minute) PowerPoint presentations on “Know Your Rights” at six-day support facilities. A list of the facilities will be provided. The presentations are simple and already prepared.
DATABASE REVIEW
REVIEW Computerized Human Rights Information System (CHRIS) reports and RANK the reports that do not raise issues of abuse or neglect. This is an ongoing project that requires a regular schedule. You make your own schedule. You will be trained and must come into the office for this project. Several volunteers are needed!
LEGAL
- VOLUNTEERS CERTIFIED IN LAW: dLCV is in need of a volunteer with a legal or private practice that is willing to accept referrals for pro bono or reduced fee cases in exchange for CLE hours.
- Legal Research: Despite being determined to be clinically ready-for-discharge, many individuals with mental health issues face extraordinary barriers to discharge due to lack of capacity, resources, and services in the community and therefor remain hospitalized indefinitely. This list of barriers is known as the Extraordinary Barriers List (EBL). We are looking for volunteers to help us think outside the box on ways we can help these individuals be discharged from hospitals.
WEB DESIGNING
Do you have WEB DESIGN experience? Are you technical savvy? dLCV needs a volunteer to assist with maintaining our website. Please be able to commit to six (6) hours per month. Must have experience using WordPress.
Coalition For Community Safety
Are you interested in promoting safety for Virginians with disabilities living in the community? dLCV invites you to join the Coalition for Community Safety!
Frequently Asked Questions
dLCV’s main office is located in Richmond, Virginia, and we are in need of individuals across the state. People with disabilities live everywhere in Virginia, so we welcome the help of volunteers outside the bigger metropolitan areas.
Yes. You will be required to participate in an orientation and training session. Additional training provided for those volunteers interested in provider community visits.
We welcome all volunteers. Ideally, we are interested in a commitment of at least 4 hours per month over a 12 month period.
No. We welcome volunteers of all kinds. We encourage individuals with disabilities and individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.
YOUR DONATIONS SUPPORT OUR CRITICAL WORK
Your Gift Makes a Difference in Protecting and Advocating for Virginians with Disabilities!