VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center
Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk

P.O. Box 428
Holbrook, NY 11741
(631) 360-3730

Speakers Bureau Application

Name: *
Date:
Address: *
Daytime Phone: *
Evening Phone: *
Email Address: *

1. What do you think is the goal of the VIBS Speakers Bureau?

2. Why do you want to do this kind of work?

3. Describe the personal qualities you have that would benefit the speakers bureau.

4. How has your past work/volunteer experience prepared you for this kind of work?

5. What difficulties do you think you would have with this kind of work?

6.What is your current availability? How would volunteering fit in with your schedule?

7.Write a short paragraph describing your impression of the impact a volunteer speaker can have on a sexual assault or domestic violence survivor in the audience.

	Most people still believe myths about rape.
	Stranger rape is more traumatic than date rape.
	Batterers are abusive because they loose control.
	Men can be victims of domestic violence as well.
	Alcohol and drugs cause domestic violence and rape.
	Rape is a crime of passion, most rapists do it for the sexual pleasure.

6. List 3 common reactions a victim can have after a rape.

7. List 3 obstacles (personal or social) victims face when attempting to leave an abusive relationship.

	I am always dressed appropriately for work. If asked to make a presentation in the community, my appearance would allow me to be taken seriously as a professional.
	I refrain from sharing inappropriate personal information with clients, co-workers, and supervisors.
	I am receptive to constructive suggestions regarding my performance. I do not take comments personally, become defensive or point out faults in others.
	I take responsibility for my actions.

8. If I were uncomfortable with or disagreed with a policy or decision, I would

Please describe how you would handle TWO of the following situations.

You are teaching a class about sexual assault and a student begins to share some very personal and obviously painful experience about her own past victimization.
During a speaking engagement the teacher who invited you makes a very inappropriate and stereotypical comment about rape victims.
During a discussion about male rape, you hear a participant make a homophobic comment which seems to go unnoticed by the other members of the group.
Before a presentation, you are made aware that a student in the class has a history of sexually harassing female students, and is currently on probation for a sex offense. Do you alter your presentation? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer 2

Please read the following statement, when you come to VIBS you will be asked to sign a printout of this form (note: all prospective volunteers must sign the pledge in order to be admitted into the program).

Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk operates from a position of respect for all of our clients, staff and volunteers regardless of: race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, ability, age or gender. Any volunteer who shows intolerance to diversity will be immediately dismissed from the program.