San Miguel Resource Center: Call for Advocates

24 Aug San Miguel Resource Center: Call for Advocates

“Being an advocate is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my time in Telluride, but in addition, the skills I learned in advocate training have been as useful in my daily life as they are for advocate work. You’ll find yourself using them again and again in both your professional and private relationships,” Laura Colbert, SMRC advocate since 2009

SMRC advocate, Laura Colbert

Twenty-one years in operation, 368 trained community members, and 292 clients served in 2013 alone. The San Miguel Resource Center is growing and it needs every bit of community support possible to continue creating more peaceful communities. Join us in the movement to prevent violence and promote equality.

Although not all advocates trained live in the region still, nor remain directly connected to SMRC, we believe the skills and knowledge advocates carry with them create a ripple effect in the movement to end interpersonal violence. It is our goal to keep this effect alive and well. We also want to keep creating awareness in our community by offering free education.

In the first seven months of 2014 SMRC has already served 251 people and there is no sign of a slow-down. Each year our client numbers continue to grow. As we expand our client services, expanding our team is equally important.

This September, the SMRC offers close to its 40^th advocate certification training. This FREE, comprehensive educational program certifies participants as Victim’s Advocates within the state of Colorado. Throughout the training, attendees have the opportunity to learn from professionals who work in the fields of interpersonal violence, sexual assault, counseling, social services, law enforcement, the legal system, child advocacy centers, and much more. The program is a great learning opportunity to acquire skills applicable to any relationship in one’s life.

There is no time commitment once you complete the training. Many advocates go on to help answer calls on our 24-hour Helpline –  on average, volunteers cover over 500 hours a month on the Helpline – however there are other ways to use your skill set in the agency. The training is for the individual, and we want everyone to utilize the education in whatever way feels best, including personal growth and healing.

Orientation is Wednesday, September 3, 6-7 p.m. at the Ice House Conference Room on San Juan Avenue across the street from Smugglers. The remainder of the trainings will be Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. at the Telluride Community Room.

For more or to register, contact me, Elly, at 728-5660. Or visit us online.