Volunteer

Volunteers carry red clipboards while they monitor court hearings involving violence against women and children. They record important data and observations on specially designed forms, and WATCH uses this information to make recommendations for how the courts can provide greater safety for women and children.

Opportunities are available in the downtown Minneapolis courts as well as in suburban courts near Southdale, Ridgedale, and Brookdale.

We ask for:

  • A commitment to ending violence
  • Attendance at a six-hour training and continuing education during the year
  • Careful observing and note taking
  • A one-year commitment; one shift per month for downtown volunteers; two shifts per month for suburban volunteers

Volunteers receive:

  • A close-up look at how the courts respond to violence against women and children
  • Valuable, hand-on experience that translates to everyday life
  • An opportunity to give input that results in improvements to the courts
  • The chance to meet others that share your passion for justice
  • Participation in an organization that is leading the nation in promoting court monitoring

Court is held Monday through Friday. Volunteers who monitor the downtown courts may choose either morning shifts from 8 am – noon or afternoon shifts from 1 – 4:30 pm. In the suburban courts, there is only a morning shift from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and agree to a criminal background check.

Unpaid internships are available for a semester, during the summer, or for an academic or calendar year. Responsibilities include extensive court monitoring, and may also include research, volunteer coordination, data entry, outreach, and community education. Applicants should have an interest in civil or criminal law, women’s rights, public policy, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human rights, or government.

Announcing our next continuing education session for WATCH volunteers:
Presentation by Jennie Backus, Program Coordinator at the Sexual Violence Center. Come learn about the work of the Sexual Violence Center in regard to prevention, education and advocacy.
Thursday, March 25th from 12pm to 1pm at the WATCH office. RSVP to Anna or call (612)341-2747 x7.