Volunteer at NRS
As a teenager myself, I find volunteering at the National Runaway Switchboard to be not only extremely fulfilling, but a great way to help and identify with my peers. - Celeste, Teen crisis line volunteer
By distributing posters and other materials in my community, I know I'm helping someone else get help. - Mary, Street Team Member
Volunteers serve as the lifeblood of the National Runaway Switchboard. Whether you volunteer as a front-line team member, administrative volunteer, materials distributor, committee member or as a part of our Board of Directors, you are providing youth and families across the country with an opportunity to find a solution to their problems. If you don’t live in Chicago where we are headquartered, there are many other ways to volunteer and help youth in your community, school, or church. Check out this section for additional ways you can volunteer and help keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.
Crisis Line Worker (Chicago volunteers only)
As part of our front line team you can help us answer the more than 300 calls we receive each day. “Liners,” as they are called here at NRS, assist callers with identified needs such as filing an abuse report, finding shelter or making arrangements to return home. Liners are asked to make a one-year, 100-hour commitment and to serve two hours per week at NRS. Minimum age is 16.
Before taking their first call, each liner must complete a 36.5-hour training program including classroom and experiential training. This training will acquaint prospective volunteers with the National Runaway Switchboard, our services and philosophy, and our crisis intervention model. Skill development exercises are employed to educate trainees about effectively responding to specific topics on calls, such as, child abuse and family dynamics. After successful completion of the training, volunteers are qualified to answer calls in the call center with an experienced NRS supervisor, who is always in attendance, offering assistance and support when necessary.
Street Team Member
We know there are many teens and families in crisis that don't know about our services. This is where we need your help. There are many ways to help us get the word out about 1-800-RUNAWAY in your community. As a Street Team Member, you will distribute our many (free) materials throughout your community. Hand out or leave materials in schools, churches, libraries, stores, restaurants, malls, bus/train stations or anywhere that youth and parents will see them. There is no time requirements and you do the outreach on your own schedule! And, earn cool rewards for your outreach activities in your community!
Committee Member
The National Runaway Switchboard offers several opportunities for people who prefer to work "behind the scenes." You can use your professional skills and creativity to serve on a committee. Committees include fund raising, program development, Spirit of Youth benefit, and National Runaway Prevention Month task force.
Administrative Support (Chicago volunteers only)
If you are unable to make a long-term commitment to the National Runaway Switchboard, you can help with short-term activities. Administrative assistance is always needed at NRS for such activities as filing, data entry and general office tasks.
Internship/Work Study (Chicago volunteers only)
Depending on the requirements of your school, the National Runaway Switchboard can be an excellent training or learning environment for those interested in pursuing a career in social service.
If you qualify for off-campus federal work study through a local college or university, you could be paid to work as part of our front line team. Please contact the volunteer coordinator for more information.
Apply
Here is a list of the some of the ways that you can volunteer, if you are interested please click below on the volunteer role that you are interested in:
Street Team Member (under the age of 18)
If you are having trouble accessing the various applications, or have questions about any volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@1800RUNAWAY.org or 773-289-1726.
