Volunteer Opportunities: How You Can Help

Although StrongHearts Native Helpline does not have an established volunteer program at this time, we recommend the following:

If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship:

● Help them become aware of services and programs that are available to help them:

StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483 or chat now at strongheartshelpline.org, 7 am - 10 pm CT Daily. You are also welcome to call and discuss ways you can support your loved one. The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or chat at the hotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522

● Another way to help victim-survivors is by helping them focus on things that they can control. While they may not be able to stop the abuse they can practice self-care. Ask them what they like to do or help them find an activity they enjoy. Self-care can be something as simple as drinking more water, reading, participating in ceremony, taking a walk in nature or calling friends or relatives.

● You can also check to see if you can help them by being a part of their safety plan by coming up with a check-in system like a regular phone call, video chat or text.

● Visit our webpage Help a Friend or Family Member to learn more. And read our blogs:

How to Support a Loved One in an Abusive Relationship

Provides insight into why victims stay with their abusers and ideas on how you can support them.

My Loved One was Sexually Assaulted - What Can I Do?

Affirmation, support, forensic testing and resources on how to help a friend or relative who has been sexually assaulted.

If you don't know anyone in an abusive relationship and still want to help:

● Help raise awareness about domestic, dating and sexual violence. Follow us on social media, share our posts and tag us. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

● Sign up to receive our newsletter to stay up to date and help us spread awareness.

● Sign up to be on our email list to be part of future policy advocacy work.

● Donate to StrongHearts Native Helpline. Donate personally or if your employer has a program to donate to non-profit organizations, recommend StrongHearts Native Helpline. Your donation will help us continue our mission to restore power to Native Americans impacted by domestic violence by weaving together a braid of safety, sovereignty and support.

● Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter.

● Attend, support or organize a community event in your area to raise awareness of violence against Native women. Organizers can plan a community walk or run, vigil or any type of fundraiser/awareness event they choose. To support your efforts, the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center provides many culturally appropriate resource materials that you can download and print at home or order through their online store.