Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services will conduct training Sept. 4-8 for those interested in becoming volunteers.

"We run a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week organization, but we have (a) limited staff," said Charlotte Murton, a crisis specialist. "That's the reason it's so important to have volunteers. We do a lot, but there's no way we could do it without volunteers."

Volunteers help answer calls on the organization's 24-hour crisis line, provide emergency room advocacy for victims of sexual assault, attend court proceedings with victims, represent the organization at health fairs and volunteer in the organization's office.

A variety of topics will be covered during the training, including the investigation and prosecution, cultural diversity, sexually transmitted diseases and counseling. Those attending will also be trained in the duties of an advocate.

"We will have in-depth sessions with speakers from different agencies that we work with," Mrs. Murton said. "Though we cover several topics, all of them are related to each other. The training is designed to give volunteers the foundation they need to go in and be an advocate."

Volunteers attend additional training throughout the year, she added.

"We have in-services, and we offer extra training that way," she said. "Also, we don't put them out on their first case by themselves. They are paired up with a more experienced staff member or volunteer to give them a level of comfort and confidence as a volunteer."

The initial training will be completed with self-defense classes, which will be announced during the training sessions.

Those interested in volunteering must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and provide references. Volunteers are asked to work at least 24 hours a month after the initial training, Mrs. Murton said.

"It takes a special kind of person to volunteer for our agency," she said. "Our volunteers give a lot of their time, and it takes a lot of dedication."

To register for the training, call (706) 774-2746.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.