Volunteer Education Advocates play an essential role in SASSMM's prevention and outreach efforts by delivering engaging educational programming to students in kindergarten through third grade. Through lessons, activities, and discussions, Volunteer Education Advocates help children develop foundational skills related to personal space, body autonomy, body neutrality, healthy boundaries, respect, consent, and personal safety.
Volunteer Education Advocates foster classroom environments where children feel respected, included, and empowered to ask questions. Volunteers work collaboratively with educators, volunteers, and staff to ensure programming is developmentally appropriate and trauma informed.
In addition to facilitating classroom education, Volunteer Education Advocates participate in training and continued education to strengthen their knowledge of child development, prevention education, and best practices in responding to disclosures of abuse.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate evidence-based, interactive, age-appropriate education lessons in K-3 classrooms throughout the Midcoast
- Teach students about topics including personal space, body autonomy, body neutrality, healthy boundaries, respect, consent, and personal safety using the SASSMM curriculum.
- Create respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning environments
- Adapt teaching strategies to meet developmental needs and learning styles of students
- Collaborate with other Education Advocates to co-facilitate lessons
- Represent SASSMM professionally when interacting with students, school personnel, and community members
Secondary Responsibilities
- Complete 40+ hour Advocate Training
- Recognize and respond to disclosures of sexual abuse or childhood sexual abuse in accordance with SASSMM policies
- Fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities related to suspected child abuse or neglect, when required by law and SASSMM policy
- Participate in a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually
Skills/Qualifications Needed
- Comfortable facilitating developmentally appropriate conversations about bodies, personal safety, and boundaries
- Awareness of and sensitivity to issues surrounding sexual violence
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Commitment to creating inclusive and respectful learning environments for children from diverse backgrounds
Desired Experience
- At least two-years of experience working with youth in an educational setting
- Experience leading classroom activities, or providing educational programming
- Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, child development, or prevention education
Time Commitment
Teaching opportunities are determined by the needs and availability of participating schools. SASSMM staff coordinate with schools and will share opportunities with volunteers as they become available.
- Lessons typically consist of a 30-45 minute presentation with time for activities and questions. Volunteers may be scheduled for multiple lessons in a day, depending on the school
- Volunteers can expect teaching opportunities to be communicated at least two weeks in advance whenever possible
- Volunteers are encouraged to view this role similarly to serving as a substitute teacher. When opportunities arise, they can indicate whether they are available to accept the assignment
- In addition to classroom facilitation, volunteers should plan to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually
SASSMM strives to provide flexible scheduling that supports both the needs of local schools and the availability of our volunteer educators. We recognize that volunteers have varying schedules and appreciate open communication regarding availability throughout the school year
