At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Black femmes through various volunteer roles, from live chat to digital marketing.
- Company: HERSANA CIC, a leading support service for Black women and girls facing gender-based violence.
- Benefits: Gain new skills, make friends, and contribute to a vital cause in your community.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of at least five hours a month; apply by 31st March 2025.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating safe spaces and advocating for Black femmes.
- Qualifications: Open to Black femmes aged 18+, no specific experience required, just a desire to help.
ABOUT US
HERSANA CIC is the first and leading Gender-based Violence Support Service providing advice, support and advocacy to Black women and girls who have experienced any form of gender-based violence. We were founded in 2016, and have been championing the needs and safety of Black femmes ever since. HERSANA works directly with thousands of Black femmes who have experienced abuse and violence. We specialise in domestic abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse including honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
We are a service run by Black women, for Black women, and with Black women in mind and at the forefront. We have been working to end violence against women and girls in all its forms whilst providing wholistic support to Black femme survivors by providing advocacy services nationally for Black femmes who need longer-term support. We provide free long-term counselling, as well as short-term emotional and practical support.
As a leading expert on violence against women and girls, HERSANA provides accredited and tailored training to a wide range of statutory professionals and workshops to young people and community groups. We use what we learn through working on the frontlines with clients to work for national and local policy change to improve outcomes for Black femme victims and survivors of abuse and violence. We build evidence through key pieces of research. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of Black femmes around the country.
Our mission is to create wholistic, gender-specialist, culturally specific and trauma-informed safe spaces for Black women and girls affected by or at risk of gender-based violence across England, as well as campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls in all its forms. We aim to centre Black femmes in every narrative and to provide these services in a safe and Black femme only environment.
We believe that safe spaces like our own can provide a sanctuary from the world of facades, a sacred space where we, Black femmes, can be ourselves, as we are. This kind of unmasking – speaking our truth, sharing our inner struggles, and revealing our raw edges – is sacred activity. Safe spaces designed by us, for you and with you in mind and at the forefront.
BEING A VOLUNTEER AT HERSANA
There are many reasons to volunteer and spend your time helping others. Everyone has their reasons to get involved and we welcome each one with a desire to improve sense of community for Black femmes. Volunteering can give you a renewed sense of purpose, new friendships, and a new outlook on life. Studies have shown that volunteers are generally happier and healthier than their non-volunteering peers.
Volunteer roles
- All our volunteer roles are for passionate Black femmes aged 18 and above with the drive and interest to advance a safe community for and with Black femmes in mind. Volunteers are encouraged to commit at least five (5) hours a month at their own convenience.
- Live Chat Advisor
- Digital Marketing Officer
- Translator
- Facilitator
- Boutique Assistant
Curate your role with us
If none of the aforementioned roles apply to you, that is okay; we understand that volunteering is a vast endeavour that cannot be exhausted. You are still welcome to volunteer with us if your abilities and interests go beyond the tasks indicated and contribute to our services and support for Black femmes. In your application, specify your skills, interests, and what volunteering with us looks like for you.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, you’ll need to complete the Application Form, including the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Section. When completing it please relate your application to the requirements stated in the attached person specification, as shortlisting for interview is dependent on the extent to which your application matches these. We are unable to accept CVs. The deadline for applications is 8pm on Monday 31st March 2025.
Volunteer Roles employer: Hersana
HERSANA CIC is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment for Black femmes. As a volunteer, you will be part of a passionate community focused on eradicating gender-based violence while gaining valuable experience and personal growth opportunities. With a commitment to cultural specificity and trauma-informed practices, HERSANA offers a unique chance to contribute meaningfully to the lives of those affected by violence, all within a safe and nurturing space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Roles
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Roles
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Hersana, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Hersana.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hersana
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Hersana and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
