SAAF provides various trainings to better prepare volunteers in serving clients and the community. Some volunteer positions require specific trainings that must be completed prior to volunteer placement.  Click here to see the current training calendar.

Orientation gives a prospective volunteer the opportunity to learn what we do as an agency.  Potential volunteers receive basic HIV/AIDS information, as well as information about trainings and volunteer opportunities available throughout the agency. Special emphasis is placed on the agency’s confidentiality policy, which all volunteers are required to abide by. This 3-hour training is offered every month, usually the 3rd Tuesday, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., but occasionally on a Saturday.

Below are comments from individuals who recently attended SAAF’s Volunteer Orientation training:

“You helped me understand my HIV better – thank you.”

“Delicate subject presented very well.”

“Trainers were both very knowledgeable and engaging. Thanks!”

“Trainers were very nice and excited about the program; they made everyone feel comfortable.”

“I really got a lot of helpful info about HIV. Loved it.”

This experiential training will help a volunteer to understand what it means to live with a life-threatening illness. It also focuses on getting in touch with individual grief and loss, as well as prepares a volunteer to better understand substance abuse and mental health issues. Emphasis is on group work and interpersonal skills. It is for a volunteer who is interested in becoming a Peer Counselor or Buddy, or anyone who wants to know how to provide better support to someone living with HIV/AIDS. This 2-day training is offered every quarter, and Volunteer Orientation is a pre-requisite.

This training provides potential reception volunteers a basic overview of duties and issues related to answering a multiple-line phone system, greeting agency visitors and clients, and providing effective communication with staff. Additional training is required following this orientation prior to volunteer placement. This 5-hour training is offered on an “as-needed” basis, and Volunteer Orientation is a pre-requisite.

Also known as the Speakers’ Bureau training, this training will give a volunteer the skills and information to conduct basic HIV/AIDS presentations. Volunteers are prepared to staff informational booths and provide education and outreach through public speaking in the community. This 8-hour training is offered every quarter, and Volunteer Orientation is a pre-requisite.

Some volunteers enjoy and value their experiences at our trainings so much that they want to help facilitate. This training teaches skills for handling challenging participants, guidelines for keeping a group engaged, and an understanding of group dynamics. This 5-hour training is offered as demand requires, and Volunteer Orientation is a pre-requisite.

SAAF offers specialty trainings throughout the year in areas such as facilitation, training and education, and special events. These specialty trainings are offered to volunteers whose interests and capabilities meet the agency’s need. Check with Volunteer Resources staff for specialty trainings.