Looking back on BARCC’s 50 years of operation, we want to especially honor the people who have made our services possible since the beginning: volunteers. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of BARCC, and they have been since March of 1973 when we first opened our doors and provided a hotline number to the public. Thanks to our earliest volunteers, BARCC was actually the first rape crisis center to ever operate in New England.  

The Beginning: Early BARCC volunteers, many of whom were survivors themselves, all worked out of a room on the second floor of Cambridge Women’s Center and received hotline calls from people in their community. Their goal was to provide “detailed medical, legal, and psychological information and referrals…emergency transportation for rape victims and…accompany [individuals] to hospitals and police stations, [as well as to arrange] discussion groups and self-defense classes [for interested individuals].” BARCC volunteers were the ones to make this promise a reality.  News article shows photo of BARCC volunteer teaching young people and call for volunteers

BARCC volunteers helped launch other rape crisis centers and make a political difference across Massachusetts. As more survivors sought care, BARCC volunteers took the lead in teaching survivor-centered response techniques, creating a ripple effect that continues to have an impact today. The enthusiastic spirit of collaboration can be felt among the networks where BARCC volunteers support and advocate for survivors. Between lobbying for specific bills to protect the rights of survivors and organizing demonstrations, BARCC volunteers have helped spread awareness and create change.

Thanks to our amazing volunteers, BARCC is a place where all survivors are embraced with open arms. In 1998, after noticing an uptick in hotline calls from male survivors in response to the clergy abuse scandal, our volunteers and staff launched an historic awareness and outreach campaign for male survivors. They wanted to make sure that all survivors, regardless of gender identity, felt seen and supported. Now, BARCC’s 40-hour rape crisis counselor training for volunteers includes modules on anti-oppression, prejudice and privilege, intersectionality, cultural competency, LGBTQ+ communities, men survivors, adolescent survivors, and adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Young volunteers at Walk for Change

Volunteers also directly impact BARCC’s annual Walk for Change, instituted in 2006. Each year, hundreds of survivors and supporters walk together in solidarity, symbolizing a journey towards healing and empowerment. From setting up and breaking down the event, to walking with survivors, to fundraising, this powerful community event is only made possible through the tireless efforts of volunteers.

Today, volunteers remain the driving force behind many of BARCC’s operations. Our Interim Executive Director, Duane de Four says it best: “BARCC wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. Whether it’s through the chat, hotline, medical advocacy, or our prison hotline, volunteers are absolutely critical to the work we do. They are a major part of the fabric of the organization, all the way through to leadership on our volunteer board.”

Before beginning their roles, volunteers complete a 40-hour rape crisis counselor training session. They become experts in the field of sexual violence prevention, trauma-informed response, and survivor empowerment.

But beyond their expertise, the most important gift that our volunteers share is their compassion. As Megan Mulcahy, our Volunteer Services Manager puts it, “Volunteers are what keeps us connected to survivors, their loved ones, our communities, and more. Thousands of people from different backgrounds have volunteered with BARCC throughout our history, but the most important thing they have in common is a passion for supporting survivors.”

We honestly can’t thank our volunteers enough!  We’re so lucky to say that for 50 years, we have had the most compassionate, devoted volunteers imaginable on our team.

BARCC’s work wouldn’t be possible without these amazing people. And you know what? We’re always on the lookout for more incredible volunteers to join us in this mission. So, if you’re feeling called to make a difference as a BARCC volunteer, check out some more information and apply here. We’d love to have you on our team!

“BARCC wouldn’t be here without our volunteers. Whether it’s through the chat, hotline, medical advocacy, or our prison hotline, volunteers are absolutely critical to the work we do. They are a major part of the fabric of the organization, all the way through to leadership on our volunteer board.”

Duane de Four, Interim Executive Director

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Dedicated to Healing and Empowerment, Advocating for Change.

Together, we can end sexual violence.