Join Our Oldest and Most Revolutionary Program
Be part of an over 40 year old legacy of community showing up for survivors and participating in mutual aid. The training is offered free of charge in exchange for a one-year volunteer commitment. Over 12 weeks, you will learn to support survivors using a feminist, anti-oppressive, and decolonizing approach in an environment that values your lived experience, learning and unlearning through generative discussions, vulnerability, and accountability.
Next Training Cohort: Jan 12 to Mar 30, 2027
**Please note that applications submitted at this time will be reviewed for the upcoming January 2027 training cohort.
Application deadline: Nov 15, 2026
Interviews will be scheduled in end of Nov/early Dec.
**Please note: in order to respect survivor confidentiality, we unfortunately do not accept volunteer applications from survivors who currently or have recently (within the last 3 years) accessed Salal's services. You are welcome to apply once that time has lapsed.
What To Expect
This training is a journey of personal exploration and skill-building, designed to nurture community, because we know none of us can do this work alone. We explore subjects such as colonization, ableism, racism and white supremacy, anti-trans bias, childhood sexual abuse, and rape culture. This can be a challenging process and involves sitting with both discomfort and grief. We ask that applicants reflect on whether this feels like the right time to engage in this program before applying.
Volunteer Commitment
Training Schedule
- The 12-week training is offered twice a year (starting in January or September), with sessions held in-person on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:45-10PM.
- Additionally, you’ll complete 8–16 hours of practical training alongside a Salal staff member to practice taking crisis calls.
Attendance
- To successfully complete training, you must miss no more than 3 full sessions (or 13 hours total).
Post-training commitment
- After training, volunteers are expected to commit to at least one year of volunteering (about 8 hours per week, totaling roughly 400 hours).
- These hours can also be fulfilled in other areas of our organization (support groups, outreach, fundraising, or office).
Ongoing support
- Engage in one-on-one supervision with our Volunteer Coordinator as needed.
- Attend the Mandatory Monthly Volunteer Meeting in-person on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30-8PM, and an optional training session on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 5:30-8PM, for shared support, capacity building, and collective care.
