Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

Consider becoming a Visit Supervisor with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s Supervised Visitation Program!

• Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Whatcom County children and families?

• Are you looking for a weekly volunteer role?

• Can you help provide consistency for families by committing to volunteer for a minimum of 6-12 months (12 months or longer preferred)?

• Are you bilingual and able to support families who speak other languages?

A Visit Supervisor monitors visits between non-custodial/non-residential parents and children when the court has determined that supervision of visits is necessary. We provide a safe, warm and comfortable space for children to create and maintain positive, healthy relationships with their parent.

If you have questions or are curious to see if this volunteer role would be a good fit, feel free to call Janne Sleeper, Supervised Visitation Program Manager at 360-676-0122 ext. 124 or Janne@whatcomdrc.org

The WDRC Youth Program provides Conflict Resolution Education, Services, and Restorative Practices in K-12 schools, Juvenile Justice, and community settings.  Volunteers will assist WDRC staff and facilitators during classroom activities and lectures based around topics such as: 

• understanding the roots of conflict

• identifying needs and values

• reframing anger as a protective emotion

• conflict strategies

• understanding stress

• active listening

• assertive communication

• finding common ground

Youth Volunteer positions may be available in the following areas:

Conflict Resolution Workshops in School Settings

Workshops are held across Whatcom County –  volunteers must have access to reliable transportation, or be able to carpool from the WDRC office with a staff member.  Most opportunities occur during September, October, March and April with occasional opportunities outside these months. Opportunities will consist of a 3 hour shift. 

Due to the irregular nature of school-based workshops, volunteers will be added to a call-out list after orientation and agree to be contacted on an as-needed basis. 

This could be a great opportunity for those who have:

• Comfort with public speaking 

• Experience working with youth 

• Ability to maintain a calm, non-reactive demeanor when faced with challenging behaviors

• Knowledge and experience with conflict resolution is helpful, but not required

Conflict Resolution Workshops in Juvenile Detention Setting

Small group conflict resolution workshops are offered to youth who are incarcerated at the Whatcom Juvenile Detention Center. An additional background check and volunteer application are required.  

We ask that volunteers with this program have regular availability to provide consistency within the program. Opportunities will be about 2 hours once a month at a regular time. Currently the 3rd Wednesday of the month 3-5pm. 

This could be a great opportunity for those who have:

• Willingness to comply with Juvenile Detention Volunteer Requirements

• Experience working with at-risk youth

• Grounded understanding of physical and emotional safety

• Ability to maintain a calm, non-reactive demeanor when faced with challenging behaviors

• Experience redirecting inappropriate or harmful behaviors

• Knowledge and experience with conflict resolution is helpful but not required

Diversion

Small group conflict resolution workshop for court-referred youth. These workshops are held virtually on zoom four times a month. The current schedule is Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm.

We ask volunteers to have access to a private space where the volunteer can attend the virtual class and regular availability to provide consistency in this program.

This could be a great opportunity for those who have:

• An engaging and friendly demeanor

• Experience working with at-risk youth

• Experience participating in zoom meetings

• Previous knowledge and experience with conflict resolution is helpful but not required

• Regular availability and access to a private space to conduct virtual meetings

Peace Poetry Contest

Every year, the WDRC hosts our annual Youth Peace Poetry Contest, which inspires youth to write creatively about peace. Youth ages 18 and younger who live in Whatcom County have submitted their poems, songs, short stories, and other forms of short creative writing on the theme of peace. Volunteers will support the Peace Poetry Contest by participating in a review panel, and writing personalized and thoughtful feedback in a timely manner. 

This volunteer opportunity happens annually during July and typically consists of about 3 total hours of time, spread between 1-2 weeks.

This is a great opportunity for those who have:

• Ability to write specific, positive feedback on poems in an age appropriate style

• Comfort with email and google forms

• Willingness to attend 1-2 virtual meetings with the Poetry selection team. 

• Being a poet is NOT required!

If you’re interested in supporting a Peace Poetry Workshop in the schools or community, please let us know!

The WDRC Fundraising Events Committee is looking for community member(s) to volunteer in a committee support role. We are looking for highly-motivated individuals who love events to assist our committee in obtaining silent auction donations for our annual Peace Builder Awards which will take place in October. This event is the largest fundraiser our organization, and the Fundraising Events Committee plays a vital part in helping us meet our fundraising goals. The time commitment includes a one-hour committee meeting once a month, as well as several hours per month contacting prospects for donations and picking up items. Volunteers are needed immediately. Volunteering with the WDRC Fundraising Events Committee is a great introduction to Board service, while being a fun opportunity to connect with the community in a new way. Please email a resume to our Community Engagement team at outreach@whatcomdrc.org.

Are you looking for a way to strengthen the social fabric and resilience of our community? Do you believe in the power of positive conflict resolution? Would you like to join a group of thoughtful and dedicated community members who are passionate about the powerful impact constructive conflict resolution makes in Whatcom County?

The WDRC Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for new Board members! If you believe in our mission, are collaboratively minded, and want to help advance our organization through this volunteer service, please consider submitting a cover letter and filling out the application below. While all applicants will be considered, the Board is particularly interested in candidates who will enthusiastically assist with our donor development and fundraising efforts, as well as candidates who are uniquely positioned to diversify our efforts and perspectives, and who will help us expand our relationships throughout all of Whatcom County. Ensuring our Board is representative of our community matters to us. BIPOC community members are encouraged to apply. Questions? Please contact Moonwater, Executive Director at director@whatcomdrc.org