Volunteer with DOJ’s Bias Response Program

We are especially looking for high school, undergraduate, and graduate school student interns.  The application cycle to volunteer/intern starting January 2025 is now open!

The Oregon Department of Justice Bias Response Program is building a team of trained volunteers and interns who are passionate about victim advocacy and anti-bias work.  Do you want to take a Stand Against Hate » in Oregon?  Then we need you!  Volunteers and interns receive extensive training in anti-bias victim advocacy, obtain Oregon DOJ certification as a Certified Bias Response Advocate upon completion of the program, and gain incredible experience working alongside staff in the Oregon DOJ Civil Rights Unit.

Volunteer and Intern Roles

• Direct advocacy – Volunteers and interns help answer our Bias Response Hotline and support victims of hate and bias in the aftermath of a bias incident or crime.
• Ongoing victim support – Volunteer Bias Response Program advocates can work from their home community in Oregon, providing ongoing support and advocacy to a victim after an initial contact with the hotline.
• Social media management – Volunteer and intern advocates build connections and allies by managing our social media content to connect with community partner agencies and allies, promote training, and share anti-bias messaging.
• Outreach – Represent the Civil Rights Unit at community events and presentations
• Prevention – Volunteer and intern advocates connect with schools, community partner agencies, and youth programs to build and share prevention programs.
• Training – Volunteer and intern advocates research and build training modules for community partner agencies and law enforcement partners.
• Special projects – Volunteer and intern advocates assist with additional projects as needed by the Civil Rights team or the Attorney General, including research, generating flyers and brochures, and compiling resource lists.

Bias Response Program Advocates: Volunteer or Intern?

The Bias Response Program Internship is designed to provide advocacy experience to college or graduate students interested in supporting bias victims and developing systems to end hate.  Students can earn academic credit from their academic institution or fulfill class internship requirements by successfully completing a Bias Response Program internship.  During the school year, we require a minimum two-term (semester or quarter system) commitment where interns work at least 15 hours per week.  Summer interns commit to a full summer at 40 hours per week.  This is an unpaid internship in Oregon which does not provide compensation for the services you perform.

Volunteers in the Bias Response Program can be college or graduate students or community members.  Volunteers often work from their home community in Oregon and accept referrals of victims who are local to provide ongoing support, advocacy, and systems’ navigation.  Volunteers can also staff the Bias Response Hotline.  We require a minimum one-year commitment, generally one shift per week, but we do not specify/require a mandatory number of hours per week.  Volunteering with the Bias Response Program builds a great connection between you and your community.  This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity.  As a volunteer, you are not eligible to be compensated for the services you perform.

We are happy to provide references upon successful completion of the Bias Response Program Volunteer and Intern Program.

Bias Response Program Volunteer and Intern training sessions are currently held virtually.

Volunteers and interns complete a mandatory 40-hour training to learn about oppression, the impact of trauma and bias, and the basics of advocacy.  The comprehensive training prepares volunteers and interns to respond to and interrupt bias and hate and includes coverage of the following topics:

Completion of training does not guarantee certification or formal acceptance into the Bias Response Program Volunteer and Intern Program.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older. (Note: the Civil Rights Unit is open to volunteers or interns age 17 after a thorough vetting process, including speaking to a parent/guardian. Minor volunteers/interns will have limited direct victim contact.)
• Secure internet connectivity.
• Live in Oregon, southwest Washington, or western Idaho during the period of volunteer/intern work with the program. Roles are hybrid with some Oregon in-person requirements.
• Commitment to our anti-hate, non-discrimination core values.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse client base.
• Ability to maintain strict case and victim confidentiality.
• Ability to successfully clear criminal history and reference checks.
• Successful completion of 40-hours of mandatory Bias Response Advocacy training during the first month of your volunteer/intern commitment.
• Willing to sign a volunteer/intern agreement.

 Application Process

• Complete Application and all supplemental questions in Workday; deadline to apply is November 30, 2024
  • Attach your resume (include employment and volunteer history).
  • Attach your reference list (include names, relationship, telephone number or email).
  • If you chose to attach any documents, you will only have one opportunity to upload them. Drag and drop into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that your documents didn’t attach, email a copy to DOJ.Recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Material will be associated with your application on your behalf.
• Interview
• Reference check
• Background check
• Complete mandatory 40-hour training
• Sign volunteer/intern agreement

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, caste, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

Contact Information

Please contact us if you have questions about volunteering or interning with the Oregon DOJ Bias Response Program.