B.U.D.D.Y. Connect Peer Volunteer

Buddy Connect Peer Volunteers are part of B.U.D.D.Y. Connect (Being Understanding, Dependable, and Devoted to You), a people-powered support program created to ensure survivors are not alone during some of the most challenging moments of their healing journey, including interactions with complex systems such as the court process.

This role centers presence, empathy, and consistency . Buddy Connect Peers do not provide legal advice or therapy. Instead, they serve as a steady, grounding presence for survivors who may be navigating emotional stress, unfamiliar systems, or moments when having someone alongside them matters most.

Volunteers may support survivors through:

• One-on-one peer connection and emotional support
• Courtroom accompaniment , offering calm, nonverbal presence during hearings or legal proceedings
• Emotional grounding and encouragement before or after court-related moments
• Consistent presence during stressful or unfamiliar processes
• Connection to SAVE programs or professional resources when appropriate

This role is ideal for individuals who:

• Have lived experience with trauma or survivorship and are in a stable place in their healing
• Lead with empathy, patience, and strong listening skills
• Understand the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Believe survivors deserve dignity, agency, and support when navigating systems not designed with them in mind

Training & Support:

All Buddy Connect Peers complete a structured onboarding and training process focused on ethics, boundaries, emotional regulation, courtroom protocols, and survivor-centered support.

Time Commitment:

Flexible and based on availability. Engagement may be ongoing or tied to specific support needs.