Volunteer Advocate Team

The Volunteer Advocate Team was created in response to the needs of grieving families after a traumatic loss. Unexpected deaths often leave families to pick up the pieces and navigate complicated systems without guidance. Volunteer Advocates serve their community by responding to scenes of unexpected deaths, assisting first responders with death notifications and providing information and support to surviving loved ones. Advocates are solely focused on the family of the individual that has passed- helping them to understand next steps, connecting them to resources, and ensuring that they feel as supported as possible.

Volunteer Advocates come from all walks of life. Though there are social workers and mental health clinicians in the group, experience in these or related fields is not required. No matter their background, the Volunteer Advocates are united by their desire to be of service to their community and a deep empathy for families experiencing loss.

The GRPD covers costs for uniforms, PPE, and training. Volunteers also have access to internal emotional support services as needed.

Volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • 21 years of age or older
  • Ability to commit to at least one year of service
  • Comfort with grief and death
  • Good communication skills
  • Commitment to team values of self-determination, equity, inclusion, cultural humility, and accountability
  • Ability to respond to scenes within 30 minutes
  • Possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Availability to cover 3 on-call shifts per month
  • Attendance at monthly team meetings

 

All Volunteer Advocates must complete an initial training and certification process through the Michigan Sheriffs' Association (MSA) once approved as a volunteer. This training is offered by the MSA multiple times a year in various locations throughout the state. It must be completed within the first year of service. In addition to the MSA training, volunteers are required to complete a ride-along with a GRPD officer and attend monthly team meetings to help familiarize them with department and team operations.

After the first year of service, volunteers must commit to obtaining 12 hours of continuing education each year.