Volunteer Spotlight: Corinne Galland
The Rape Recovery Center (RRC) could not do the work we do without our incredible volunteers. In 2017 the 117 individuals on our volunteer force provided 11,938 hours of service, a value of $143,246! One of the fabulous individuals on our volunteer team is Corinne Galland. Corinne has been a long time volunteer on our crisis line, and is always willing to step in to cover a shift when needed. Learn more about Corinne and her work at the center below!
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?
I decided to volunteer at the RRC because rape has had a massive impact on many of my loved ones’ lives. I also realized how much of an issue it is in my line of work. I decided that, in order to be a better leader, I needed to know more about rape culture, how to help survivors, and how to become an advocate for them.
What have you enjoyed most about your time as a RRC volunteer?
My favorite aspect of volunteering for the RRC is that moment when it “clicks” for a survivor, and I can tell that I’ve reached them. Any time I manage to calm survivors down or talk them through their trauma, I feel like I’ve truly made a difference in their lives.
What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?
Those calls when I don’t know what the survivor will do next. I’ve had calls where survivors are so upset and then they’ll just hang up. It’s also difficult to balance the crisis line with 70 hour work-weeks and the amount of travel I do for my job. Usually I find that I can manage overnight shifts, but I usually get the more traumatic calls at that time. It’s just a matter of having a thick skin and being able to compartmentalize between my everyday work and the crisis line.
Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?
I work full-time in the Army National Guard, but I also serve and sing in a 1920’s bar on the weekends. I love to cook, shoot, run, cycle, box, swim, lift, and hike. I’ll try any sport at least once, and I love anything to do with the outdoors, particularly back-country camping with my husband.
You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work? What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?
Honestly, the fact that I’m doing anything to make a difference gives me hope. I know not every call will be successful, and I remember to try to learn from every survivor I help. This work makes me a better person and teaches me new things every day. That perspective motivates me when it gets tough.
What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?
The fact that you’ve even considered this work sets you apart. Just make sure you stay true to yourself, and know your emotional limits before you dive in; it’ll impact you more than you expect. You’ll have difficult times, but also wonderful times in this field.
On behalf of all of us at the Rape Recovery Center we thank Corinne for dedicating her time and talents to the center, and for her commitment to survivors!
If you are interested in joining the Rape Recovery Center's volunteer team, visit our volunteer page here to learn more.