Volunteer Spotlight: Trace Lund
Sothea Soumphonephakdy at our 2019 Hope & Healing Gala
The Rape Recovery Center volunteer team consists of nearly 150 incredible individuals who give their time, talents, and passion to furthering our mission of serving survivors and educating the community about sexual violence. This month we are spotlighting our amazing Outreach Volunteer, Trace Lund!
Trace has been with our center for almost two years, dedicating their time to our crisis line and our outreach/education team. You can find Trace tabling at events and educating the community about the RRC! You can also find Trace at our Open House as they are the main facilitator for our agency. We are so grateful for them and their amazing skill-set!
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?
I was looking for somewhere to volunteer thanks to finding myself in a rut a few years ago. I discovered the RRC while browsing local opportunities, and the mission of the center resonated with me. As I got to know some of the people at the center, I realized it was an environment I wanted to work in and be a part of.
What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?
Talking to callers on the crisis line and meeting with community members is always a rewarding experience. On a more selfish level, I love spending time with the people who work and volunteer here, as well as the atmosphere of the RRC.
What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?
Seeing and discussing the impact of sexual violence.
Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?
I enjoy board games, adore thrift shopping, am a sucker for schlocky films and books with a lot of character, and crochet more random projects than I can effectively give away. I work in residential treatment and am currently applying to psychology PhD programs--hopefully the third year of applications is the charm.
You have immersed yourself in the very difficult work of addressing sexual violence. What gives you hope as you approach this work?
Hearing survivors' stories; seeing staff and volunteers working to empower and support individuals impacted by sexual violence; viewing the art around the center.
What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?
Your contribution is valuable. If you're looking for a place to make a difference, the RRC offers a chance to support folks in our community while working with an incredible group of people.