OUR VOLUNTEERS
Hundreds of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds work inside and outside of the jails to meet the needs of the individuals incarcerated in our county.
We believe that being a volunteer chaplain is an honor and a responsibility. You are invited guests of the facility chaplains working alongside them under the authority of the Department of Corrections. We carefully screen, train and supervise all volunteers to uphold our values and maintain good standing with Corrections staff. Every volunteer is required to commit to respect every incarcerated individual’s religious freedom and beliefs, and not engage in judgment or proselytizing. When volunteers set aside their agendas and listen well, we foster respect, build relationships and trust and ultimately find hope together.
Will YOU join us inside?
Volunteer Criteria
Must be 21 years of age or more.
Must willingly apply for clearance from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office.
Must be a legal resident of the U.S. and have a social security number.
Must be a member of a recognized local congregation or faith community, where you have attended regularly for 1 year or more, and are known and endorsed by the leadership. We require that each volunteer submits a faith leader reference.
Must speak and understand enough English to be able to respond to deputies’ requests and instructions.
Must be able to communicate and express your faith to others clearly and without prejudice, and commit to not proselytizing.
Must attend required training and meetings.
Must have a working email address that is checked no less than once per week.
How to Become a Volunteer
Attend Going In, Staying In volunteer training and submit a volunteer information form. Learn more about Going In, Staying In
Talk to your spiritual leader and community about your call and desire to be involved. Pray and discern. Request and submit a letter of reference from your spiritual leader.
Schedule a meeting with the facility chaplain of the jail where you wish to serve by reaching out via email.
Discuss with facility chaplain possibility of visiting facility to decide if this is the right ministry for you. The chaplain will send you the necessary forms to receive a one day temporary clearance for your visit.
Complete the application process for a two year security clearance from the sheriff’s office.
Attend ongoing training with CIC Ministries. We require a minimum of 4 training hours per year. All volunteers must attend one 2 hour Going In, Staying In training session each year. We also require 2 additional hours of Trauma Informed training, offered monthly via Zoom.
