Central Michigan University students have an opportunity to impact someone’s life.

Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates is in need of dedicated and passionate volunteers, said adviser Stephen Thompson.

“You don’t have to be a survivor of violence to apply,” Thompson said.

SAPA is a nationally-recognized student program which is a support service for survivors of violence.

The organization has been at CMU since 1997 and currently has 41 student volunteers. SAPA is looking for students to join the support system.

Thompson said 60 to 70 students apply every year and 10 to 15 will be accepted.

“We’re looking for the best of the best,” Thompson said. “We’re asking for a two-year commitment.”

The application deadline is March 21.

Interview sessions will take place in March and are run by current SAPA members.

Capac graduate student Erica Ray said students should just be themselves when going through interviews.

“Be ready to have a lifestyle change,” she said.

Ray said once a student is a member of SAPA, they do not go to parties or to bars the same way. She said when becoming a SAPA member, students are taught what is best for the survivors is best for the group.

Thompson said SAPA will do what the survivor wants. It can help victims get personal protection orders or direct them to other resources.

“SAPA is there 24/7 and someone will always be there to answer and listen to you,” said Mary Hill, graduate assistant for SAPA.

The organization also hosts a crisis online chatroom though AOL Instant Messenger. The chatroom is open 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays.

“Names are not saved so we never know if you’ve contacted us before or more than once,” she said.

Thompson said SAPA is here to help and never judge.

SAPA has a 100 percent placement for members with counseling-related careers, he said.

Thompson said many survivors may forget the program exists.

“After (’No Zebras, No Excuses’) in the fall, there are several contacts with students about the group, but then by spring it dwindles down,” he said.

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