Meet Amalia (Mali) Rubin, Hospital Accompaniment (HASA) & Legislative Volunteer!
How long have you been volunteering? How long have you held this role in Fairfax County?
Volunteering has always been a big part of my life, starting with my family and community in elementary school. I have been volunteering with HASA since April 2021. As of January 2022, I also volunteer with the legislative review team.
Why volunteer? Why volunteer for this specific program?
When I was growing up, my family volunteered at a shelter for women experiencing homelessness, many of whom were also survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Now, as an adult, I wanted to be part of a support system for community members who needed information, care, and respect at a critical time.
Talk about how you overcome the most challenging parts of volunteering.
Despite volunteering for a year with HASA, I have not actually been called for a virtual or in-person accompaniment. A big challenge is a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing, but I know I’ll be able to fall back on DSVS’ great training!
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
For me, knowing the outcome of the bills we provided analysis for was super memorable. It is very cool to understand what is happening at the legislative level and feel like you had an impact.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
The legislative review training was very interesting. As someone who focuses on international policy (in my day job), it was cool to take an introspective look at our own legislative processes. Now I know how to read a bill!
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
Take the dive! It is a real privilege to be part of this community of like-minded people and have the chance to impact the current or future experience of someone needing DSVS support.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I could attend more trainings/webinars!
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).