by Hayley McCullough
Daily Lobo
Through Agora, you can get class credit for helping people.
For the first time, the oldest student-run crisis hotline in the nation is rewarding its volunteers with class credit this semester.
Volunteers can earn one credit per semester for up to six semesters, but the work isn't easy, said Jeremy Jaramillo, director of the center.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"(It's) a lot of time and effort," he said. "This class credit is a way we can give a little bit back."
The volunteers at Agora attend a 42-hour training course and commit to spend 220 total hours with the center, Jaramillo said.
Agora is run through UNM's psychology department, but students of all majors volunteer at the center.
The next training session begins Sept. 15.
Callers use the hotline to talk about issues ranging from test anxiety to suicide, Jaramillo said.
Volunteers are available 24 hours a day to answer calls.
Alumna Stefanie Vigil volunteers one night a week at Agora.
"I think it's about giving back to people that want to talk," Vigil said. "If I am the ear that will listen to them, then it's totally cool."
Vigil said what may seem like a small problem can be a big issue.
"You never know what you're going to pick up," she said.
Agora's call volume has quadrupled in the last two years, creating a need for more volunteers, Jaramillo said.
There are three volunteers available to take incoming calls at all times, he said.
By the end of September, there will be four volunteers at all times to address the increasing demand, Jaramillo said.
Agora's volunteers are trained to help solve problems without giving personal advice, Jaramillo said.
Most crisis hotlines refer callers to counselors and therapists without taking the time to listen to their problems, Jaramillo said.
"Everything is moving toward trends of info and referral," he said. "It is our very big belief that we should help people before they get to suicide. We're prevention."
Agora has about 70 volunteers and is always recruiting, he said.
Jaramillo said the credit is a small bonus for Agora's volunteers.
The largest benefits of the program are building an excellent rÇsumÇ, learning communication skills and potentially saving lives, he said.
Student Lisa Mohler has been working with the program for five years.
Mohler said Agora is a good resource for people with a lot on their minds.
"When you take a call or a walk-in, you're making a difference in someone's life," she said.
She said the experience has also influenced her personal life.
"From volunteering at Agora, I have become a better friend. I can listen better and help them," she said. "My personal communication skills have improved."
