Chicagoland Clinic Escorting *Volunteer*
Chicago, IL
Volunteers /
Volunteer /
On-site
Our Clinic Escorts are our most dedicated volunteers, committed to supporting patients at Planned Parenthood health centers across Illinois.
Escorts can be identified by their bright pink vests, warm smiles, and supportive stance—which stands in stark contrast to the menacing presence of the anti-choice protestors. Our escorts’ primary role is to stand near health center entrances to greet patients and help ensure they can safely reach the front doors without harassment or intimidation.
Our escorts do not provide security, but as the first people our patients see when they arrive, they are the face of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. The presence of clinic escorts offers patients a sense of safety and comfort when arriving for an appointment and we frequently hear from patients who are grateful for the compassion and support our escorts provide.
When you join the Clinic Escort Program, you join an elite group of dedicated advocates who stand proudly and publicly in solidarity with our patients.
LOCATIONS
While we do have some shifts available within Chicago, our biggest current need is at our suburban locations. Because of this, most of our upcoming escort orientations will be held at our Aurora or Flossmoor Health Centers.
Chicagoland Health Centers with escort programs include:
·Aurora (Priority)
·Flossmoor (Priority)
·Waukegan
·Chicago (Near North neighborhood)
We expect our needs to continue to grow and shift in coming months, so we may have opportunities at additional health centers in the future.
REQUIREMENTS
·All potential escorts must first attend a General Volunteer Orientation.
·Next is Escort Orientation, which is a specialized training that focuses on the role of an escort, our non-engagement policy, abortion facts and information, and a conversation with current escorts to help you better understand the kinds of situations you may face on a shift.
·Escorts must commit to volunteering for at least 2 shifts per month for 6 months. (Shorter commitments may be accommodated on an individual basis.)
·Escort shifts are typically 2 to 4 hours long.
·Escorts must be able to tolerate the environment outside the health center – both Illinois’s seasonal extremes and verbal harassment – while maintaining a positive, patient-focused demeanor.
HOW TO GET STARTED
First, fill out a general volunteer application.
Once you have attended the general volunteer orientation, you will have access to the next escort orientation.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any other questions, please email Volunteer@PPIL.org
