VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
If you of someone you know is currently in an ongoing court case or facing active criminal charges, The Monthly Zine Pre-Sentence volunteer program may be a helpful, mutually beneficial option. In some cases, Pre-Sentence volunteer programs can reduce criminal cases sentences drastically. Under the terms of our program, in exchange for 20 hours of personally fulfilling, meaningful community service, participants will receive a typed personal reference from our staff sent directly to both the sentencing Judge and the case prosecutors office. In addition, we provide a small travel stipend and many other benefits. For more information, please see our F.A.Q. listed below.
What experience do I need?
No experience is necessary to apply for the program. We encourage and welcome all who are currently facing criminal charges to apply.
Are there any special requirements for the position?
The requirements are minimal, however they are vital. Candidates must be:
- 18 or older
- Able to be on your feet
- Able to follow directions
What are my chances of being accepted into the program?
We are able to approve a very high number of all applications submitted. If you do not get accepted, you will receive a written letter expressing the specific reasons why. Volunteer slots are on a first come first served basis, so the most common reason for denial is by far a lack of open volunteer slots.
What kind of charges/cases are acceptable?
We accept individuals facing charges ranging from small misdemeanors to major felonies. You are a human. Humans make mistakes. We believe in second chances and in most cases, third or fourth ones too. It's O.K. to have said or done things that you regret. Just be honest and tell us what your exact charges are. Disclosure is key. We will address any concerns we may have with you and evaluate your situation fairly, on an individual basis. To error is a human quality, to forgive and accept does not seem to be.
What do you mean when you say benefits are included?
Those accepted into the program will receive:
- Company issued Ventra card to cover transportation costs while volunteering
- $4 stipend per shift to assist in covering travel to our home office
- Premium Coffee, Tea or bottled water provided in office
- Courtesy of our gracious sponsor, Dominic’s Delicious Pizza, pizza provided at the end of each shift
What will I be doing while volunteering?
This is a substantive, professional geared position. Appropriate candidates will learn vital job skills while volunteering such as entry level business administration, marketing concepts and inside sales tactics. Job duties will include but not be limited to:
- Directly providing homeless individuals with subscription cards
- Establishing secure locations for Homeless citizens to receive more subscription cards
- Telephone fundraising, promotional and marketing strategies
- Various other responsibilities.
Will I have to admit any kind of guilt?
Absolutely not. Our staff will never directly ask you to admit guilt, nor will anything you decide to reveal be used against you, ever. You will be bound by a non-disclosure agreement, and so will our staff. We are not concerned about your guilt or innocence, we are focused on enriching the community and the lives of those in it, including yours.
What if I don’t complete the program? Will I get into trouble?
No, you will not face any legal consequences. You will miss out on a valuable life experience that will help the most needy in our society, but other than that nothing really will happen. As this is not a court sanctioned program, the system does not know about your participation unless you complete the program. The Judge and Prosecutor will only be notified if there is good news to report. If you fail the program, there is simply nothing to report in that case.
What rules will I have to follow and what is expected of me?
We cordially ask that while volunteering, you follow these simple rules:
- Please be punctual. Show up on time and prepared to volunteer.
- No gang activity. Please cover any inappropriate tattoos.
- Please abide by all state, federal and local laws when volunteering.
- Please do not swear, use poor language or talk.
- Please stay off of your phone while volunteering. In addition to your 45 minute meal break each shift, you will be provided two-five minute phone breaks.
- Please follow all directions provided by Monthly Zine Staff. Remember, your safety is our primary concern, therefore many directives are for your own safety.
- Please be kind and respectful to the Homeless Citizens you encounter.
- It’s 2020 and the laws have changed, we understand that. We request that you avoid Smoking/Vaping/420 use while on duty, however if must be done, it must be absolutely be done off premises a minimum of 15 feet from the front doors of our office. Alcohol use or substance abuse will not be tolerated.
- Please refrain from ridiculing any individuals you may encounter.
- NOTE:for the safety and to protect the identity of our communities homeless, SHARING ANY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES OR THE ANY INDIVIDUAL'S IDENTITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA WILL BE IMMEDIATE GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION.
How exactly will my criminal case befit from volunteering?
The befits can be immense, but will vary case to case. Each county is different and every Judge does thing their own way. However, there has NEVER
been a case where pre-sentence volunteering has hurt a defendant. After your completion of the program, our staff painstakingly writes a meticulous letter on your behalf. We are always sure to highlight any remarkable attributes you exhibit and/or good volunteer performance you display. We also include any areas in which we feel you have improved or personally grown from the time you began the program to your final shift. Our staff writers are professionally trained and have written many, many letters to the courts. We never pander to the Judge, nor do we beg or excuse the criminal act which you are being sentenced for. The letters written on your behalf will portray a strong sense of respect for the Court, the Justice System & it's Administrators. The letters will also convey a level of seriousness, and acknowledge the gravity of the crime for which sentencing is being passed. Our staff will never write a letter that we feel will harm the outcome of your case. Additionally, in most cases one of our staff members can accompany you to your sentencing hearing to provide moral support, speak on your behalf if requested or simply to provide the court a with show of solidarity on your side. If you request of us, we can also cooperate with any Investigations Division Pre-sentence investigators the court may appoint in your case.