Be a RAINNmaker.

I've written before about online or virtual volunteering. I'm back now with a particular opportunity. If your are interested in preventing and helping survivors of rape, incest, and sexual assault, consider becoming an online volunteer with the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline operated by Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

Right now, the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline is only operating Monday through Friday from 2pm to 10pm ET. Unfortunately, they are overwhelmed with people who want to talk anonymously with a trained counselor. They need more volunteers so they can expand the hours and the program.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to help, but may not have much time. Volunteers must be trained through their local rape crisis center. Visit rainn.org and enter your zip code to find a center near you. It's important because, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men in the United States has experienced an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives. That means you or someone you know. Won't you help?

If you are a survivor of sexual assault and need help, call the RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673). You can call from anywhere in the US, and free and confidential counseling is available by phone 24 hours a day.

"Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil." - Elie Wiesel