Benefits of Membership for CONTACT USA
Agencies and Programs

Accreditation - A core program of CONTACT USA. On-site accreditation ensures that a community which has a CONTACT center is receiving the best telephone helpline services available anywhere in the United States. Every five years (with annual reviews), a team from the CONTACT USA national office conducts an intensive evaluation of programs, services, training and center operations. This program not only helps a center maintain the highest standards of service delivery, but provides an opportunity for a thorough management review and strategic planning by the center.

Management Assistance Program - On-site management teams are available to provide technical assistance, mediation, planning or training on any issue that effects the operations or programs of a center. Unlimited phone consultation with the national office staff and volunteers provides an invaluable link to the entire network of CONTACT resources and talents. On-site consultation is available for a fee.

Annual National Conference - One of the largest gathering of staff and volunteers from telephone helplines. Workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers focus on all aspects of running a telephone helpline center including issues from suicide prevention to fund raising, caller issues to volunteer recruitment.

National Volunteer Recognition

• Spirit of CONTACT Award - This honor is given annually to one volunteer, nominated by their local center, selected by a national panel of leaders in the field of volunteerism. This award exemplifies the spirit and commitment of volunteer service to CONTACT that is embodied within all volunteers nationally.
• Mary R. Brown Society - A national recognition program which honors the long term commitment of volunteers in CONTACT. Membership is open to any volunteer who has served for 25 years or given 2,500 hours of service.
• Hernando Palmer Award - Honors volunteers who have given 5000 hours of service or more

New Center Development - CONTACT USA assists local communities wishing to start a telephone helpline. With over 30 years experience developing helplines, CONTACT USA is able to provide the basic guidance, planning, direction and all the tools necessary, saving time and money.

General Membership - Helplines already in existence are welcome to participate as a member center within CONTACT. Transition to the CONTACT model is easily facilitated and provides tremendous benefits to any center. To apply for membership, click here!

Resources for Centers - a collection of forms, exercise, training modules and other tools shared by member centers

IRS group tax exemption for local centers.

Annual Statistical Report - A complete reporting and analysis of types of calls, caller demographics, volunteer and financial information gathered by all centers. Recently revised, a more accurate picture of the workings of a CONTACT center are now available.

Membership in LifeLine International - International affiliation with LifeLine, based in Australia. This membership joins CONTACT with helpline centers around the world.

Newsletter - quarterly news about CUSA happenings

Use of the CONTACT USA Credit Card account - great for accepting donations from those who don't want to pay cash!

Message Board and listserv make it easy to communicate with other CUSA Centers