Rose City Self-Defense is looking for cis and trans women, non-binary people comfortable in women-centered spaces, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities to train to become volunteer instructors and teach empowerment-based self-defense skills in our community, youth or LGBTQIA2S+ programs.
Volunteers are essential to providing free self-defense classes in the city of Portland. Being a RCSD instructor is both challenging and rewarding. It is an investment of time and resources, but one which pays off in individual skill-building and community connection. Many of our volunteers describe it as a life-changing experience and one of the best decisions they have ever made. One instructor who went through training a couple years ago wrote: “joining RCSD is the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time. The training was incredible (I still miss it!) and I love teaching. I am always in such a good place emotionally and physically after I teach. I love it!”
Applications are accepted year-round. We process applications in the Fall and will reach out for interviews at the end of October.
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age (Youth volunteers will need to pass a background check)
- Complete the RCSD volunteer training (6 Saturdays, January to March 2026)
- Commit to teaching with Rose City Self-Defense for one year.
How to Apply
Rose City Self-Defense Volunteer Application
About the Volunteer Training
Rose City Self-Defense New Volunteer training takes place over 6 Saturdays from early January through March. Trainings cover curriculum and teaching strategies as well as information related to the root causes, prevention, and intervention strategies surrounding gendered violence.
Questions?
Email RoseCitySelf-Defense@portlandoregon.gov or visit Rose City Self-Defense for more information about the program.
