Since many people are more comfortable using written or online forms of communication to discuss their feelings, RAP-Line Online provides a crucial link to the Penn community. The RAP-Line was founded in the Spring of 1990 by Melissa Karz '92, Margery Jacobs '92, and Rachel Miller '93, students who were committed to providing their peers with the support that they required. The RAP-Line continues to grow stronger each year, as we continue to enhance our services. In 1995, RAP-Line began staying open seven nights a week, instead of just five. In 1996, we opened PennPeer, the predecessor of RAP-Line Online.
Many more projects are currently underway.
The RAP-Line is funded by the Student Activities Council, with support and guidance from the Office of Health Education and the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life. Initial funding was provided by the President's Office. There are many more offices and individuals who continue to support the Line in a variety of ways. Applicants who are accepted by the Line participate in an intensive training program. Training is intended to help create an open and sharing environment, orient volunteers to issues the callers may be facing and the resources available to them, help listeners to develop a sensitivity to the way callers may be feeling, and teach skills that will help volunteers to be effective active listeners.