Founded in 1990, Out Youth has grown and changed over the years, but we’ve always retained our most important facet – providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to come together, receive support, and make friends who understand who they are.
We host a variety of programs and services for youth, and provide trainings and resources for parents, teachers and community members.
OVERVIEW
Out Youth relies on the commitment and passion of its volunteers to further its work supporting youth, young adults, and their families.
Information about becoming an individual volunteer can be found below.
If you are interested in an Internship or Practicum placement, please contact us at hello@outyouth.org or 512-419-1233.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PLACEMENT AVAILABILITY
Because of the extraordinary generosity of our community and interest in volunteering at Out Youth, please be aware that our volunteer process is highly competitive, especially for placements in youth-facing positions such as the Drop-in Center.
TYPES OF VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
There are many ways for individuals to volunteer at Out Youth.
General Needs
- Clerical assistance
- General maintenance and upkeep
- Outreach and representation at community events and third-party fundraisers
- Serving on event-planning committees
- Peer-to-peer fundraisers
- Pro bono services (legal, graphic design, technical, marketing, etc.)
Special Events
- Youth Prom
- Second Chance Adult Prom
- Glitz
- Hill Country Ride for AIDS Riders and Pitstop Crew
- AIDS Walk Team Members
- Austin Marathon Austin Gives Miles Runners and Pitstop Crew
Clinical Services
- Drop-in Mental Health Advocates
- Graduate Student Interns (Social Work and Counseling)
- Clinical Services Associates (LPC-Interns)
For more information about opportunities in Clinical Services, including practicum placement, click here
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
We do not currently have the capacity to accommodate those needing:
- Student organization-required community service hours
- Class-required community service hours
- Court-mandated community service hours
If you are in need of community service hours, please contact us at hello@outyouth.org or 512-419-1233 and we will direct you to partner agencies that may be able to place you.
THE PROCESS
Everyone’s process to becoming a volunteer at Out Youth will look different, but will share these two very important first steps:
- Create a Volunteer Profile
- Attend an Open House
Creating a Volunteer Profile will provide us with the information we need to match you with current or future volunteer opportunities.
Our Open Houses are a time for all members of the community to visit Out Youth, get a tour of the space, learn about our history, and meet our youth, volunteers, interns, staff members, and board members. It is important to understand that the Open House is not an orientation. Instead, it is intended to give you the chance to determine if our culture, mission, and vision are a good fit for you before continuing the process to become a volunteer.
Open Houses are usually held on the second Sunday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Out Youth (909 E. 49 1/2 St., Austin, TX 78751). Holidays and community events may disrupt this schedule, so it is best to check our Calendar for upcoming closures.
REQUIREMENTS
Requirements will vary depending on placement, but in general, volunteers are required to:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Complete an interview with a staff member
- Complete a background check
- Complete an orientation and required trainings
Due to the sensitive nature of working with youth and young adults, those wanting to volunteer in the Drop-in Center are required to:
- Be 25 years of age or older
- Have a minimum of one year experience working with teenage youth (i.e. teacher, counselor, mentor, youth ministry, youth programming or services, etc.)
- Complete an interview with a staff member
- Complete a background check
- Complete an orientation and required trainings