Volunteers are the Backbone of the LGBTQ Center OC
Volunteering for the LGBTQ Center Orange County has been redefined in the wake of COVID-19 but it has allowed volunteers to connect across the state in fun and inventive ways.
Currently our one-on-one volunteers join us in support as both as virtual and in-person group facilitators, members of the Trans Committee, teammates on our Events Committee, professional support through either our Marketing or Legal departments, and with creative projects such as blog writing.
Internships are non-paid University and College approved credit programs with committed and dedicated hours for a set time as determined between the LGBTQ Center OC and the program you are enrolled in. Current schools we work with are: UCIrvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Chapman University
Internship (Mental Health Counseling):
(Note: Must be enrolled in or have already completed a master’s in counseling.) Be an MFT Trainee or Intern at the LGBTQ Center OC. This will require a Cover Letter and Resume to be submitted in before being scheduled for an interview.
Internship (General/Other):
This program requires enrollment in a field study/internship program with a local University or College with a minimum of a 10 weeks and 80 hours to partner with us. General internship will include providing community members with resources for services they are seeking such as navigating social support programs for housing, jobs, transportation, STI clinics. You will help provide general knowledge on what we are able to provide along with researching/connecting with other local organizations to expand assistance to clients.
Internship (Immigrations):
This program requires enrollment in a field study/internship program with a local University or College with a minimum of a 10 weeks and 80 hours to partner with us.
The LGBTQ Center OC’s Immigration Resources Department provides education, resources and referrals to low-income and underserved, HIV-affected, documented and undocumented immigrants/migrants. We work with immigrants and refugees in accessing services and legal support for obtaining lawful immigrant or citizenship status in Orange County. At the local, statewide and national levels, we work with LGBTQ, immigrant rights and social justice advocates to fight for the dignity and rights of immigrants and refugees.
Through participation in our internship program, students will learn the latest updates about immigration policy at the federal, state and OC levels; increase understanding and awareness of the intersectionality’s of the LGBTQ and immigrant communities; and best practices for reaching historically underserved and hard-to-reach communities in Orange County.
Internship Linkage-to-Care (Public Health):
This program requires enrollment in a field study/internship program with a local University or College with a minimum of 10 weeks and 80 hours to partner with us. The Linkage to Care internship position will support the Trans*itions Services Program in connecting LGBTQ+ community members, focusing on Transgender individuals, with affirming providers in Orange County and surrounding areas. By the end of the internship, the student will have greater knowledge in the medical needs of the Transgender community, will be able to connect with the LGBTQ+ community and assessing their needs, and be familiar with the process of vetting medical providers to ensure they offer affirming services.
Internship (Marketing):
This program requires enrollment in a field study/internship program with a local University or College with a minimum of a 10 weeks and 80 hours to partner with us.
This open internship position will help support the marketing department at the LGBTQ Center OC. This support will help promote the program, services, and groups that the Center provides to the community. Main areas are our graphic design and marketing support for flyers, social media, and website content.
By the end of the internship, the student will be able to strategize and develop marketing assets to help promote services, events, and programming. They will understand marketing strategies and designing tools to help create assets that resonate and engage with audiences. They will also learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and their needs in Orange County.
Event Committee:
One year commitment from July to May is strongly requested.
The LGBTQ Center Orange County is now accepting applications to join our Events Committee. This group of volunteers are a working committee that help organize and put on events such as SipTember – a wine tasting event, Twilight – our fall fundraiser, Indigo Ball – annual gala and member events throughout the year.
Members of the Events Committee are requested to commit to one year from July/August 2023 until May 2024. Responsibilities range from decorations, graphic design, contact negotiation, marketing plan, theme ideas, obtaining donations & support of community partners, and much more.
Please include a cover letter explaining your interest, and a brief resume.
HAP (Health & Pride) Coalition (age 18-29):
Coalition members will explore current policies in place in Santa Ana and Orange County as a whole. Members will be expected to participate in at least 3-5 events throughout the year ranging from event observations to public speaking and various other advocacy activities. This is a “hands on” coalition where members will work together towards tobacco prevention and educating others on the general health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Hour-long meetings will be conducted once a month, depending on current coalition needs, that all current and new members are required to attend. These meetings generally take place the second Friday of the month in the afternoon.
Trans Committee:
One year commitment from July to June is strongly preferred.
The Trans*itions Program is accepting members to its Trans* Committee. The Committee is a space where folx can feel seen and be a part of change in Orange County. This group of volunteers help organize events such as OC Trans Pride, Transgender Day of Rememberance, Friends Giving, Transgender Day of Visibily and more.
The Committee meets every first and third Monday of the month during the evenings. Responsibilities of its members include but are not limited to, conducting outreach, graphic design, event planning, decorating, fundraising, connecting community members to the LGBTQ Center OC and its resources, acquiring donations and support of community partners, and so much more. Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest and a brief resume.
SUP (Smoking Undermines Progress) Coalition (age 13-24):
Smoking Undermines Progress Orange County was created in part to support youth and young adults in developing their advocacy, leadership, and organizing skills. The Coalition is for LGBTQ+ and allies, who want to help curb the amount of LGBTQ+ people who use tobacco and vape products in Orange County by referring clients to the LGBTQ Center OC’s Tobacco Cessation referral program, educating and engaging communities in tobacco prevention and control, and advocating for and supporting implementation of voluntary smoke-free policies for LGBTQ events in the county.
The Coalition meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6pm-8:30pm (meeting dates and times are subject to change). There is a minimum requirement of 30 hours total or 5 hours per month.
Front Desk Reception:
Our front desk is responsible for addressing all general client questions via email, phone call and walk-ins. This position requires a minimum of 12 hours training done over the course of three days. Volunteers will be required to submit in a background check due to the responsibilities and access provided to those in the program. A minimum of 50 hour commitment is requested for those interested.
Current positions open are:
- Mondays 10am to 2pm, 2pm to 6pm
- Tuesdays 10am to 2pm, 2pm to 6pm
- Wednesdays 2pm to 6pm
- Thursdays 10am to 2pm, 2pm to 6pm
- Fridays 10am to 2pm, 2pm to 6pm
Though volunteering is committing to every week for the above shifts, availability for these times will be needed.
Outreach and Civic Engagement:
Our Outreach volunteers are those that attend community activities throughout all of Orange County. Transportation will be highly encouraged as often times you will be requested to check-out our materials to take to such events.
Volunteers with Outreach provide the community at large information on the services provided, discuss programs we have for those seeking them, and help promote events we have coming up.
Though not set time is created for Outreach activities, generally they are held Tuesday-Saturday in the afternoons, with some occasionally being in the evening. A mandatory two day training (one on-site at our Spurgeon location) will need to be conducted. All volunteers representing the LGBTQ Center will need to submit in a background check.
*Note this is in-person, proof of vaccination will be required.
Skilled Volunteers:
The LGBTQ Center OC is currently in need of support and seeking skilled volunteers in the following areas:
- Handyman for general facility support
- Contractor or Trade skills such as roofer
- IT professional in assisting with basic support in maintaining office and community computers
Elevate Youth Leadership Group (age 14-24):
A youth leadership group for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to build a sense of community and gain experience in advocacy, restorative practices and substance prevention advocacy. Volunteering consists of supporting group activities and community events.
SUP (Smoking Undermines Progress) Coalition (age 13-24)
Smoking Undermines Progress Orange County was created in part to support youth and young adults in developing their advocacy, leadership, and organizing skills. The Coalition is for LGBTQ+ and allies, who want to help curb the amount of LGBTQ+ people who use tobacco and vape products in Orange County by referring clients to the LGBTQ Center OC’s Tobacco Cessation referral program, educating and engaging communities in tobacco prevention and control, and advocating for and supporting implementation of voluntary smoke-free policies for LGBTQ events in the county.
The Coalition meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6pm-8:30pm (meeting dates and times are subject to change). There is a minimum requirement of 30 hours total or 5 hours per month.
VIVID (ages 14-24)
Validating and Including Voices In Diversity, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 5pm to 6:30 pm. A youth leadership group for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to develop their leadership skills and to build experience around community action engagement through a queer- and trans-inclusive lens.
Local ERG (employee resource groups):
Thank you for your interest! Many of the photos shared above are from some fantastic companies and businesses we have worked with throughout the years.
In 2024 so far we have had the pleasure of the following groups and projects:
B Capital Group:
Helped us celebrate PRIDE month with rainbow and trans friendship bracelets. These were used at several OUTreach events including Back to School to help show new students all are welcomed! Thank you.
Dreamhaven
A fantastic group their gaming knowledge and fun experience at leading our community to some unique tabletop games, exploring and creating new friendships along the way. Thank you!
Disney VoluntEARS:
Our friends at Disney always step in and help with our events. They put together two fantastic teams of people donating their weekend in setting-up our annual Gala, and keeping us organized with our auctions during the event. Thank you Disney!
Roark:
These wonderful volunteers gave their Saturday plans to wake-up early and help prepare us with PRIDE by providing a fresh coat of paint to our stairs in Downtown Santa Ana. Not only did they forgo sleeping in, but they donated all of the supplies. THANK YOU!
If you are interested as a working ERG, BRG or business in supporting a volunteer project please contact our Director of Community Engagement & Operations