The accomplishments of Outright Vermont are only possible through the generosity of ORVT’s supporters. There are many ways you can contribute to our efforts and one of the most important ways is to volunteer! With our small staff, we depend heavily on volunteers in every aspect of the organization. Interviews are required for all positions, so contact our office TODAY!

There are a number of areas for volunteers:

• Administrative
• Fundraising
• Direct Service
• Board of Directors
• Youth-Specfic Opportunities
• Internships

Outright has THE most fabulous volunteers on the planet. In fact, they are so astounding we had no option but to recognize their talents with our highly sought after annual Youth, Volunteer, and Community Advocate of the Year awards! Each year YOU have chance of being recognized with the very distinguished honor of one of three fabulous awards!

Volunteer Opportunities at Outright Vermont

ADMINISTRATIVE:

General Volunteers”
There are many events throughout a month that the staff at ORVT need help with. From helping with large statewide dances, to going ice-skating, to mailings. There are a number of opportunities that will fit your schedule.

Clerical and General Office
Depending on the time of year, Outright can always use a few extra hands in the office doing basic office work like filing, running errands, making photocopies, etc. The office and library need to be cleaned weekly. If answering the phone is part of your duties, training will be provided. Weekly hours need to be worked out with staff in advance and can range from a few to many.

FUNDRAISING

Special Events and Fundraisers
ORVT holds a number of small and large fundraisers throughout the year.

Check back soon for information on events and how you can get involved!

DIRECT SERVICE:

Projects
A volunteer can initiate a project or be part of an existing project here at ORVT. Projects started in the past have been writing groups, reading groups, and our library database system. Possible projects that exist at ORVT currently are: keeping The Cliff Rivers Library neat and up to date, monthly mailings, postering Burlington and surrounding areas for events & groups, and the quarterly newsletter. We could use help updating old resource guides, brochures and posters, as well as designing new ones.

Facilitators for Friday Night Group
ORVT’s weekend programming depends on the commitment and energy of our volunteer facilitators. All facilitators must complete an interview with the Director, a background check and reference check, and finally, attend a six hour new facilitator training (offered twice a year).

Our 12-15 facilitators commit to volunteering two Friday evenings, every two months and must attend a monthly supervision meeting with staff. Facilitators must be at least 23 years and identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our 15 member Board of Directors is comprised primarily of human service professionals, educators, community members and most importantly YOUTH! Youth board members can be any age and serve one-year terms.  The youth act as advisors to the adults on board for issues that will effect how we support youth.  Adult board members serve two-year terms and are actively involved in fundraising for Outright Vermont. Board members serve one of four committees to provide oversight, accountability, financial support, and technical advice to the staff and programs of the organization. Find out more about who is on our Board!

YOUTH-SPECIFIC:

Speakers’ Bureau
The most powerful way we reach people in the wider community is by
sharing our personal experience as LGBTQ/Queer folks and allies. Our Speakers’ Bureau panels provide opportunities for youth (ages 22 and under) speakers to share their personal stories, and for audience members to ask questions in a safe environment. Being a Speakers’ Bureau member does not require a specific time commitment, but it does require a small amount of training. As requests are scheduled, ORVT staff will ask youth to participate. Youth ages 22 and under, of all identities are welcome.

INTERNSHIPS:
ORVT offers numerous learning opportunities to local high school, under graduate, and graduate students. Past internships have included concentrations on fundraising and direct services. Internships must be discussed at length prior to their start, including a college’s academic policies and ORVT’s ability to offer specific types of supervision and/or experiences.