Volunteers are the backbone of The Trevor Project. Our dedicated team of volunteers helps in every aspect of the organization from programs to communications, to development and special events.
The safety of the young people we serve is central to the work that we do. The Trevor Project has created systems to help ensure we find the best opportunity for each potential volunteer. We strive to balance the skills, time constraints, and desires of each individual with the needs of the many young people that utilize our services. While it may seem that there are many steps to our process, we do so with the safety in mind of the young people that we serve. There are a volunteer opportunities available for most skill sets and time availability.
Please keep in mind: Although we will work to find the best match for each volunteer, because of the nature of the work we do, not everyone is a match for our programs. We reserve the option to refuse applicants if we feel they are not the best fit.
The steps to our volunteer placement process include:
1 Orientation
2 Volunteer Application
3 Interview(s)
4 Background Check
5 Program placement
*Please note: You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer. If you are under 18 please consider our Youth Advisory Council.
At each of these steps you will receive continuous guidance from our Volunteer Coordinator. While the process might seem long, once you’re accepted into a program you are in our systems, making it simple to manage your commitment. Once you are placed into a program the manager of that program will provide you support and guidance during your time volunteering with The Trevor Project.
Orientation Dates/Links
If you are interested in volunteering at the Trevor Project, please sign up for an Orientation below. At Orientation we will introduce you to The Trevor Project's mission, explain the process of becoming part of our Volunteer Team and how you can participate in the many opportunities that help save young lives everyday.
July 2013:
● Webinar (Monday, July 8 @ 6:30PM PST/9:30PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e8auwt1krlb/event/event_info.html
● NY In-Person (Wednesday, July 17 @ 7PM EST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-ny-july
● LA In-Person (Thursday, July 18 @ 6:30 PST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-la-july
● Webinar (Saturday, July 20 @ 11AM PST/2PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e2dgttpayft/event/event_info.html
● Webinar (Tuesday, July 30 @ 4PM PST/7PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e4cd0jzct0g/event/event_info.html
August 2013:
● Webinar (Monday, August 12 @ 6:30PM PST/9:30PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e7x1920w2mo/event/event_info.html
● NY In-Person (Wednesday, August 14 @ 7PM EST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-ny-august
● LA In-Person (Thursday, August 15 @ 6PM PST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-la-august
● Webinar (Saturday, August 17 @ 11AM PST/2PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e3yjct3jngs/event/event_info.html
● Webinar (Tuesday, August 27 @ 4PM PST/7PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e7pl9sl666g/event/event_info.html
September 2013:
● Webinar (Monday, September 9 @ 6:30PM PST/ 9:30PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e34eoch8jsx/event/event_info.html
● NY In-Person (Wednesday, September 11 @ 7PM EST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-ny-september
● LA In-Person (Thursday, September 19 @ 6:30PM PST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-la-september
● Webinar (Saturday, September 21 @ 11AM PST/ 2PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e1xvd3yssrw/event/event_info.html
● Webinar (Tuesday, September 24 @ 4PM PST/ 7PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e6tosd6b858/event/event_info.html
October 2013:
● NY In-Person (Wednesday, October 9 @ 7PM EST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-ny-october
● Webinar (Monday, October 14 @ 6:30PM PST/ 9:30PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e9h1habtb8m/event/event_info.html
● LA In-Person, (Thursday, October 17 @ 6:30PM PST)
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/orientation-la-october
● Webinar (Saturday, October 19 @ 11AM PST/ 2PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e7iutcai5fe/event/event_info.html
● Webinar (Tuesday, October 29 @ 4PM PST/ 7PM EST)
http://thetrevorproject.adobeconnect.com/e6qhxukls3e/event/event_info.html
Sign up for either an In-Person Orientation in one of our two office cities, or a webinar orientation that’s available nationwide. If the dates listed below do not work for you, check back often to see new dates and links added. Should you have further questions, email volunteer@thetrevorproject.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Trevor Lifeline Counselors (Available in select areas)
The Trevor Lifeline (1.866.488.7386) is the only 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Trevor Lifeline counselors answer calls from young people in the U.S. who are struggling with a myriad of issues surrounding their sexual orientation, gender identity, coming out, family and relationship troubles, bullying, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness and suicide. Trevor Lifeline Counselors are empathetic, non-judgmental, and care genuinely about the safety of our callers.
Lifeguard Workshop Facilitators (Available in select areas)
● California's Los Angeles, Orange, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, & Kern Counties
● New York City (all 5 boroughs) and surrounding areas in NY, NJ, CT
● Trevor Ambassador Cities (Chicago, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, & Washington, D.C.)
The Lifeguard Workshop Program was developed to help young people become more aware of the myriad of issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity, and to promote acceptance of LGBTQ youth nationwide. The workshop equips youth with the tools to be able to recognize the warning signs of depression and suicide among their peers. Participants also learn to identify the most safe and effective ways to respond to those warning signs. Trainings for Lifeguard Workshop facilitators are provided quarterly.
TrevorSpace Administrators (Available nationwide)
TrevorSpace is an online, social networking community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 13 through 24, and their friends and allies. We need people to monitor the TrevorSpace site in an effort to maintain a safe space for young LGBTQ people online. Trainings are provided quarterly and can be accessed from anywhere in the U.S. We are also looking for people on a one-time or continual basis to write program content for TrevorSpace.
TrevorChat Counselors (Available nationwide)
TrevorChat is a free, confidential, secure online messaging service that provides live help through The Trevor Project website. Counselors answer instant messages in real time, can log-on from home and are not required to be in the office. Counselors need access to a computer and be comfortable using internet browser applications such as Safari, Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Ask Trevor Authors (Available nationwide)
Ask Trevor is an online, non-time sensitive question and answer resource for young people with questions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. Youth post letters to our website, and we post our responses to those letters on the website. This is a great opportunity for individuals looking for a lot of flexibility. Authors work largely independently and respond to letters anytime and anywhere.
Event Volunteers (Available in select areas)
Event Volunteers assist The Trevor Project at various events throughout the year. The Trevor Project’s marquee event, TrevorLIVE, is held in Los Angeles and New York City. There are many areas in which one can contribute to ensuring these and Ambassador City events are a success in raising funds for the organization.
How you can help?
Event volunteers help in the following ways:
● Event Setup & Strike
● Event flow management
● VIP escorts
● Guest and volunteer check-in
● Gift bag assembly
● Event planning committee, if applicable
Office Assistance (Available in select areas)
The Trevor Project is always looking for periodic general office support. Volunteers can assist on an as needed basis with mailings, filing, and other administrative tasks. As projects arise, volunteers would be contacted depending on their interests and skills.