Volunteering can be tremendously rewarding. It can be a way to give back and help the next person who is still struggling to come into their own. It can allow for insight on how others in the LGBTQIA+ community are living. It can be a way to learn about the many different programs and organizations that serve our community.
Peer support volunteers must be able to make a minimum commitment of three consecutive hours a week, the same time each week, for at least 12 months after training is complete.
Volunteers must be very good listeners and non-judgmental, must be able to keep their opinions to themselves, and should be comfortable talking with a wide-range of callers about difficult issues. Peer-support volunteers are the backbone of our support system and answer calls from all over the US and Canada. Online chats can come from anywhere in the world.
The LGBT National Help Center operates several national hotlines: the LGBT National Hotline, the Coming Out Support Hotline, the Youth Talkline, and the Senior Hotline. In addition, we also operate the LGBT Switchboard of New York, our founding hotline started in 1972. Volunteers answer calls on all of these hotlines as well as our online peer support chat.
Potential volunteers who do identify as mandated reporters in their professional careers must understand that they cannot act in that capacity while volunteering with us. We understand that some professions do not allow for that. If that is the case for you, this type of volunteering isn’t going to be the right fit. If you identify as a mandated reporter and are not sure if you are able to legally remove those restrictions from yourself while volunteering with us, you may need to contact a lawyer or employer before continuing on with this application.
Volunteers must have a quiet, private space to answer calls and chats.
Volunteers cannot use a smartphone or tablet. You must use a laptop or desktop computer.
Also, your computer must be able to run Google Chrome version 75 or higher. Those using Macs need to have an operating system of Sierra or higher.
If you are selected as a peer-support volunteer, we want to stress the importance of feeling highly confident that you can honor your commitment to being available for your scheduled hotline shift (with the exception of illness or vacation). Some volunteer opportunities lend themselves to greater flexibility than we do. This is NOT the case with this type of work, since volunteers are answering a crisis prevention hotline, and if someone doesn't show up for their shift, the phones can go unanswered. So please, give careful thought to your schedule to make sure you feel comfortable with making this one-year commitment.
Completing the application and shift availability form below.
Phone conversation and interview. This will be a chance to get to know us, and for us to get to know you. We'll be able to answer questions you may have and give you a chance to answer a sample (not real) call.
Complete a multi-part online study course.
Complete seven training shifts where you will work with an experienced peer-support trainer (one 2-hour shift for seven weeks).
We realize there are many volunteering opportunities out there, and we want to thank you for your interest in volunteering with us. Again, take a moment to think about the requirements and the availability of your schedule.
If you wish to continue, please fill out the application form below and we will get in touch with you shortly
(contact information in the application will not be shared with any third parties)