Youth Chatroom Moderator Volunteer

The chatrooms are Safe Spaces where youth can be open with their feelings, talk about fears or doubts, but also talk about the victories and good things that have happened in their lives.  We  encourage young people to join the chatrooms as often as they like, week after week, so they can form friendships and create support circles.  The chatrooms are spaces where people can be themselves and let their guards down.  It can be a place to vent over a hard day or to talk about their first shot of testosterone.  At times the rooms can be serious and the conversation can be about coming out, discrimination or bullying, but other times it can be about favorite bands or the latest show binged on Netflix. 

The role of the Moderators is to create a Safe Space where youth feel they can be open with their emotions and express themselves freely.  This can be accomplished by kind and affirming words, giving each youth the respect they deserve, and protecting the chat room from pranks or verbal attacks.  Moderators often provide information and resources while moderating the conversations as well. Sometimes the Moderator will lead a discussion, ask open-ended questions, or answer questions about the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Volunteer requirements:
 
Moderators must be at least 18 years old.
-Commit to a 2-hour shift each week for at least 12 months (starting after training)

-Access to high speed internet
-Basic internet knowledge
-Ability to type and communicate in English
-Mature nature, but able to connect with young people
-Strong conversation skills

Because there this is a form of peer support, and for youth to feel more comfortable with an adult leading the room, Moderators must identify with the theme of the particular room

they are applying for.
-For the LGBTQ Teens chatroom, the moderator must identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
-For the Trans Teens chatrooms, moderator must identify as Transgender, Non Binary, Gender Expansive, or Gender Queer. 

(If they meet the requirements a volunteer can apply to be a moderator in more than one chat room)

If you are selected as a volunteer, we want to stress the importance of feeling highly confident that you can honor your commitment of being available for your chatroom shift (with the exception of illness or vacation). Some volunteer opportunities lend themselves to great flexibility.  

 

This is NOT the case with this type of work, since a moderator is required for the Chat Rooms to open, and young people are counting on this space to be available to them.  If a moderator does not show up for their shift, the room cannot open.  So, please, give careful thought to your schedule to make sure you feel comfortable with making this commitment.  

Training
Volunteer Chatroom Moderators will go through a training program that consists of several parts:

-Complete the application 

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-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.

-Complete an online study course

-Shadow a current moderator for several sessions.
 
We realize there are many volunteering opportunities out there, and we want to thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
 
Please fill out the application and we will get in touch with you shortly.
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(contact information in application form will not be shared with any third parties)