Volunteer Opportunities at Rainbow Alley
Buddy:
The Buddy position is the most common volunteer position at Rainbow Alley. It includes interacting with youth as a mentor role, providing an adult presence in the Alley, and maintaining a safe space for youth to “hang out” during Rainbow Alley’s drop-in hours. We ask that Buddies commit to coming in to volunteer for a specific shift by signing up for a set time on a monthly basis. There is no minimum time commitment. We simply like to know when Buddies are coming in to ensure that all of our shifts are covered. To become a Buddy, there is an application process which includes a background check and requires three character references. There is a mandatory Buddy Training that we ask all volunteers to complete. Trainings are held approximately every two months or on an as need basis.
Speakers Bureau:
Part of Rainbow Alley’s mission is to perform outreach to Denver area schools and other agencies that serve Denver’s youth. Rainbow Alley’s Speaker’s Bureau is a group of youth and adult volunteers who visit Denver area schools to talk about Rainbow Alley and the services it provides as well as educating schools on ways to make their schools safer for LGBT youth. In the past, the Speaker’s Bureau has spoken in front of GSA clubs, specific classrooms, and on some occasions, the entire student body. A separate training for this volunteer position is required.
Street Outreach Worker:
Rainbow Alley has teamed up with Denver Health to begin a youth-driven street-outreach program focusing on HIV-prevention education to Denver area youth. We currently do outreach on Wednesday afternoons and need adult volunteers to go with our youth outreach workers to provide a safety, and at times, to interact with those we are reaching out to. This typically involves giving information about Rainbow Alley, safe sex and HIV prevention information, and giving out safe sex packets. The time commitment is typically 2 hours per week and requires an Outreach Training prior starting.
Support Group Facilitator:
Rainbow Alley offers a Support Group for youth on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30. The group is ongoing and open to any youth. There are no set topics to cover. Typically, topics are brought up by the youth each week. To be a Support Group Facilitator, one needs to complete the Facilitator Training which is held on an as need basis, as well as completing the Buddy Training and paperwork.
Event Support:
Rainbow Alley holds two major events during the year: Gaybutante Ball in October, and Queer Prom in May. Both events require some event planning which include getting the word out (hanging posters and handing out flyers), making decorations, and being an adult presence at the event. Queer Prom is an all-day event beginning with a mid-day rally at the steps of the Capitol Building followed by a march to Cheesman Park for a celebration picnic. The prom is held in the evening and an after- party follows the prom from 12-4am. Volunteers are needed for any and all shifts.
Create your own position:
We are aware that those interested in volunteering with Rainbow Alley come with an array of talents and interests. Therefore, we are open to hearing about your ideas on what gifts and talents you can bring to the volunteer position. In the past, we have had volunteers do art projects, hold specific groups, run classes, offer yoga, and many other things. If you have an idea for a new program at Rainbow Alley, please let us know.
If you are interested in any of these positions or have any questions, email Cory Barrett at cbarrett@glbtcolorado.org