LGBTOUT: Queer CommunityVolunteering with LGBTOUT
We love our volunteers! Without them, this organization could not exist. There are many ways to get involved and work with LGBTOUT. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, develop skills and be a part of creating change on campus. If you have an idea for something you'd like to do that's not covered here, contact the coordinators and they will help you make it happen!
the Drop-in Centre
LGBTOUT's drop-in centre is staffed by volunteers who work to provide a safe, supportive environment and provide information to callers and visitors. If you can spare two hours a week, volunteering in the drop-in is a great way to meet people and make friends. We usually ask people to make a commitment for a full term, and we provide a training session at least once a year. Email the Social Coordinator to volunteer.
Homohops and Hussihops
There are many ways you can help out with our monthly Homohops, and less frequent Hussihops. We always need people to put up posters in advance of the party, to decorate, to take tickets, to staff the cash booth, and to clean up at the end of the night. If you'd like to help with any of these aspects, please contact the chair of the Homohop or Hussihop committee.
Other Social Events
LGBTOUT organizes many social activities throughout the year: large-scale events like the Fairy Tale Ball semi-formal or our 35th Anniversary gala, Boys' and Grrls' Nights Out, wine & cheese parties, picnics and barbecues, movie nights, trips and more. We need help with all of these! Tasks can include planning, promotion (designing advertisements and postering), shopping, food preparation, hosting, and cleanup. Come to general meetings to find out what's coming up and volunteer your assistance, or email the Social Coordinator.
the Zine
LGBTOUT's zine, 'Outlet', is the University of Toronto's only queer publication. You can help out by contributing articles, prose, poetry, and art. But we also need help with production: editing, design, layout, printing and distribution. Email the editors to volunteer. NB. address corrected Sept 29/05.
Committees
We have groups established for women, bisexuals, genderqueer, engineers, grads, and anti-oppression activism. All of these groups can benefit from your enthusiastic participation. If you're ready for a slightly bigger commitment, many of these groups would welcome your leadership as a chair or co-chair. Find out about how to join these groups on our contacts page, then talk to the members of the group to find out how you can make a difference!
Coordinators
Ready to make the jump to leadership? LGBTOUT is managed by a group of coordinators who are elected in April. The coordinator positions cover various aspects of our organization: Internal, External, University Affairs, Political, Social, and Financial. An 'Exec-at-large' is elected in the fall. Under the direction of the general membership, the coordinators strive to make LGBTOUT a friendly, welcoming organization with events and activities that serve the needs of our communities. If you have energy and enthusiasm, you can help to make change at U of T and in our communities by joining the leadership of LGBTOUT.