The LOFT's volunteer program welcomes community members ages 18+ to join The LOFT's mission to advocate, educate, and celebrate. Volunteers assist The LOFT Staff and Board immensely and are often referred to as the heart of our organization. Volunteering at The LOFT can be a transformative and rewarding experience, allowing you to make a difference, gain valuable skills, foster connections, and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive community.
How to get started:
1. Complete Our Volunteer Application. Fill it out with as much detail as possible.
2. Attend Volunteer Orientation. Once your application is submitted, you'll be notified of upcoming orientations (starting in January 2025).
3. Choose Your Role. During orientation, you'll have the chance to sign up for roles, shifts, and/or committees.
4. Start Volunteering!
Volunteer Opportunities at The LOFT:
Tabling Team: Represent The LOFT at community events! Engage with the public, share information about our programs, and staff event tables. Perfect for extroverts!
Research Team: Update and expand our referral resources by contacting providers and researching new ones. Work virtually or at the center.
Facilitation Team: Train to become a peer support group facilitator. Must identify as a peer of the group, complete online training, and commit to the group after a trial period. No prior experience is required!
Event Team: Help with events like Westchester Pride and Hudson Valley TransForum. Roles include both behind-the-scenes and public-facing tasks.
LOFT Library Team: Organize and update our LGBTQ+ book collection. Catalog new books, manage donations, and curate materials. Great for book lovers and introverts!
Admin Support Team: Assist with office tasks like data entry, filing, and prepping materials for events and trainings.
Center Beautification Team: Help keep our space welcoming and functional with tasks like cleaning, reorganizing, and small improvement projects.
Specialized Skills?
If you have expertise in areas like mental health counseling, community organizing, creative arts, LGBTQ+ legal rights, or self-care practices, let us know in your application!
Some volunteer opportunities are held at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Center, while others can be done remotely. It doesn't stop there - opportunities can take place at local community organizations in which LOFT staff and volunteers represent not only the organization but the LGBTQ+ community in Westchester and the greater NY area.
Any questions, please contact: Senior Program Manager Sarah Jill (she/her) at (914) 948-2932 x15 or [email protected]
Why Volunteer with The LOFT?
Make a Positive Impact
By volunteering, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in your community. Your contributions can help create a safe and inclusive space, provide needed resources and support, and advocate for equal rights and acceptance.
Build Stronger Communities
By volunteering at The LOFT, you play a role in building a stronger and more connected community. Your efforts can help create a sense of belonging, foster understanding and acceptance, and create opportunities for individuals to connect and support one another.
Gain Skills and Experience
Volunteering can provide you with valuable skills and experience. Depending on the volunteer role, you may have the chance to develop skills such as event planning, communication, advocacy, teamwork, leadership, and more. These skills can be beneficial for personal growth and future professional opportunities.
Expand Knowledge and Awareness
Volunteering exposes you to diverse perspectives, experiences, and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. It provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and increase your awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and challenges. This increased knowledge can help you become a more informed advocate and ally.
Create Meaningful Connections
Volunteering can help you build meaningful connections with like-minded people who care about the same issues. You have the opportunity to meet individuals from various backgrounds and experiences who share a common goal of promoting LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
Personal Fulfillment
Many volunteers find that giving back to their community and helping others brings a sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Knowing that you have contributed to positive change and supported the LGBTQ+ community can bring joy and a sense of purpose to your life.
About The LOFT:
ADVOCATE, EDUCATE, CELEBRATE
"The LOFT works to further the cause for inclusion diversity and pride through education, advocacy, and celebration."