LGBTQ Youth Space
Mission:
Our LGBTQ Youth Space Program empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally youth and young adults in Santa Clara County through culturally-competent, youth-driven counseling and support services. Our pioneering program design brings together in-person and online support, extensive youth development opportunities, community outreach and education, and a safe and welcoming drop-in center. The program’s staff, youth leaders, and volunteers are committed to youth empowerment strategies. A team of youth advisors is involved in program planning and decisions.
Activities:
LGBTQ Youth Space services are available for LGBTQ and ally youth and young adults ages 13 to 25 who live in Santa Clara County.
Culturally-competent services include: Support groups, activism and leadership opportunities, movie nights, field trips, art workshops, open mic nights, and social activities (including an annual prom), resource and referral Online chat groups, and monthly health van visits. Counseling services are provided in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Psychiatric services are available, as needed. In addition to youth services for those ages 13-25, the program’s Speakers Bureau provides cultural competency presentations for youth-serving professionals, clubs and organizations, schools, and other interested audiences.
Needs/Projects this semester:
Peer Support: Site support participant sign-in, qualifications checks, orientation, facilitating activities and workshops at sites, and set-up/clean up at sites. Handle photo release forms and photography at selected events. The priority for peer support is engaging youth at site meetings. Students can create and facilitate activities or discussions that helps promote relaxation and comfort during peer support groups.
Social media support: Posting daily content that is queer- or trans-relevant. Meeting dates and sites, publicity for upcoming events on new FB page, keep Instagram page up to date.
Outreach: creating or distributing fliers, speaking to interested agencies and groups, tabling at events. Planning, set-up and promotion, implementation and clean-up at outreach events.
Other: gather data specific to Morgan Hill and Gilroy LGBTQ communities. Asking students about staff needs, terminology, training, obstacles. If you have any special skills, they can be used to develop workshops. Example include meditation, yoga, etc. Anything that links to wellness!
Who should apply:
People whose personal values align with agency’s mission and who are interested in working in and with this community. Spanish a plus; people who have worked with this age group or want to work with this age group especially welcome. Evening availability is important. Those under age 18 must have parental consent. Students need to take and pass a Livescan which the agency pays for (please use San Martin facility). This agency welcomes consistent, open-minded, reliable, responsive, and responsible people. Students need their own transportation. Interested students should contact Joseph Galvan with questions (contact information below).
Check out website http://www.fcservices.org/lgbtq-youth-space-program/ before applying: Employees at this non-profit are very busy providing valuable services. Please respect their time by making appointments, coming on time, keeping your business brief, and calling ahead if you have an emergency that prevents you from coming on time. Orientation is mandatory, and students should plan to attend if they would like to work with LGBTQ YouthSpace. Orientation day/times for Fall ‘19: 9/18 at 9am-10am and 9/18 at 4pm-5pm
Who should not apply:
People who do not support the mission or are not interested in working in and with this community. Students must be able to respect confidentiality and privacy of participants. Please don't apply if you are not able to make a consistent contribution.
Contact:
Joseph Galvan – South County Outreach Coordinator
Direct line: 408-209-2021
Email: jgalvan@fcservices.org
Last updated: 9/5/19