Become A Facilitator
Empowering our LGBTQ community through supportive services and awareness.
Facilitators are the backbone of our organization. Not only do they ensure we can continue our very important mission, they represent the best and most caring of our community. Facilitators are responsible for fostering a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. Since 1988, we’ve been the home of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities in West Michigan and have offered social & supportive programs for youth and adults; entertainment and cultural events like Grand Rapids Pride Festival; and community resource services.
Grand Rapids Pride Center
We do look for specialized talent, especially for the young adult and youth groups. Please click those links for more information. Otherwise, please click the bottom link to fill out the general application. Thank you!
Position Details
POSITION: LGBTQ Youth Group Facilitator
STATUS: Volunteer
HOURS/DATES: 20 hours each month
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. every Wednesday of the month
Responsibilities
Provide active support and guidance during LGBTQ Youth Group meetings
Facilitator Description
Effectively construct and facilitate a safe and supportive atmosphere for all group members to discuss topics related to LGBTQ issues, as well as provide resources when applicable to the needs of group members. Being specifically aware of the needs of LGBTQ Youth.
The facilitator will be responsible for co-facilitating (with another individual) social support groups within the community for LGBTQ Youth. Facilitators are expected to provide a safe, structured environment for discussing topics related to LGBTQ issues and to address specific needs, or concerns of all group members.
Specific Expectations
During regular support groups (see facilitation tip sheet):
Establish and maintain group rules, especially confidentiality among members
Create and maintain a safe and respectful environment for members to freely share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, experiences, etc.
Facilitate participation by respectfully monitoring speaking time and encouraging input from all who are present
Maintain primary focus on members and members needs
Build a community among members
Raise appropriate awareness and refer members to necessary resources
2. Prepare relevant informational materials for each meeting
3. Facilitators are expected to attend each meeting fifteen minutes prior to the start time and stay for the entire duration of each meeting; facilitators are expected to stay for clean-up and until all teens are picked up.
4. It is expected that each facilitator participate for at least two years
5. Facilitators are expected to display a willingness to follow Grand Rapids Pride Center policies and procedures (see documentation)
6. Display an understanding of and sensitivity to not only LGBTQ Youth, but the LGBTQ community as a whole.
7. Facilitators should have the ability to be flexible within a growing, diverse, team-orientated group
8. Prior experience working with the LGBTQ community is a requirement.
Qualifications
Position Details
POSITION: LGBTQ Young Adult Facilitator
STATUS: Volunteer
HOURS/DATES: 20 hours per month
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on the 1st., 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of each month
Responsibilities
Provide active support and guidance during LGBTQ Young Group meetings
Facilitator Description
Effectively construct and facilitate a safe and respectful atmosphere for all group members to discuss topics related to LGBTQ issues, as well as provide resources when applicable to the needs of group members. Being specifically aware of the needs of LGBTQ Young adults. The facilitator will be responsible for co-facilitating (with another individual) social support groups within the community for LGBTQ Youth. Facilitators are expected to provide a safe, structured environment for discussing topics related to LGBTQ issues and to address specific needs, or concerns of all group members.
Specific Expectations
1. During regular support groups (see facilitation tip sheet):
Establish and maintain group rules, especially confidentiality among members
Create and maintain a safe environment for members to freely share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, experiences, etc.
Facilitate participation by respectfully monitoring speaking time and encouraging input from all who are present
Maintain primary focus on members and member needs
Build a community among members
Raise appropriate awareness and refer members to necessary resources
2. Prepare relevant informational materials for each meeting
3. Facilitators are expected to attend each meeting fifteen minutes prior to start time and stay for the entire duration of each meeting and assist with cleaning/closing of the building
4. It is expected that each facilitator participate for a minimum of two years
5. Facilitators are expected to display a willingness to follow Grand Rapids Pride Center policies and procedures (see documentation)
6. Display an understanding of and sensitivity to not only LGBTQ Young adults, but the LGBTQ community as a whole.
7. Facilitators should have the ability to be flexible within a growing, diverse, team orientated group
8. Prior experience working with the LGBTQ community is a requirement.
Qualifications