Become A Facilitator

Empowering our LGBTQ community through supportive services and awareness.

A Fostering Welcoming Environment

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

Facilitator Positions

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!

Youth Group Facilitator

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

Every facilitator must complete a criminal background check.
Each facilitator must be at least 21 years old with an applicable bachelor’s degree or other equivalent work experience*
Must identify with the population being served.
Complete all training offered by Grand Rapids Pride Center.
Consistent commitment to be present at all group meetings (at least 75%), or immediately notify the operations manager of changes.
Ability to collaborate with another facilitator as a team member.
Possesses the ability to effectively present information.
Possesses the ability to practice sensitivity regarding diversity i.e. ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, etc.
Prior experience working with LGBTQ Youth (age 13-17) population is preferred.
Facilitator experience is needed within the scope of counseling, social services, psychology, social work, education, or other applicable areas of study.
Facilitators are expected to meet with the program coordinator at least once a month to discuss information pertaining to group meetings and other qualifying information.

Young Adult Facilitator

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

Every facilitator must successfully complete a criminal background check.
Young Adult facilitators must be at least 25 years old.
Must identify with the population being served.
Complete all trainings offered (at no cost) by Grand Rapids Pride Center
Consistent commitment to be present at all group meetings (at least 75%), or immediately notify operations manager of changes.
Ability to collaborate with another facilitator as a team member.
Possesses the ability to effectively present information.
Possesses the ability to practice sensitivity regarding diversity i.e. ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, cultural differences, etc.
Facilitator experience/education is needed within the scope of counseling, social work, psychology, or other clinical experience.
Facilitators are expected to meet with the program coordinator at least once a month to recollect group meetings and other qualifying information pertaining to group meetings.

Facilitator Application

Get Involved

The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals.

Sep 22