Volunteer Resources
Thank you for taking the first step toward becoming a volunteer at The San Diego LGBT Community Center! We rely on volunteers to help us achieve our mission and we couldn’t do what we do without you. The Center has over 800 volunteers, some volunteering on a weekly basis and some only for large events. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and give back to the LGBTQ community. Due to the sensitive nature of our programs and services, there is a process to apply and be accepted as a Center volunteer. The process takes on average 4-6 weeks.
The Center is committed to providing the highest quality service to our community and constituents. While The Center respects the right to privacy of all citizens, we also have a responsibility to make every attempt to provide the safest space possible for our youth, families, children, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and other more vulnerable members of our community. In light of this duty, regular volunteers are required to participate in fingerprint checks, in addition to a brief review of publicly-available criminal databases. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us create a safe and comfortable space for all.
For more information about volunteering at The Center, contact us at volunteer@thecentersd.org
*Please note, our Youth Services department is at capacity with volunteers, and we are not currently accepting new volunteers at either of our Youth Centers.
Application Process
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Fill out the Volunteer Application Form
- Register to attend a 2-hour volunteer orientation
- Complete a Background Check: Because of the sensitive nature of some of our work, The Center requires all volunteers to complete a fingerprint check and clearance of Megan’s Law before being placed. The Center covers the cost of fingerprinting. After attending orientation and completing the background check, individuals are welcomed as new Center volunteers and can begin getting involved!
- Some volunteer opportunities at The Center including Youth and Welcome Services require an interview, additional training, and a six-month commitment.
College Service Hours: Students seeking service hours are encouraged to volunteer at one of our signature events including Dining Out for Life San Diego in April. We also encourage you to help with phone banking for our Advocacy & Civic Engagement Team. Please contact volunteer@thecentersd.org to ensure that the volunteer opportunities at The Center are a good fit. The Center does not offer internships for college students unless you are seeking a career in behavioral health.
Groups: Organized groups (employee groups, university-based groups, social groups, etc.) are encouraged to volunteer at our monthly food bank on the first Tuesday of every month from 7:30am – 10am. Dining Out for Life in April is another fun and fantastic volunteer opportunity for groups! Please contact volunteer@thecentersd.org reserve a spot for your group!
For those seeking to complete Court Ordered Community Service, you are encouraged to volunteer at one of our signature events including Dining Out for Life in April. We also encourage you to help with phone banking with our Advocacy & Civic Engagement Team. These volunteer opportunities do not require New Volunteer Orientation, a background check, or for you to complete a volunteer application. We also encourage you to identify more than one organization to complete your hours in addition to us as we cannot guarantee you will be able to complete all hours with us in your given timeframe.
ongoing Volunteer opportunities
Congregate Meal Program
In partnership with The County of San Diego, Jewish Family Services and The Center we are pleased to offer free meals to individuals 60 and above at The Center. Volunteers are needed to support The Center and Jewish Family Services staff with set-up of tables and chairs, clean up and to general assistance to older adults who may need help finding a place to sit or navigating the space. This volunteer opportunity takes place Monday – Friday from 11am – 1pm. Volunteers must be able to lift 21lbs and be willing to move and set up tables.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion is a Center initiative that serves to provide community members vital resources such as food and hygiene products. Volunteers in this role set up hygiene and food pantry in the lobby to be accessible to community members and help sign folks in if utilizing resources. Volunteers will also re-stock food & hygiene products. This volunteer opportunity happens every Thursday from 10am – 12pm and 12pm – 2pm.
Volunteer ACTIVITIES
Do you want to make a real difference in your community? Volunteer at The Center! There are several ways to get involved! Please see below for our BIGGEST volunteer needs.
Dining Out For Life® San Diego
Don’t miss The Center’s annual Dining Out For Life® San Diego! Each year, more than 80 restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and nightclubs donate a minimum of 25% of sales to The Center’s HIV/AIDS service and prevention programs. Like other fundraising events, this one relies on an enormous number of volunteers. The most important of the volunteer positions are our restaurant Ambassadors. Ambassadors are assigned a shift at a breakfast, lunch, or dinner location and they invite everyone they know to dine at their location and conduct fundraising at their assigned restaurant. This is a great opportunity for groups!
Advocacy & Civic Engagement/Voter Engagement
One of our most vibrant and fun departments, Advocacy & Civic Engagement hosts several social trivia nights throughout the year! If you love to be in community, join us for one of our phone banking opportunities to remind community members of upcoming elections, encouraging them to vote. Because we are bipartisan, we do not tell people how to or who to vote for.
Event Volunteers
The Center often hosts multiple special community and fundraising events that rely on volunteer assistance for their success. Volunteers who might wish to participate in events such as the Pachanga de Frida, The Red Hot Dance, The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, and other popular events would enjoy this volunteer opportunity to help with preparations before events and staffing during the events.
Food Bank
The San Diego LGBT Community Center, in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, hosts two food banks per month to address food insecurity in the LGBTQ community. Volunteers work alongside staff to prepare and distribute food items to community members.
Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC) & South Bay Youth Center (SBYC)
Volunteering at our Youth Centers is our most popular volunteer opportunity, and we are fortunate enough to have many volunteers donating their time at both locations. Because of this we are not currently accepting new volunteers at either of our Youth Centers. They are both at capacity with volunteers.
Senior Services
The Senior Services Program provides the LGBTQ+ senior community with access to important resources and referrals regarding health care, social services, and community activities. Volunteers support the program by donating their time as library monitors, helping at the senior food bank, delivering food to seniors, and event set-up and break-down.
ARE YOU A CURRENT VOLUNTEER?
Are you a current volunteer of The Center? Thank you!
Click the button below to log into your Better Impact account to log your hours. We thank you for your support of The Center.