Volunteer: an enriching, rewarding and fun way to make a real difference
Volunteer With Us
If you are selected to join our volunteer program, you will be joining a long history of people who have been the cornerstone of much of our work since volunteers started the Campaign Against Moral Persecution in 1970, took the first calls at ‘Phone a Friend’ in 1973 or set up the ‘2010’ youth refuge in 1983.
Whether you come to us with specific expertise or are just wanting to lend a hand, we greatly appreciate our volunteers’ contributions and could not serve the community without them.
or make a donation to help us continue our work.
Attend Our Next Information Session
Why do I need to attend an Information Session?
Information Sessions are an integral part of our selection process but it is obligation free – you aren’t committed to volunteer or attend training.
Attending an Information Session is not a guarantee of an invitation to join our volunteer program.
When is the next recruitment or Information Session?
Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW usually runs two recruitment intakes per year, depending on program need. Attendance forms part of our application process but is obligation free.
If you are interested in attending, fill out our application form and we will let you know when our next info sessions are happening.
Our next info session will be held sometime in 2019.
What if I can’t attend the Information Session (or Intake Training)?
If you are unable to attend, you will need to wait for a future intake as we are unable to run individual sessions
For me, Volunteering on the phones is a profoundly community affirming experience. Working with fellow volunteers and listening to callers makes me feel a sense of solidarity and support amongst my queer peers.
KateWe offer a range of different volunteer roles to choose from:
Behind the Scenes Roles
Many hands make light work and some people prefer to help out behind the scenes (non client facing). Learn more.
Face to Face Roles
Many of our volunteers work alongside our clients, who are often looking to connect with others socially for support. Learn more.
Phone & Web Support Roles
Our QLife volunteers provide telephone and web support to LGBTI people to provide information and one-off support. Learn more.
Volunteering FAQs
Learn how we recruit and train volunteers, and what would be required before you dive in.
What sort of commitment is involved with volunteering?
- We ask that all volunteers (except Practical Skills) commit to at least 3 hours once a month for a minimum of 12 months.
- Some programs have volunteering opportunities more frequently than this, and there is some flexibility in rostering shifts.
- If a volunteer has not participated in any shifts or other activities for over 12 months, they may need to re-train or re-apply depending on the circumstances.
Are there any prerequisites?
- Those who are invited to join our volunteer training program are required to have or obtain a current NSW Working with Children Check clearance and sign a volunteer agreement with Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW. In addition, QLife volunteers are required to obtain a Federal Police Check.
- Identifying as LGBTIQA+ is a prerequisite for some volunteer roles including QLife Telephone Counsellor, but for all other roles it is not a requirement.
- Programs working face-to-face with young people have a minimum age requirement of 26 years old; otherwise, the minimum age is 18 years old.
- You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to apply to volunteer and relevant training is provided for all roles.
- Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW is an equal opportunity employer and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of diverse sexualities, genders, and/or intersex variations to apply.
Where can I volunteer?
- Our volunteers mostly help out at our main premises in Chippendale, and sometimes at other locations including our Out West group in Parramatta.
- There are occasional opportunities to volunteer at events and stalls throughout Sydney.
How do I apply to volunteer?
What happens after I apply to volunteer?
- We recruit all ongoing volunteer roles by holding interactive volunteer information sessions at our Chippendale offices.
- We hold information sessions one or two times each year, depending on our needs. We invite everyone who has expressed interest by completing our online application form. Email addresses on our interest list are removed after 3 years.
- The information session provides an overview of our organisation and services, the different types of volunteer roles and opportunities, and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about volunteering here. It is also a chance to for us to meet all prospective volunteers in person and see you interact in a social setting.
When is the next recruitment or information session?
- Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW usually runs one or two recruitment intakes per year, depending on program need.
- Dates are sent out at least one month prior to everyone who has joined our volunteering interest list by completing an application form, and are also published on our website.
What if I can't attend the information session or intake training?
If you are unable to attend, we will notify you of future intakes when they happen.
How do you choose which applicants go through to training?
- Following the information session, we review all applications received and select some applicants to be part of our volunteer training program. We usually have more interest than we can realistically take on so we limit our intake, choosing those we feel will be the best fit for our clients, programs, and organisation at the time of recruitment. This means that some applicants may not be offered positions in each round.
- Those who are invited to join our volunteer training program are also required to have or obtain a current NSW Working With Children Check clearance and sign a volunteer agreement with Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW.
What is involved in training?
- New volunteers complete face-to-face training and a series of live shifts where they shadow experienced volunteers. This is followed by an assessment process, to check in on understanding and fit within the organisation and specific volunteer role. After assessment, new volunteers are either invited through to regular shifts or offered additional support and information if not yet ready for ongoing volunteering.
- Regardless of role, all new volunteers attend Intake Training, a 3-hour session which ensures they are well informed of the values and practices of Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW so that we can all work together for the benefit of our clients.
- Some volunteer roles also require additional training sessions, such as telephone counselling (three-day course spread out over time) and group facilitation (one- or two-day course, depending on group).
- Ongoing training is also offered to all volunteers through regular development and debrief sessions to maintain your skills, broaden your knowledge and gain peer support from other volunteers. All volunteers are also reviewed regularly as part of the support and supervision structures provided by staff.
Other ways to make a difference
Make a Donation
By donating, you can be confident that your money will be used to directly improve the lives of vulnerable or marginalised LGBTIQA+ people.
Easy Fundraising Ideas
Whether fundraising by yourself or with friends, at school or at work, you can make a difference. It’s fun and effective.
Leave a Gift in Your Will
Help us fulfill our vision and create opportunities for future generations by leaving a bequest in your will.
