Volunteer/Mentorship Program Overview

The Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ Undergraduate and Graduate students to support the mission and goals of the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at UC Santa Barbara. Volunteers will specifically work on the RCSGD’s publicity efforts, co-facilitate projects led by RCSGD staff, and develop leadership skills for their professional and career goals. This is a great opportunity for those looking to get involved with LGBTQIA+ programs, complete service hours, and make connections across campus with students, staff, and faculty!

By incorporating our LGBTQIA+ Mentorship Program into our volunteer cohort, we maintain the goal of building a bridge for our LGBTQIA+ student, staff, and faculty community to form meaningful connections as community members.

As a combined program, the accepted Volunteer cohort members should expected to:

  • Participate and commit to the program for one academic year
  • Attend one “Volunteering with the RCSGD” Training in Fall quarter to learn about supporting the RCSGD’s mission, goals, and programming
  • Attend the two hour “Mentorship Orientation” in Fall quarter to learn about expectations linked to their participation in a Mentorship Pairing
  • Attend biweekly cohort Group Development Meetings assigned by the Volunteer Coordinator
  • Commit to between two - three hours per week to assist with:
    • Tabling at least once every two weeks
    • Co-facilitating RCSGD events with RCSGD staff
    • Assist in developing and implementing projects benefiting the LGBTQIA+ campus community
  • Be paired and coordinate individual meetings with an assigned LGBTQIA+ Staff, Faculty, or Graduate Student Mentor at least once per month
  • Communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator about capacity levels and task progress

Interested in being a Mentor to our Volunteer Cohort?

Mentors can be UCSB LGBTQIA+ Graduate students, Staff, and Faculty. Mentors will offer support and guidance to LGBTQ+ students exploring their identities, based on their lived experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community. You will also have the opportunity to lead group discussions to facilitate the professional, academic, and personal development of the volunteers.

Mentor Expectations:

  • Participate and commit to the program for one academic year
  • Attend the two hour “Mentorship Orientation” in Fall quarter to learn about expectations linked to their participation in a Mentorship Pairing
  • Meet with your mentee at least two-hours per month
  • Respect the degree of outness desired by your mentee
  • Maintain and respect the confidentiality of your mentee
  • Serve as a resource to your mentee
  • Take a survey at the end of the program to provide feedback
  • Maintain open communication with the RCSGD’s Program Coordinator
  • Have fun!

Application information will be released throughout Fall Quarter, keep an eye on this page to learn more!