Ambassador Programme for LGBT+ youth – FAQs and why you should join
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The Ambassador Programme at Just Like Us is for LGBT+ youth aged 18 to 25 – here’s why you should join.
Just Like Us is the LGBT+ young people’s charity. We work with schools and young people to ensure LGBT+ young people can thrive. Currently, LGBT+ school pupils are twice as likely to be bullied and struggle with mental health – as ambassadors you can help us change this.
Our LGBT+ ambassadors are from many different and intersectional communities from across the UK. For example, you can read Arber’s experiences of being LGBT+ and Muslim, why non-binary ambassador Mara loves volunteering, and what it was like for Leo growing up trans in Wales.
When and where is ambassador training and how do I join?
Sign up and then we’ll email you with details on how to book your place. Eager to get started or want to speak to us about what it’ll be like? Please get in touch.
We’d love to hear from you! And no question is too small or silly.
What if I’m nervous?
It’s totally OK to be nervous. Many of our new volunteers feel very nervous when signing up but they have all told us that they later realise they didn’t need to be.
Ambassador Arber says: “Although I nervously and very anxiously signed up in 2019, not thinking it would do much for my life, I am forever grateful that I did.”
“I didn’t initially think that joining Just Like Us would enhance my life as much as it has.
“Just Like Us has allowed me to be the representation I never had when I was younger. Being an ambassador has fulfilled a deep longing I’d had internally for many years.
“I’ve also met some amazing individuals, who I today consider to be some of my dearest friends.”
“I didn’t initially think that joining Just Like Us would enhance my life as much as it has.”
What if I don’t have enough time for volunteering?
The Ambassador Programme is very flexible so it can fit around your busy job, studies, caring responsibilities or whatever it may be that you’re also committed to.
We understand that some people have less time to volunteer – that’s why we always keep flexibility in mind.
We have ambassador opportunities – such as skills workshops – that you can get involved with on evenings and weekends as well as weekdays so that everyone has the chance to participate.
What if I haven’t come out?
The programme is for 18 to 25 year olds who are LGBT+ and living in the UK. But that doesn’t mean you have to be out!
We have lots of ambassadors who are not out when they join us. You might be out to just one friend, colleagues or no one at all – and that’s OK.
There is no judgement and no requirement to be fully out while you volunteer with us. You can even still take part in media opportunities anonymously if you like – one ambassador wrote this powerful article for The Independent anonymously.
We are here to support you on your journey.
Ambassador Programme: What is it?
Being an ambassador with Just Like Us is a unique volunteering opportunity. you’ll get training and then take part in a range of opportunities. That will include speaking in schools to bring much-needed LGBT+ representation and help stop anti-LGBT+ bullying.
You’ll use your voice, develop skills and find community.
If you’re LGBT+, age 18-25 and living in the UK, then you can volunteer on our Ambassador Programme.
As an ambassador, you’ll be able to:
- Speak in schools to help stop anti-LGBT+ bullying
- Take part in skills workshops, such as leadership and wellbeing
- Write for media outlets like GAY TIMES
- Get a LGBT+ career mentor
- Meet LGBT+ friends
Ambassador Programme: How do I get involved?
We’re always looking for LGBT+ 18 to 25 year olds to join our Ambassador Programme.
Training takes places across the UK – we’ll be training ambassadors in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Cardiff and online.
No matter where you live in the UK, you can do ambassador training with us. We can’t wait to meet you!
