The movement starts with you: Change lives with LGBT+ volunteer work

LGBT+ young people change lives every day through their volunteer work with Just Like Us – will you join the movement? If you’re LGBT+ and aged 18 to 25, you could join 400 Just Like Us ambassadors across the UK stepping up, speaking out and making a vital difference in the lives of school pupils. Just Like Us ambassadors receive training to share their stories with pupils in schools, both online and in-person, to become the vital LGBT+ representation young people need. Mars (he/they), a Just Like Us ambassador, said: “I have done several School Talks and they have been the most uplifting experiences. I always go away feeling like I’m floating on a cloud. When I turn on the news I don’t feel as powerless. Now I know there’s something I can do.”

 

How do Just Like Us ambassadors help pupils in schools?

Just Like Us’ research has shown that LGBT+ secondary school pupils are twice as likely to be bullied as their non-LGBT+ peers. Positive, relatable LGBT+ representation and education can help more pupils become allies, and can help LGBT+ young people feel hopeful about their futures. LGBT+ representation in schools, like School Talks delivered by Just Like Us ambassadors, can improve the lives of all pupils; in fact, pupils who have received positive messaging about being LGBT+ feel considerably safer in school, regardless of whether they’re LGBT+ or not.

However, being a Just Like Us ambassador is so much more than volunteer work in schools, it’s building skills, LGBT+ community and using your voice. Just Like Us ambassadors can also:

• • Build community and friendships with LGBT+ young adults across the UK

• • Take part in an LGBT+ mentoring scheme to aid your development in the workplace, building confidence in your capabilities, identity and future

• • Attend skills workshops, from CV writing, to wellbeing, to anti-racism

• • Win national awards

• • Access media opportunities to get your voice heard on TV, the radio or in the news

• • Speak on panels at events and for businesses

• • Co-produce school resources with Just Like Us

• • Join our Ambassador Panel and learn about charity governance

And so much more…

 

For Just Like Us ambassadors, LGBT+ volunteer work is just the beginning

“Confidence is the biggest one”, said Olive (she/her). “This confidence has enabled me to reach for opportunities and put myself out there. I am more confident in my social life, and feel more able to meet new people, socialise, and network at university. I feel confident that I have the skills to get a job after university. I also feel more able to challenge the discrimination I face in my family and home communities, because I know I will always have my Just Like Us family and I have seen that we must challenge ignorance and hatred.”

If you’re LGBT+ and 18 to 25, sign up to volunteer today – the movement starts with you.