Volunteer
Call for Volunteer Attorneys for Center Global
Center Global is seeking attorneys who would be able and interested in taking on an asylum case pro bono. Richard Kelley, coordinates legal program efforts for Center Global. Richard would be able to mentor you through the process if you’ve never done an asylum case before. If you are willing, we can use your effort.
If you are an attorney, and would be able and interested in taking on a case pro bono, please fill out this form.
Since 2012, Center Global has served 200 LGBT individuals from Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union countries and Russia seeking asylum in the United States. A program of the DC Center for the LGBT Community, Center Global provides a welcoming environment to LGBTQI asylum seekers, and works to address individual legal and social needs
Committee Volunteer Opportunities at the DC Center
The DC Center Board of Directors invites you to get more involved in our work by joining one of these board committees. You do not need to be a Board Member to serve on a Board Committee. These committees are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the DC Center and find out if the board might be a good fit for you. Here are the committees currently seeking volunteers.
Fund Development Committee – The fund development committee supports the fiscal viability and sustainability of the DC Center. The committee focuses on our signature annual fundraising events, our Center Associates (monthly supporters of the DC Center), Professional Partners (our business partners), and individual donations. If you are interested in serving on this committee please reach out to Luke Scuitto at luke@thedccenter.org
Finance Committee – The finance committee assures the financial stability of the DC Center by advising the board on budget, investments, financial protocols, and financial statements. If you are interested in serving on the Finance Committee please reach out to Tiera Craig at tiera@thedccenter.org
Communications Committee – The communications committee assists with press releases, social media strategy, and outreach efforts. If you are interested in being part of the communications committee contact Rebecca Bauer at rebecca@thedccenter.org.
Board Development Committee – The Board Development Committee supports the Board in recruitment, retention, recognition, and succession of Directors, including the preparation of nominations for Director and Officer positions and guiding the training and strategic planning processes of the board. If you are interested in serving on the Board Development Committee please contact Rehana Mohammed at rehanna@thdccenter.org.
For more volunteer opportunities please check out the volunteer page of our website. You can also like Center Volunteers on facebook at fb.com/centervolunteers or follow Center Volunteers on twitter at twitter.com/centervolunteer.
Center Global Volunteer Opportunities
Benefits of Sharing Your Expertise
Sharing your talents with Center Global and our program participants/asylum seekers is a chance to learn about your LGBTQI peers from areas including: Africa, Latin America, West Indies, the MENA Region, Eastern Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia. You’ll experience a diversity of cultures and customs while gaining life-altering experiences and meeting new Center Global folks.
There are multiple ways and time commitments for which you can volunteer – share your skills in as much or little time as you prefer.
Volunteering Categories:
- Volunteer Coordination/Committee
- Administrative Support
- Fundraising
- Media/Marketing/Communication
- Programming
- Legal Consultation
- Housing Support
- Community Outreach and Education
Each role includes coordinating with a Center Global leader to plan and execute each area.
Areas starting below in rank order of priority:
Volunteer Coordinator/Committee
Seeking an individual or committee to follow up with volunteer “leads,” track them in a volunteer database and ultimately match them to Center Global projects. We get one-five volunteer requests per month via our website and community outreach efforts. We can rely on the volunteer database to provide support during events, e.g., the monthly support dinner, annual reception/fundraising events and ad-hoc community outreach activities.
Administrative Support
Provide administrative support and liaison between the Center Global leadership and the DC Center staff in maintaining program participants’ files, scheduling meetings/events and support to program participants. This position requires working some regular hours at the DC Center.
Community Outreach and Education
Center Global’s mission also includes engaging the local community to raise awareness of international human rights transgressions for the LGBTQ asylum community.
We receive invitations to speak to community/faith groups and business organizations about Center Global’s work. We also conduct an Asylum 101 session to give volunteers an overview of the asylum-seekers’ process and challenges; plus we coordinate and sponsor a panel discussions to address the broader social issues impacting our asylum seekers – these are open to the larger DC community, not just volunteers.
There are opportunities to help organize, coordinate and lead both the Asylum 101 and the Panel Discussion/Town Hall format.
Fundraising
Center Global is funded by individuals’, community organizations’/faith communities’ and private businesses’ contributions. You can assist in building support for Center Global via:
- A planning committee for the May 2019 Annual Reception at Room & Board on May 9th. We need an individual to lead this planning effort.
- Working with our Grants Team to identify potential grant making organizations and prepare appropriate proposals
- Design and implement a program for individual gift solicitation throughout the year.
- Coordinate with Center Global partners to plan and execute marketing or fund-raising activities (i.e., a book-signing event).
Programming
Our Center Global community of LGBTQ asylum seekers is a hallmark of our organization. We help our participants to socialize, meet and work with one another in their new DC home.
We need volunteers who can:
- Liaise with community, corporate sponsors, and faith leaders to plan topics and execute topics for the monthly Program Meeting that informs and educates our volunteer pool.
- Develop community resource materials that help to educate program participants about their adjustment to life in America and living in the region.
- Create a mentoring program to work one-on-one with individuals as they assimilate to their new life in the United States.
Media/Marketing/Communication
Coordinate with Center Global leadership to reach out to DC-regional and LGBTQ-focused media contacts to raise awareness of Center Global and the issues faced by LGBTQ asylum seekers.
- Write or co-author articles for the media
- Craft marketing content for the CG website
- Develop content for our social-media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
For More Information
For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please e-mail centerglobal@thedccenter.org.
New Group Volunteer Opportunity at Wanda Alston Foundation
If you want to show your support for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness, we’ve got a great opportunity for you and your friends. For over a year now, DC Center volunteers have been recruiting volunteers to cook and serve a a monthly meal for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness at Casa Ruby’s Youth House. Our amazing volunteers Lamar Trowers and Jon Thomas coordinate this important work.
Well, now we are going to be doing the same thing at the Wanda Alston House, and this is a perfect volunteer activity for your church, temple, sports team, employee resource group, or just a group of your friends. You and your friends can prepare and serve a meal at the Wanda Alston House. We are looking for groups of volunteers to make dinner on the second Tuesday of every month. If you are interested in helping out please contact our Support Desk at supportdesk@thedccenter.org.
Volunteer Spotlight: Dakia Davis
Meet one of our volunteers, Dakia Davis!
Birthdate, Astro Sign.
February 11, Aquaris.
Where are you originally from?
Raleigh, North Carolina.
When and why did you start volunteering at the DC Center?
I started volunteering this year as a facilitator for the Queer People of Color Support Group. I like that I get to connect with people and help create a fun, supportive space for queer folks.
What has been your favorite part about volunteering with the DC Center so far?
It’s been great finding out more about the Center and all its programs.
What is your favorite event that the DC Center offers?
I love that the DC Center offers so many recreational activities (i.e. Gay Day at the Zoo and Game Night).
What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?
It’s always expanding, allowing more and more folks to identify in.
Who do you look up to in the queer community?
Roxane Gay and Janelle Monáe.
What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
I like walking around the National Mall and Rock Creek Park because there’s also something new to see. My favorite exhibit to visit at the National Gallery of Art is “The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ Millennium General Assembly” by James Hampton.
What is your favorite queer movie?
Pariah.
What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?
Do glasses count? If not, I’ll go with comfy shoes.
Who are you most inspired by?
My family and Toni Morrison.
What is your favorite DC neighborhood?
Brightwood Park (where I live) and Dupont Circle.
What is your go to restaurant and what do you order?
Busboys and Poets. The Shrimp and Grits is my go-to!
If you could live in any decade (past or future) which would it be and why?
Whenever world peace is achieved.
Are you more of an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl, for sure.
Volunteers Needed for Capital Pride Interfaith Choir
Interested in singing in the choir for the June Capital Pride Interfaith Service? Join us at the times listed below. We ask that you participate in at least 3 rehearsals (with at least one rehearsal being the final rehearsal).
All Rehearsals take place at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington DC, 474 Ridge Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Rehearsal Dates and Time
Wednesday May 23rd, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Wednesday May 30th, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 2nd, 11:00 AM
Wednesday, June 6th, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, June 9th, 11:-00 AM until (TBD)
Wednesday, June 13th, 5:00 PM until (TBD)
Tuesday June 13th 7:30 pm Pride Interfaith Service (arrive early)
Interfaith Choir Songs
You’re Out there
Something Inside So Strong
Questions? Please contact Darryl Moch at nubianphoenix1@gmail.com for more information
See You There!!!!
Looking for Gay Day at the Zoo volunteers
The Gay Day At The Zoo committee is looking for volunteers to help with day of logistics and helping drum up excitement about this event by selling T-shirts! GDATZ, which takes place on International Family Equality Day (Sunday, May 6) is a one of a kind event that brings together all elements of the LGBTQ community. This year, for the first time ever, the National Zoo is officially celebrating International Family Equality Day with enhanced activities all day. We are seeking volunteers to help us with our programming and outreach efforts. If you are interested in helping please email your availability to GDATZ@thedccenter.org.
The DC Center is looking for Front Desk volunteers!
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Do you like talking with people and sharing information?
The DC Center is looking for volunteers to regularly staff the front desk, answer phone calls, and reply to e-mails on Mondays and Thursdays, during business hours from 12pm to 6pm every week or Saturdays from 11am-3pm. This is a great opportunity for those looking to build administrative skills. If you are interested in volunteering on one of these days, please contact the Operations Manager, Chris at chris@thedccenter.org
Thank you!
Volunteer Orientation
Back to school and want to connect with the community? New to the area? Have you been meaning to get involved in the LGBT community and haven’t really known how to start? Come learn how to volunteer with The DC Center and its various programs!
Our next orientation will be held on Saturday, March 24th from 12:00PM to 2PM, and will be presented by our Operations Manager, Chris Rothermel. This orientation is required for all new Support Desk Volunteers and encouraged for all current Support Desk Volunteers. Others who currently volunteer or wish to volunteer at The DC Center are also welcome to participate in this training. Registration is required and the training is limited to 20 participants.
To learn more about volunteering at The DC Center please e-mail supportdesk@thedccenter.org