Gender Justice Nevada
Mission: I'd like to talk to you about a new organization, Gender Justice Nevada, and specifically our Queer Anti-Violence Project. We are committed to advocate for victims of violence in the larger, inclusive LGBTQIA+ community, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer, intersex, asexual, poly, kink, sex workers, hiv+... seriously inclusive – ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!). We need volunteers to help build an advocacy net that will be specifically geared to meet the needs the very diverse community of people who are part of the sexual and gender minority. QAVP provides direct services to survivors in a way that is sensitive to queer issues.
Need: Nevada has a serious problem with interpersonal violence as a region, and people in the queer community are often disproportionately targets of violence. Currently there is no other organization that specifically addresses the needs of queer survivors.
Existing services: People in the queer community often face problems accessing services because of 1) ignorance on the part of those who are well-meaning, but unfamiliar, 2) discrimination, both from individuals, but also from rules, forms, and laws that are heter/gendernormative, and 3) queerfolk may choose not to even try to get help because of previous experiences with ignorance and discrimination. QAVP also trains other organizations.
Volunteering: Volunteers will advocate by being on call on our 24 hour crisis line, for which they will be well trained! There are other volunteer opportunities available, but we need advocates most of all. Volunteers will choose 6 hours a week that work for them. If a volunteer needs a cellphone to use, one can be checked out for your shift.
Requirements: Be 18+ years of age Be able to successfully complete a 50 hour training course Pass a criminal background check (to check for a history of violence only) Have the ability to donate a minimum of 6 hours per week Be open minded and non-judgmental towards victims and survivors regardless of the circumstances Have a desire to serve Nevada's diverse trans* and gender non-conforming persons Be willing to learn and grow together with others
Training: Every volunteer will need to meet with us to orient you to the program, then attend a 50 hour training that will certify you as ad advocate and give you all the information and resources you will need to be an effective advocate. The training will be at the end of October, during weekday evenings. Let us know if transportation is an issue!
Now: If you are interested in getting involved please take the time to fill out an application now!
Please send me an ask, and I will get some information from you such as an email address to go ahead and send you this information.