Volunteer with the Safe Schools Program
Volunteer with
the Safe Schools Program
The Safe Schools Program is always looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference in the community by teaching kids that it's okay to be exactly who they are. We need parents and family members of LGBTQ+ people who want to share their stories about how and why they support their LGBTQ+ loved ones. We also want LGBTQ+ speakers who are willing to speak about their own journeys of self-acceptance so that students in NYC can see that no matter how they identify, we all deserve to be loved and respected. Many of the parents in the program with adult children share the same sentiment: “If only there was a program like this when my child was in school.”
Share your story!
The Safe Schools Program is built on real, authentic stories from different people in the community that the students can relate to. When we visit a school from the previous years, the students remember our volunteers and their stories. Stories like the following:
A young trans man tells students about his first time feeling truly comfortable in his own skin during a talent show where he dressed up as a drag king. That moment in his life led to him coming to terms with his gender identity.
A mother of a gay son from the Bronx talks about how her son dealt with bullies in his neighborhood and became a successful dancer despite all of the obstacles he faced. “My son Henry grew up being taunted in public school. I didn’t know if there was anything I could do about it until I found PFLAG. Now I fight to make sure other children find the same support.”
A mother from Jersey City tells the story of her youngest son and his boyfriend being the first openly gay couple to go to his high school prom. “When Dylan and his date stepped onto the red carpet looking drop-dead gorgeous in their tuxedos, all of the parents applauded.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Become a volunteer
Our volunteer speakers would agree that being in the classroom and having the opportunity to directly affect change is truly a rewarding experience. If you're interested in becoming a Safe Schools Program volunteer, click the button below to fill out the volunteer registration form.
The form will ask about your availability to attend one of our regularly scheduled trainings that orient new volunteers to the Safe Schools Program. If none of the dates listed work for you, we are always available to provide one-on-one sessions for interested volunteers. Please reach out to safeschools@pflagnyc.org if you would like an individual training session, and we will work with you to find a time.
Upcoming Volunteer Trainings
