You Should Volunteer with Just Like Us!


So, I've been volunteering with Just Like Us for almost a year now (!!!), which means the time has come for them to run their annual recruitment drive for the LGBT+ Ambassador Programme. This year however, there's a big difference; for the first time, JLU is opening up it's flagship programme to all LGBT+ 18-25 year olds - not just those currently enrolled at university or located in one of the six main national hubs!

Since I'm being a bit reflective on my time with Just Like Us (so far), I've compiled a list of five reasons why you should sign up to their volunteer programme, based on what I've accomplished and learned over the past 12 months:

1. You can be the person you needed when you were at school

Through delivering workshops and assemblies at secondary schools in and around Greater Manchester, I've had the opportunity to tell approximately 400 schoolkids that it's okay to be LGBT+. Even just hearing that at school would've had a massive impact on me. You'll also be able to answer loads of interesting questions that these young people may not feel able to ask their teachers, friends, or family.

 2. You'll feel more confident in your own identity

Since I began volunteering with Just Like Us in October 2018, I've felt so much more comfortable in my identity as an LGBT+ young person. I'm able to talk about myself more openly, and thanks to JLU, I've become much more confident in using my voice for good. I've spoken up on issues I care about, and have been able to have important conversations with friends, family, and those around me on issues affecting the LGBT+ community.

 3. You'll be introduced to a network of other LGBT+ young people

I've met some amazing people whilst volunteering with JLU, and not just in the Manchester hub, but also the people I've met from all over the country through working on other Just Like Us projects. It's great to see a group of young people coming together to stand up for what they believe in - especially when it can benefit so many in our society.

 4. You'll have great opportunities throughout the year

As I said, I've met some great people through partaking in projects outside of delivering the regular sessions in schools. Throughout your time as a LGBT+ Ambassador, you'll also have the opportunity to help out with a multitude of projects and programmes; from working on the monthly JLU Podcast, or writing for the JLU Blog, to joining the annual LGBT+ Mentoring Programme, or attending Ambassadors' Day!

5. Doing good feels good

Whilst this isn't the reason I signed up to be an LGBT+ Ambassador for JLU, I've definitely seen the benefits of volunteering on myself. As I mentioned earlier, I've become a lot more confident in my identity, I've become much more vocal on the things I care about, and I've managed to speak positively about being LGBT+ to around 400 schoolkids. Helping to make positive change in others' lives can reduce stress and improve self-esteem, who wouldn't want that?!

I spoke with Manchester based Non-Profit media organisation, Love For The Streets, about the work that Just Like Us is doing in schools and colleges up and down the UK, how others can get involved, and why you should sign up to their LGBT+ Ambassador Programme! Check out the video below, or on their Facebook page:


I understand that not everyone has an abundance of time to give, not everyone is in the age bracket required to deliver school talks, and there are many other reasons why you may not be able to regularly volunteer with Just Like Us, however there are plenty of other ways you can get involved. From fundraising, to partnerships, to becoming a trustee, JLU offers many ways for you to help bring LGBT+ inclusive education into schools.

If I've managed to convince you, you can sign up here! If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me, or you can email Just Like Us' Director of Volunteering, Taz Rasul, at taz.rasul@justlikeus.org.

Find Just Like Us:

Website: https://www.justlikeus.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justlikeusuk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/justlikeusuk
Instagram: http://instagram.com/justlikeusuk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzCbqFycJsTfUTiyOiMmVlw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justlikeusuk

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