Youth Volunteers (ages 14-25)

Youth may be interested in volunteering with Side by Side, including fulfilling volunteer hours required for school or other activities.  Side by Side has opportunities for youth to volunteer and help out around the Side by Side Youth Center including organizing and cleaning the center as well as providing support for special events like our annual Queer Prom.

Volunteer Facilitators

Side by Side utilizes volunteer adult facilitators to assist with our weekly support groups in Richmond.  We are looking for people dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.  We provide training and resources to support our facilitator team, so no prior experience is necessary. 

Requirements for Becoming a Side by Side Facilitator:

• Be able to physically attend groups in Richmond

• Be at least 21 years old

• Complete facilitator training

• Pass a background check

Richmond Youth Center Volunteers

Side by Side regularly needs volunteers to assist around our youth center in Richmond, Virginia. Tasks include cataloging books in our library, organizing storage and craft areas, cleaning the center, and gardening outside.

Special Event Volunteers

Side by Side hosts special events throughout the year, including our annual Glitter Glam Jam, Springtime fundraiser and our annual Queer Prom. We need volunteers for these once a year events.  We also welcome groups of volunteers interested in special projects including general upkeep of the Side by Side Youth Center.

Graduate/Post-Graduate Internships

Side by Side offers internships in LGBTQ+ mental health support and LGBTQ+ housing services where you will work directly with our youth and young adults. Internships are open to any graduate or post-graduate student in social work, psychology or a related field. Internships are available Fall, Spring & Summer, and please be advised that spots are limited.

If you’re interested, please contact us at info@sidebysideva.org.

High School and Undergraduate Internships

Side by Side provides regular volunteering hours for individuals in high school or undergraduate programs. We are happy to provide verification for these completed hours. Due to our programming age range, high school and undergraduate students are not able to directly work with our youth, but will engage in a wide-range of projects that support Side by Side’s programming and mission.

If interested, please contact us at info@sidebysideva.org.

Meals Program

Our Meals Program is dedicated to supporting youth and young adults aged 11-25 through weekly support groups held Monday through Thursday. Each session aims to provide a hot, nutritious meal, fostering a sense of community and connection among participants. We invite you to consider donating a meal—whether once a quarter, monthly, or even weekly—to help sustain this vital initiative. Additionally, we encourage you to reach out to your favorite local restaurant to contribute a meal. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth and young adults! Contact us at info@sidebysideva.org for details.

Board Service

Side by Side has three boards who provide support, guidance, and advice to our organization. Our Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and has fiduciary responsibility for the organization. Our Junior Board works to spread the word about Side by Side and manages a few smaller fundraising campaigns. And our Advisory Board is made up of community leaders who help advise the organization on strategic planning. 

If you’re interested in connecting with Side by Side through Board Service on any of our boards please contact Jamie Nolan (marquis.mapp@sidebysideva.org)