Position
Title:
Community Engagement Internship
Location: Whatcom County
Hours: flexible
About
WYP:
Formed in late 2018/early 2019, volunteers that comprise the Whatcom Youth
Pride Coalition—school staff and educators, parents, and community members—came
together with a shared goal of finding ways to celebrate and show support to
LGBTQIA+ youth in Whatcom County.
Mission: Our goal is to build a community in Whatcom County that
provides opportunities for youth to celebrate their identity and find the
support they need to thrive and grow into their most authentic selves.
Our primary objective: The first Saturday each June (June 1st this
year!), WYP hosts one of the nation’s only all-youth Pride Parade and
Festivals. LGBTQIA+ youth, allies, and their families march along a short
parade route while the community lines the streets with signs and shouts of
support. The day culminates in a large festival with an art market and maker
space, food trucks, LGBTQIA+ youth-focused or allied organizations tabling, and
a youth-led drag and talent show.
Internship learning objectives: This internship will enable an intern to learn about and
participate in community building and outreach, liaise with community
organizations in support of LGBTQIA+ youth, and gain experience in organizing
and carrying out a large-scale community event.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Providing marketing and other support
leading up to the event
- Serving as liaison with queer youth
through schools’ GSA/QSAs
- Providing transportation support for
rural and urban youth
- Tabling for WYP at community events
- Providing day-of volunteer
coordination and parade support
Other responsibilities may include
(depending on intern’s level of interest and ability):
Developing foundational materials in
support of the organization, including but not limited to creating/compiling
documentary footage and interviews into an informational video, and supporting
the creation of an organization handbook.
Requirements include: If
working with youth in the Bellingham School District (as a liaison with
GSA/QSAs), you must go through the district’s Volunteer registration process.
