Our Illinois Safe Schools Alliance program seeks a cohort of four VISTAs to support activities such as the Safe Schools Consortia Project, Action Camp, Midwest LGBTQ+ Network, youth leadership development, community outreach, and additional capacity-building activities across the state. 
The Alliance program promotes safety, support, and healthy development for LGBTQ+ youth in Illinois schools and communities, through advocacy, education, youth organizing, and research. The Alliance has over 16 years of experience working with young people, community organizations, schools and districts, and state agencies toward the goal of fostering safer school spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
Through each of its programmatic areas – youth leadership and organizing, policy and advocacy, and professional development – the Alliance approaches its work as transformational rather than transactional and its programming is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in equity.
This is a great learning and professional growth opportunity for people who may want some real-world experience before starting college, grad school, or a new career in the non-profit sector. Each role is a full-time position for 40 hours each week, although it is possible to attend classes or work part-time outside of that schedule.
For more information on the VISTA program, including its benefits, you can visit the AmeriCorps VISTA website or check out this step-by-step guide to submit a VISTA application.
Applications are open until Monday, November 27, although candidates are encouraged to apply sooner.
VISTAs serving with Illinois Safe Schools Alliance will be involved in these and other activities to support LGBTQ+ young people:
- Consortia Project: Collaborate with school district leaders and PHIMC staff to further the Consortia Pilot’s creation of regional networks of education leaders who are committed to ensuring their school district(s) are safe and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Action Camp: Co-create and support the Alliance’s 5-day retreat where young people access youth-led workshops, social events, and community-building opportunities.
- Midwest LGBTQ+ Network: Engage advocates and allies across the Midwest to create a supportive infrastructure for individuals and to disrupt the current anti-LGBTQ+ Midwest trajectory in the face of unsupportive laws and policies.
The Alliance seeks VISTA applicants who are aligned with the program mission, thrive in team-based environments, demonstrate initiative and strong organizational skills, can be flexible and creative, and have a solutions-oriented mindset.
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Questions? Please contact Julio Flores.
