Youth Outlook believes in our ability to make a difference for LGBTQ+ youth and is committed to providing safe, supportive, accessible services for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, friends, and communities. As Illinois’ first and longest-running social service agency solely dedicated to the support of LGBTQ+ youth, Youth Outlook offers many rewarding opportunities to make an impact.
Youth Outlook will train you to help facilitate our Drop-In Centers across Northern and Central Illinois. Volunteers are also needed to help with events and community outreach. Youth Outlook will provide a signed letter verifying your volunteer work.
Youth Outlook hosts volunteer trainings twice per year. Fall 2023 Training is now full. The next training will begin in April 2024. Training consists of 4 required sessions with a tentative start date on Thursday, April 11th from 6-9PM on Zoom. Apply using the link below!
Youth Outlook’s Board of Directors and committees work together to provide fiduciary support and governance to the organization. Our board meets monthly, and committees meet on an as-needed basis. Our committees are responsible for the success of so many of our initiatives and are a great way to use your experience or interest to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Client Services
Develop Youth Outlook program benchmarks and program creation and evaluation. Open to non-board members with expert content within our community to contribute.
Fundraising
Work with Development staff on the overall development plan for Youth Outlook. Sets development plan annually, post-budget approval.
Special Events
Help us plan and execute events throughout the year to benefit Youth Outlook. Our primary events are Dare to Dream (October) and Sportsball Tournament (May).
Vision of Pride Society
Help us plan and execute our monthly tours, annual ask event, and training. Tours are currently being held in-person and virtually.
25th Anniversary
Youth Outlook is turning 25 in 2023! Help us celebrate this major milestone by working on the planning and execution of our 25th-anniversary event. This group will meet beginning in March of 2022 through the end of 2023.
Marketing
Support Marketing staff in executing Youth Outlook’s overall marketing and communication plan, which includes external communications, updates to our current toolbox of materials, special projects, and rollouts.
Training
Help facilitate Youth Outlook’s training and education materials, including presentations, workshops, tours, and all other public-facing opportunities.
Youth Outlook accepts interns for BSW and non-clinical MSW placements to gain experience in group facilitation, advocacy and working with LGBTQ+ youth and families. This internship is ideal for individuals with evening availability as most of our programming happens Monday-Friday from 6-9pm. In order to accrue the hours required for a social work internship, all applicants must be available to participate in a minimum of two to three evening groups per week in our drop-in centers located across Northern IL and virtually. Youth Outlook must be a registered preceptor with your collegiate program in order to receive credits. If you do not require credits you may apply for the program; however you will be classified and considered a volunteer under Federal and State Labor Laws.
Youth Outlook accepts interns for administrative fields such as Human Resources/Volunteer Management, Marketing/Communications/Public Relations, Fundraising and Nonprofit Administration. Flexible days and hours are available to meet the needs of the individual and agency. Youth Outlook must be a registered preceptor with your collegiate program in order to receive credits. If you do not require credits you may apply for the program; however, you will be classified and considered a volunteer under Federal and State Labor Laws.
Youth Outlook is a team of dedicated staff living across Northern and Central Illinois as our work has always been administratively virtual. This allows us to meet the needs of communities across the state by having Program Staff Leaders who live in and represent the communities where our Drop-In Centers are located.
Current Openings:
Special Events and Social Media Coordinator (Full-Time)
The role of Special Events and Social Media Coordinator at Youth Outlook is to plan, manage and engage across all social media platforms that the agency uses. Additionally, this position plans and organizes special and community events, including our annual Dare to Dream Gala. This is a hybrid position. The Coordinator may work from home and will need to be available to be in person for events and meetings. See job description linked above for more information.
Salary range: $38,000-42,000
Interested applications should send resume and letter of interest to Lisa Hilgenberg-Buhle, Development Manager at lisa@youth-outlook.org.
Health and Wellness Navigator (Case Manager- Full-Time)
Youth Outlook is launching a new program, primarily based in Will County, to assist youth and families with access to affirming health and wellness providers. The navigator position will be the first of its kind, linking LGBTQ+ individuals to care by providing short-term case management and assisting community members to find affirming resources and referrals. This position will also coordinate with local schools and community partners to provide presentations on affirming care. This is a hybrid position. The navigator may work from home and out of our Will County office. See job description linked above for more information.
Salary range: $46,000-50,000
Interested applications should send resume and letter of interest to Carolyn Wahlskog, Director of Operations and Programming at carolyn.wahlskog@youth-outlook.org.