Thank you for your interest in getting involved! Volunteers help ensure GLAD can provide justice and equality for people all over the country.

Become a GLAD Answers volunteer

Our free legal infoline, GLAD Answers, is a central resource for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV in New England.

Join a smart and committed team to provide legal information, support, and resources to community members experiencing discrimination and harassment.

GLAD provides training for all volunteers. No prior legal experience required. We ask that new trainees make a commitment to volunteer for a weekly 3 hour shift for a minimum of six months.

If you are interested in becoming a GLAD Answers volunteer and want to learn more, please fill out the form below and visit the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do volunteers do?

GLAD Answers volunteers answer helpline calls and emails. They speak directly to folks seeking resources and/or legal support, ask questions, gather information, and provide resources and referrals.

Who can volunteer?

GLAD Answers volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. What they have in common is a commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities. Here are some specifics:

  • GLAD Answers volunteers DO NOT need:
    • To have expertise with laws; or
    • Memorize the laws
  • GLAD Answers volunteers DO need:
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills;
    • Compassion, patience, and enthusiasm for supporting members of our communities;
    • The ability to work collaboratively with other volunteers and the GLAD Answers staff;
    • The ability to work with people from all backgrounds with a strong commitment to equity;
    • The ability to sort out what legal issues are involved (with training and staff support);
    • To learn how to use GLAD’s publications and resources to tailor a package of information for those who contact GLAD Answers;
    • To commit to a weekly three-hour time slot for at least 6 months.

What training do GLAD Answers volunteers receive?

GLAD Answers trainings give you the information and tools you need to process and respond to intakes from people who contact the infoline. We train volunteers on the questions to ask callers to help pinpoint their needs and how to identify the legal issues involved in their intake. You will also receive technical training on how to use GLAD Answers’ database. There are typically two in-person trainings a year (spring and fall) each one lasting a cumulative 15 hours over the course of 3 days.

When do volunteers work?

Monday through Friday from 10am-1pm or 1:30-4:30pm.

Three people standing outside in front of a fence with flowering trees behind
Public Information Manager Gabrielle Hamel, GLAD Answers Coordinator Kayden Hall, and former GLAD Answers volunteer Lucy Friedland

What is the time commitment?

Volunteers commit to working 3 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months. Typically, volunteers will work a shift from 10am-1pm or 1:30-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Currently there are options to volunteer in-person in our office and virtually.

How is GLAD Answers staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

GLAD Answers volunteers have the option to work remotely. Remote volunteers use a virtual phone system that masks your personal phone number, allowing you to return calls safely and confidentially from wherever you are.

Additionally, all in-person staff, volunteers, and visitors must provide proof of vaccination before entering the GLAD Answers office. Read more about our commitment during the pandemic.

I’m still not sure if I’m a good fit for the program. What else can you tell me?

Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own story about why they decided to get involved with GLAD. But they keep coming back for the same reason: Because it’s fulfilling and exciting to make a difference in our community! Here are stories from some former volunteers:

Marjorie
If you’re thinking about volunteering, Marjorie Charney wants you to know: “It’s really great, you don’t have to be afraid of not knowing the right answer, all you have to do is show up. And it’s very gratifying, tons of support.” More from Marjorie.

Chloe
Army officer Chloe Enderton decided to volunteer when she saw the great work GLAD was doing to fight the transgender military ban. Get to know Chloe.

Greg
When helping his transgender child navigate the school system, Greg turned to GLAD Answers. His experience inspired him to join the team as a volunteer. Here’s his story.

GLAD Answers volunteer Chloe Enderton with GLAD Public Information Manager J.D. Melendez and former GLAD Answers Assistant Henry Thomas.
GLAD Answers volunteer Chloe Enderton with J.D. Melendez, GLAD Public Information Manager, and Henry Thomas, former GLAD Answers Assistant.

Questions? Please contact Gabrielle Hamel at ghamel@glad.org or 617-426-1350.

Want to intern with GLAD? Learn about our internship opportunities.

Interested in more ways to support our work? Learn more and donate.