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

Become a GLAD Law Answers Volunteer

Our free legal infoline, GLAD Law Answers, is a central resource for LGBTQ+ people and people 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 Law 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 Law Answers volunteer, live in the New England area, 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 Law 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 Law 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 Law Answers volunteers DO NOT need:
    • To have expertise with laws; or
    • Memorize the laws
  • GLAD Law 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 Law 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 Law’s publications and resources to tailor a package of information for those who contact GLAD Law Answers;
    • To commit to a weekly three-hour time slot for at least 6 months.
What training do volunteers receive?

GLAD Law 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 Law 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.

Three people standing outside in front of a fence with flowering trees behind

Public Information Manager Gabrielle Navarro, GLAD Law Answers Coordinator Kayden Hall, and former GLAD Law 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 has GLAD Law Answers stayed safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

GLAD Law 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 Law office.

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 Law. 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:

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

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

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 Law 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 Law Answers. His experience inspired him to join the team as a volunteer.
Here’s his story.

Questions? Please contact Kayden Hall at khall@glad.org or 617-426-1350.

Volunteer for GLAD Law Events

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at a GLAD Law event! Please fill out the form below to be added to our volunteer list. We’ll reach out to you leading up to events to see if you can join us as a volunteer. Contact events@glad.org with any questions!

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

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