How Do I post a volunteer opportunity?
Click here. Why in the world are we doing this?This is your alternative to a march at a time of year when your town might have harsh weather. Or maybe it's the a day for you to give back instead of sitting alone in your home angry at heterosexual America, forbidding yourself from shopping. Think of it: This keeps the national dialogue going while warming your heart and those of valuable LGBT community organizations who desperately need help. And who knows? You might even get on the news? It's only for one day, anyway.
Can we only volunteer for one day?No. You can volunteer for as long as you want. In fact, you don't even have to wait until Dec 10th to start!I'm not one for manual labor, so what can I do?Good question! The SPCA and hundreds of animal rescue organizations are desperate for foster parents who could walk and care for adoptable dogs even for a single day. Lots of places need data entry specialists, like Lifeworks or maybe today's the day you sign up for the AIDS marathon or volunteer in a classroom! Check out the volunteer opportunities in your state to the left of this page!I can't take the day off work (or school) because I work for the FBI and people kinda need me to be there. Do you hate me?Umm...NO! Come help before or after work, or help facilitate opportunities for friends through the web site now, or just cheer us on!
CLICK HERE for 4 ways you can help!
Why should I have to beg for my civil rights with volunteer work?You shouldn't. You're not being asked to. People tend to feel better when they give service. We know a lot of gay people and straight allies who are ready to feel good again in a post-November 4th world so this is for them, and we hope it's for you, too.
Will this get me on Oprah?If it will get you to help out, then...yes...you'll be on Oprah, Honey.How should I call in if I don't identify as "Gay" but rather as Trans or Bi?It's terribly important to understand that on this one day, we're using "gay" as shorthand for the entire LGBT community strictly because of the universality of recognition for the movement both in American culture and worldwide as it's been covered in media ranging from Mexico, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy, and beyond. You are SO SO SO included and necessary if you are bisexual, transgendered, intersexed, queer, or questioning...and straight allies are included as well. Feel free to call in however you feel it's appropriate for your situation. Even if that means not identifying by orientation or identity like this, "Hi Jeanette, I want to use my Paid Time Off to volunteer in the community." Or, "Hi Marcus, I'm going to work from home today by e-mailing my senator about equality for all people regardless of orientation or identity." or just volunteer after work or just help us spread volunteer opportunities between now and Dec 10th!
I live in Canada, can I help?Heck, yeah. Post and search on our international page! If you live and love here in North America, call in Gay and do it up non-profit style, eh?
Are you implying that "gay" is equivolent to "sick?"Whoa! NO! It's just that "gay" rhymes with "day" so it was a cute and clever way to get you involved. HAHA! Now you're hooked! You're beautiful, very not sick, and super wonderful. Help us spread service however you feel comfortable, SWEET THING!Who is this page affiliated with? How can I trust you? Are you wire-tapped?This page was started by a couple of concerned homos but is really just a liaison to organizations that know what they're doing. Your volunteer work will help mobilize existing non-profits so that we're ready to fight even harder moving forward for a better Gay America.
I thought we were just supposed to stay HOME from work and watch the markets crash without us gays there to help?Haven't we seen the market crash enough already? And since we've been asked not to spend money on December 10th, what are you going to do all day? Sleep, eat, and relax...hmm...sounds tempting, actually but with 70 million dollars raised and spent on prop 8, this is our way of giving commerce and service BACK to some of the great people who helped put gay rights on the map.
How do I know if the organization I volunteer at is gay-friendly?Call and ask them, or just search our
Volunteer Opportunities page to find a gay-friendly organization near you.
If in doubt about scams or hate-mongering, email them and ask for a copy of their letterhead so you know they're who they say they are, then call your local LGBT center and cross check to make sure they have a positive record of acceptance and/or support. Beware, bad apples like this one could be out there.I'm sick of all this talk about gay marriage. What about civil unions, "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and Federal non-discrimination employment rights?A very good point. Use this day to talk about those important issues, and remember: the passage of Prop 8 has opened up the doors for a powerful civil rights movement because California's marriage rights were eliminated. Prop 8, along with the propositions in Arizona, Florida and Arkansas are catalysts for the advancement of gay rights in every other area and it starts with you.
Click here for more information on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
I'm straight.Yay! Thanks for all your help so far! You are welcome to call in "gay", too. And consider yourself free to use this "Gay For A Day" pass as needed to volunteer!