Volunteering is an Investment in Our Future
The first time it happened I didn’t think much of it. I was invited to a local high school to be on a panel of people sharing stories about our college experiences and career paths. The teacher who hosted us was nice and the students asked great questions. At the conclusion of the event a young man made his way to the stage and right to me. He came up just to tell me that he appreciated me being there.
I thanked him for his kindness and probed him about what he’d learned from the discussion and what dreams he was coming up with for his life after graduation. He’d already decided what career he wanted to pursue and was in the process of narrowing down the list of colleges he’d apply to in the fall. I knew for sure he would have a bright future ahead of him. We wrapped up the conversation and as I turned to leave, he tapped me again and reiterated that he was glad I came to his school that day.
A few years later I was heading to work, and a young man approached me while I was waiting for the light to change and crosswalk signal to give me the okay to proceed. I couldn’t place his face, but he seemed happy to see me. I greeted him and he took no time in letting me know why he might look familiar. This young man was a graduate student in a summer program that I’d volunteered to speak with the year before.
Unlike the high school student, this grad student was more comfortable and able to articulate why he’d stopped me and wanted to share a word of thanks. He said that as a young Black gay student making his transition into the workforce, he’d not often seen himself reflected in the speakers his program or professional organizations bring through. I have no doubt that is the reason why the high school student was drawn to me that day too.
I was humbled by their appreciation and reminded of why, when I get requests to speak with students, I always say yes. I tend to do a lot of volunteer work, but of all of it, what I find most replenishing is opportunities to connect with young people. They think that I’m giving back, but really, they are the ones inspiring me. Also, I’m aware now more than ever before that representation matters.
Young people need to see themselves not just on television and in movies, but in classrooms, on career panels, and at community programs and activities. There is a benefit to seeing full relatable models of what you can be and knowing that you can shape your future for yourself and there isn’t just one way of being.
LGBTQIA+ people aren’t just phenomenal entertainers, writers, and athletes. Some are incredible teachers, accountants, nurses, data scientists, business owners, public servants, and so much more. Young people need to see that up close too so that they can more broadly see themselves.
As LGBTQIA+ people, we bring unique perspectives and advice to young people developing their personal and professional career identities and finding their next right step in life based on our own lived experiences. A group of gay college students once blushed when I dared to explain to them, using language their career advisors wouldn’t, about how they should proceed with caution when it comes to certain popular ‘dating’ apps.
Time is a valuable resource and not often easy to spare, but I encourage you to invest some of it in the next generation by volunteering where and how you can. Whether it be by participating in career day at your old high school, staffing the booth of your alma mater at a local college fair, or getting your professional organization to host a lunch & learn for young people who might be interested in exploring your career field, you’d be making a difference. Being present and open to sharing your wisdom and mistakes (we all have some of those, too) with LGBTQIA+ young people—and even the ones who aren’t—will bring value to you and to them. ▼
Clarence J. Fluker is a public affairs and social impact strategist. Since 2008, he's also been a contributing writer for Swerv, a lifestyle periodical celebrating African American LGBTQ+ culture and community. Follow him on Twitter: @CJFluker or Instagram: @Mr_CJFluker