A great way to support your community!

Volunteer applications are accepted year-round for opportunities with OUTline.

Next Phone Line Training Session: TBA
Application Deadline: On-going
Download the Phone Line Volunteer Information Sheet and Application.

What's in it for me?
What is a Support Phone Line volunteer?
How do I apply?
What is training like?
How do I get more information?

What's in it for me?

Here are just a few benefits to volunteering with OUTline:

  • Training in a variety skills transferable to many professional work environments
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities
  • A connection to the community
  • Supporting those without a "voice"
  • A letter of reference
  • New friends and a supportive team environment
  • Opportunities for growth

Return to Top of Page

What is a Support Phone Line volunteer?

Phone Line Volunteers are the core spirit of OUTline. These U of G student and alumni volunteers identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, two-spirit community and are interested in developing skills transferable to many professional work environments and supporting others on their coming-out journey.

Some responsibilities of phone line volunteers are:

  • Actively listening to individuals that call the support phone line
  • Answering questions sent via e-mail
  • Updating resources and referral services

Phone line volunteers are asked to choose a Stream (A or B) which commits them to either 7 or 13 hours per month for a minimum of two academic semesters.
Stream A - 7 hours/month: two 3-hour phone shifts & one 1-hour team meeting per month
Stream B - 13 hous/month: four 3-hour phone shifts & one 1-hour team meeting per month
Rainbow Triangle Download the Phone Line Volunteer Information Sheet and Application.

Return to Top of Page

How do I apply?

  1. Download and read the Support Phone Line Application Information Sheet
  2. Review OUTline's Core Values
  3. Complete the application and attach all requested documentation
  4. Send the completed application by e-mail, mail or in person (see application form for details)

Return to Top of Page

What is training like?

OUTline is committed to providing its volunteers with quality training in a broad range of topics and themes.

Phone Line Volunteers are required to complete a 32-hour Training Program that includes sessions in:

  • Active listening and communication skills
  • Ethics in a helping relationship
  • Crisis intervention
  • Local, Provincial and National resources and referrals
  • The Coming-out journey
  • Sexual health and relationships
  • Mental health and suicide
  • Cultural and spiritual issues
  • Supporting friends, families and allies

Please note: Role-play situations and interactive activities are key learning and evaluation tools used throughout the Training Program.

Click to see next Phone Volunteer Training dates.

Return to Top of Page

How do I get more information?

If you have any questions, please contact the OUTline Program Facilitator (Liz Martin) at 519.824.4120 ext. 56358 or by e-mailing outline@uoguelph.ca.

Return to Top of Page