Prism Leadership Initiative
The Prism Leadership Initiative gives LGBTQ+ youth in their later high-school years the opportunity to grow as leaders, build real-world skills, and contribute meaningfully to Prism United. Designed for teens ages 16-18, the program helps participants explore their strengths, try on new roles, and gain experience they can proudly carry into college, careers, and advocacy work.
The program is organized into small semester-based cohorts to ensure each participant receives meaningful support and hands-on experience. Cohorts move through their projects together, forming relationships and growing their leadership skills side by side.
Leadership Initiative Opportunities
Leadership Initiative participants can choose from several pathways and shape their experience around their interests. In addition to these options, customized pathways are available for participants whose interests or career goals call for a more tailored experience.
Build Solidarity
Join a Prism staff member to volunteer for or learn about another local organization.
Co-pilot an Activity
Plan, workshop, and co-lead an activity with a facilitator for the Prism Teens or Prism Preteens program.
Create Content
Design graphics, make art, or shoot photos/videos for use on Prism’s social media pages and promotional material.
Give a Presentation
Raise awareness about a topic or issue, starting with a proposal and culminating in a presentation at Prism Teens.
Inspire the Team
Boost team morale by sharing messages of gratitude and encouragement with Prism staff, volunteers, and supporters.
Interview an Elder
Sit down with a facilitator and a member of the local community to learn more about LGBTQ+ history.
Spread the Word
Help set up, manage, and teardown the Prism info & merch table at outreach events.
Support a Facilitator
Assist with youth room preparation, data management, cleanup, and other facilitator task work.
Watch the Littles
Volunteer for Prism’s childcare program for 4-9 year olds during Prism Families gatherings.
Enrollment and Fulfillment of Program
Members of the Prism Teens program ages 16-18 are eligible to join the Prism Leadership Initiative. Each participant is paired with a Prism team member who serves as their advisor throughout the program.
To complete the initiative, youth meet regularly with their advisor and complete 50 service hours through any combination of the leadership opportunities listed above. To complete the initiative, youth meet regularly with their advisor, complete 50 service hours through any combination of the leadership opportunities listed above, and create a culminating project that showcases their work. Cohorts decide together what this project will look like, such as a poster walk, presentation, or creative showcase.
Once they fulfill the program requirements, participants receive a Program Achievement Certificate and special recognition at the next Prism Illuminates or Prism Open House event.
Leaders of Our Future
Many of the youth in our programs are looking toward college and wondering what possibilities lie ahead. The Leadership Initiative supports their journeys by providing official volunteer hours and building practical competency around LGBTQ+ nonprofit and advocacy work, skills that complement undergraduate pathways in social work, psychology, education, political science, criminology, and more. We are excited to see this growing group of young leaders chart their futures with confidence, clarity, and community behind them.