Become a leader for tomorrow’s neurodivergent and LGBTQIA youth today.
Kaleidoscope’s Youth Council is a six-month leadership program for LGBTQIA and neurodivergent youth between the ages of 15 and 22.
Youth leaders serve for 2 hours per month – paid! – and help Kaleidoscope plan social events for youth, give us feedback on our services, and help us make decisions as an organization. Youth council members leave the program with new friendships, community connections, leadership skills, social skills, and employment skills.
The Youth Council program is *virtual*, hosted on Zoom, and accessible to anyone who lives in Los Angeles County. We will be planning in-person social events, which we encourage you to attend if you can!
How to Apply
Due date: Tuesday, August 15
Service period: September 2023 to February 2024
2 hours/month for six months
Please fill out the form below to the best of your ability. If you are uncertain or don’t know what to write, please ask a trusted adult for help.
FAQ’s
What are the requirements to join?
Youth must be ages 15-22, live in Los Angeles County, and have access to virtual meetings – ie. a computer, webcam, microphone, internet, and private space at home.
What if I don’t have the technology to join?
Apply anyway! We would like to support your ability to participate.
What does LGBTQIA mean?
LGBTQIA is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual.
Do I have to be LGBTQIA to participate?
No! We welcome neurodivergent, cisgender, straight allies who want to support the neurodivergent LGBTQIA community.
What does neurodivergent mean?
Neurodivergent refers to people who have brain differences such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health disorders such as PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and anxiety.
Do I have to be neurodivergent/diagnosed?
No! We welcome neurotypical allies to the neurodivergent community. We do not require a diagnosis for you to identify as neurodivergent.
What is the compensation?
Youth Council members are paid $20/hour for their work in the form of Visa gift cards quarterly (every 3 months).
Are the in-person social events paid too?
No. Only the leadership council sessions are paid. Social events are unpaid.
I have another question.
Please email [email protected] for help.
Kaleidoscope is an organization based in Sherman Oaks, CA (Los Angeles County) that supports LGBTQIA young people and their families. We offer support, education, and connection for all LGBTQIA youth, including those with social, emotional, and learning differences. Why is it called Kaleidoscope? A kaleidoscope is made up of all different colors, shapes, and sizes, when turned slightly allows for a new and beautiful perspective to emerge.