Volunteering at Howard Brown Health
Howard Brown Health was founded in 1974 by four volunteers who revolutionized healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. We have volunteer opportunities at some of our health centers (including Broadway Youth Center, Clark & Sheridan), our 2 Brown Elephant Resale Shops (Andersonville & Northalsted), and in the community at street festivals, parades, health fairs, and fundraising events. You can jump right in using our buttons below or read more about volunteer responsibilities and requirements further below on this page.
Want to Join Our Councils: Patient Advisory Council | Vernita Gray Council for Philanthropy
Volunteer Responsibilities
- A volunteer (18+ years old) donates their time, talent or services to Howard Brown without expectation of monetary compensation, future employment or other tangible benefits.
- Volunteers select what opportunities they want to support.
- Volunteers are expected to:
- Show up on-time using their own transportation
- Wear appropriate attire including volunteer badge
- Track service hours in Better Impact
- Perform the duties as assigned
- Staying for the duration of their shift as listed in their respective volunteer opportunity email confirmation(s).
Volunteer Requirements
For a detailed list of volunteer requirements, please see page 2 of our volunteer handout.
Volunteering with Howard Brown Health is contingent upon successfully completing the following requirements (details for each of these steps are further below on this page).
Volunteer Quick Links: Handout | Application | Volunteer Opportunities
- Application
- Orientation
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- DCFS Background Check
- MBI Background Check
- Self-Paced trainings (steps 6-8 below)
There are two types of volunteers at Howard Brown Health:
- Non-Patient Support Volunteers (those volunteering at the Brown Elephant or at fundraising events, parades or festivals) are required to complete Steps 1 through 5. Note: If you have not completed all the onboarding requirements, you can still sign up to help with these events, but you must be registered or have completed a volunteer orientation.
- Patient Support Volunteers (those volunteering in our clinics, Broadway Youth Center, or at Outreach sites) are required to complete Steps 1 through 6.
Click here to submit your application.
All volunteers agree to follow Howard Brown Health’s Code of Conduct.
After signing up for an orientation, you will receive an email from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) (dcfs.cfs689backgroundcheck@illinois.gov) titled “Account Creation and Authorization Required for a DCFS Background Check, requested by Howard Brown Health.” Follow the steps to initiate your background check by the State of Illinois.
We are a federally qualified health center and require background screenings. Upon completion of the volunteer orientation, you will receive an email from MBI Worldwide Background Checks & Drug Screening (info@mbiworldwide.com) titled “Please complete your background check for Howard Brown Health Center” to initiate your background check. The link is only valid for 7 days and you will need to pass the background check to volunteer with us.
Note: Please be sure to utilize a browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when clicking on the link in their email. It is NOT RECOMMENDED that you use Internet Explorer, as this may prevent you from accessing the link.
Complete 3 Self-Paced Trainings and Upload Certificates for HIPAA, Bloodborne Pathogens and Mandated Reporter Training which you can access after you submit your application.
- HIPAA Training
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Mandated Reporter Training (Instructions)
To access trainings, visit: Sign In > MY PROFILE tab > click “Trainings”. After applying to the volunteer program, you will receive a welcome email with username and password for the HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens trainings.
To upload forms, visit: Sign In > MY PROFILE tab > click “Additional Info” section > under “Administration” section, click “Choose File” next to the form you want to upload.
Volunteer Resources: Handout | Application | Volunteer Opportunities | Flyer | Frequently Asked Questions | Group Volunteering
Existing Volunteer Resources: Volunteer Feedback | Using Better Impact | ID Card Request
Want to Join our Councils: Patient Advisory Council | Vernita Gray Council for Philanthropy
Corporate Volunteer Hour Match Program
Your employer may match your volunteer hours with charitable donations. Many companies will match an employee’s time volunteering, including volunteering at Howard Brown, with a financial gift – and the donations help us do important things!
This employer match must be initiated by the volunteer. Check with your employer to see if they have a volunteer hour matching program. If so, reach out to volunteer@howardbrown.org to start doubling your impact!
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the Volunteer Program, please contact Steven Solomon (he/him), Community Impact Officer, at stevens@howardbrown.org or by calling 872.269.3422.