Call for Applications: Transitioning in Canada Resource Guide Volunteer

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is an international human rights organization that creates pathways to safety for at-risk LGBTQI+ people and strengthens policies and systems that support their protection and integration. Since our founding in 2006, we have supported over 53,000 individuals and families, and have become a global leader in advancing LGBTQI+ rights. We are one of the few organizations that work as direct service providers, advocates, thought leaders, and movement strategists to address global queer forced displacement. Our mission is guided by a commitment to becoming a refugee-led organization that centres the experiences, leadership, and authority of LGBTQI+ refugees.

Rainbow Railroad is a registered charity in Canada and a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization with offices in Toronto and New York.

THE VOLUNTEER TEAM

Integrated Support volunteers contribute practical, community-based assistance within clearly defined roles and under staff direction.

THE VOLUNTEER ROLE

Rainbow Railroad is seeking a thoughtful and detail-oriented volunteer to help develop a Transitioning in Canada Resource Guide for trans and non-binary refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers.

The volunteer will research, organize, and draft accessible information about gender affirmation and transitioning in Canada. The guide should help readers understand available options and identify reliable places to seek further support without assuming that everyone’s transition, identity, needs, or goals are the same.

Ilena or another designated Integrated Support staff member will establish the intended audience, geographic scope, priority topics, format, and review process. Volunteer Coordination will manage recruitment, onboarding, volunteer agreements, organizational training, records, and the overall placement experience.

This is an information-development role. It does not include giving legal or medical advice, interpreting individual eligibility, recommending specific treatment, or making decisions for readers.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES

The volunteer may assist with:

• Researching gender-affirming healthcare pathways and credible sources of medical information
• Researching processes related to names, identity documents, and gender markers
• Identifying trans-affirming settlement, legal, healthcare, mental-health, employment, housing, education, and community resources
• Identifying where processes, eligibility requirements, or available services differ by province or territory
• Recording costs, wait-list information, referral requirements, accessibility details, languages, and service areas where this information is publicly available
• Using clear, affirming, and accessible language
• Recording a source and verification date for each section or resource
• Identifying information that requires review by legal, medical, policy, or program staff
• Reviewing the draft for broken links, outdated information, assumptions, and gaps
• Incorporating feedback and preparing the guide for final staff approval

DEFINITION OF DONE

The project will be complete when:

• The staff-approved topics and geographic scope have been addressed
• Provincial or territorial differences are clearly identified where relevant
• Sources and verification dates are recorded
• Information requiring professional confirmation is flagged
• The guide has been reviewed for clear, affirming, and accessible language
• The final draft has been reviewed and accepted by the staff supervisor

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Approach the work with respect for different trans and non-binary identities, experiences, and transition choices
• Avoid treating medical or legal transition as necessary for validating a person’s identity
• Use approved sources, systems, and templates
• Protect any sensitive internal or personal information
• Seek approval before contacting organizations on behalf of Rainbow Railroad
• Clearly distinguish general information from individualized advice
• Participate in check-ins and communicate research gaps or concerns early

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Personal Skills

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong research, writing, and information-organization skills
• Familiarity with trans and non-binary communities and affirming terminology
• Knowledge of Canadian healthcare, settlement, legal, or community-service systems
• The ability to assess sources and explain complex information clearly
• Strong attention to detail
• Respect for the agency, dignity, and varied experiences of trans and non-binary people
• Sensitivity to the barriers faced by trans and non-binary refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers

Relevant lived experience and Canadian or international professional, academic, community-based, research, or volunteer experience are valued.

Requirements

• High-functioning critical thinking, problem-solving and system evaluation skills
• Superb attention to detail and a sound, logical approach to managing tasks and projects.
• Ability to troubleshoot systems issues and independently identify and test new processes
• Ability to work effectively and exercise good judgment
• Strong team player who is customer-service oriented and also able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Able to handle and prioritize multiple requests concurrently, develop individual timelines and meet deadlines
• Sensitivity to LGBTQI+ issues and enthusiasm for Rainbow Railroad’s mission and vision
• Minimum Commitment of 6-12 months
  • 1 afternoon a week in our Toronto office for a total of 4-6 hours a week commitment

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

In return for your input as a Volunteer, you will benefit from the chance to join an international team of staff and volunteers delivering a key piece of Rainbow Railroad's Strategy:

• By volunteering, you will develop new skills and expand your network, gaining experience that benefits your personal and professional growth.
• We will set checkpoints and measures to support your success, and we will provide tools, resources, training, and opportunities for personal development.
• Upon request, we can offer you professional recognition such as a reference/quote on your CV/LinkedIn profile, and last but not least, by volunteering with us you won’t fail to boost your Feel Good Factor by providing crucial support in our effort to bring more LGBTQ+ displaced folks to safety.

Locations: Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois

Application Deadline – Nov 10, 2026

Length of role – Minimum Commitment is 6-12 Months

Please note that we will be accepting resumes on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Rainbow Railroad is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and lived experience, particularly those of forcibly displaced queer and Trans refugees and asylum seekers.

You may request accommodations due to disability at any stage of the recruitment process.

For inquiries related to these volunteer opportunities, please contact ndavis@rainbowrailroad.org