Become a POSSIBILITIES Advocate
2026
POSSIBILITIES Advocates are LGBTQIA+ teens helping other LGBTQIA+ youth feel seen, supported, and connected through creative, peer led sessions in school GSAs across St. Louis County.
Check back for 2027 information!
Create change. Build community. Get paid to lead with creativity.
About Proud Art STL
Proud Art STL is an organization founded to increase connectivity among LGBTQIA+ teenagers in the St. Louis area.
We believe art is a powerful tool for community building and personal expression.
In collaboration with local St. Louis creatives, we host pay what you want, art based workshops for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies.
POSSIBILITIES for Queer Youth expands this work into school based spaces.
What Is POSSIBILITIES for Queer Youth?
POSSIBILITIES for Queer Youth is a new initiative that brings the spirit of Proud Art STL community workshops into St. Louis County school GSA clubs.
Through peer led POSSIBILITIES sessions, Advocates work directly with students in schools to create spaces that support identity affirmation, creativity, and meaningful connection.
Sessions are designed and facilitated by Advocates and reflect their lived experiences, ideas, and skills.
What Does a POSSIBILITIES Session Look Like?
Each POSSIBILITIES session is typically one hour long and includes:
- An opening icebreaker or warm up activity
- A creative activity led by Advocates
- A reflective group discussion
Advocates are encouraged to bring their own ideas, artistic skills, and interests into session planning while working collaboratively with their small group and the Program Coordinator.
As a POSSIBILITIES Advocate, you will:
- Co create and lead POSSIBILITIES sessions with Advocates
- Lead two in school GSA visits in St. Louis County
- Attend scheduled Advocate and Coordinator meetings
- Fully participate in required training and practice
- Help with icebreakers at monthly Proud Art STL workshops
Optional Personal Development Project
Advocates may choose to work on a personal development project with support from the Program Coordinator. This could include areas like marketing, peer mediation, disability advocacy, or other skills you want to deepen.
Training and Preparation
All Advocates receive paid training before leading school sessions. Training includes topics such as:
- Peer support and group facilitation skills
- Mental health first aid basics
- Conflict resolution skills
- Cultural humility and inclusive awareness
After training, Advocates will participate in mock sessions to practice facilitation skills before entering schools.
Background checks will be completed for Advocates who are 18 years or older prior to school sessions.
Time Commitment & Structure
- Groups plan and lead sessions with Program Coordinator help
- Proud Art STL will partner with four St Louis County schools
- At least two POSSIBILITIES sessions per school this semester
- We plan to hire sixteen POSSIBILITIES Advocates for schools
- Advocates assigned to one school in small groups of four all
Pay & Additional Opportunities
- Advocates are paid $20 per hour
- Advocates can expect to earn between $400 and $600 during the Spring 2026 pilot semester
In addition to POSSIBILITIES sessions, Advocates may gain additional paid hours through PASTL community workshops or approved personal development projects.
Program Duration & Future Opportunities
This initiative is funded through December 2027 by the Children Service Fund Grassroots Funding Opportunity.
While we are currently hiring for the Spring 2026 pilot semester, there will be opportunities to continue as a POSSIBILITIES Advocate during:
- Fall 2026
- Spring 2027
- Fall 2027
- Summer sessions
PASTL is actively seeking additional funding to continue this project beyond the current funding period.
Who We Are Looking For
- Socially conscious youth who show up authentically
- Creative, flexible leaders with a growth mindset
- LGBTQIA+ teens between ages 16 and 19
- Teens with reliable transportation to their school
Guardian consent is required for this position. Signed consent forms must be submitted with signed offer letters for those selected.
Hiring Timeline
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis through February 13th.
- Plan to have a 30-minute interview within 5 days of applying.
- Applicants will receive an offer or update within a week of their interview.
- Signed offers and guardian consents due by Wednesday February 18th.
Important Dates
Please make sure you are available for all required dates:
- Training Weekend: February 21st and 22nd, from 11am to 4pm
- Mock Sessions Workshop: March 6th, from 6pm to 8pm
Donate Today
Your donation makes a direct impact. Every dollar helps us provide artistic supplies, rent safe workshop spaces, and cover essential costs like insurance — so we can keep growing this community.
Proud Art STL is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3).