My name is August Stone, an incoming junior Environmental Ethics and Policy major here at University of Portland. This summer I have interning with the non-profit Genderbands that is based in Orem, UT.
Genderbands is an international non-profit that focuses on providing life-saving care and resources for transgender and gender non-conforming people all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their entire mission is helping transgender people pay for transition related costs and to provide guidance and care. This is done through transition grants, a free binder program, and community support systems such as name change clinics and UT Trans Pride.
My job this summer has been a couple different things. I have been doing a lot of behind the scenes work within the non-profit to train volunteers, organize grants, and provide information. One of my larger roles, however, is as a volunteer and event coordinator. As a trans person with leadership experience I have a unique ability to work with others and communicate issues. This has led me to tabling at 5+ pride events in UT and helping spread information about Genderbands and our resources.
With the support and help of the founder and executive director, Ian Giles, and their executive assistant Cozy Gordillo, I have learned a lot about what makes a non-profit successful. Ian has worked closely with me on how to spread information, communicate effectively with volunteers and other orgs, and the importance of being passionate about what you do.
I am very grateful for the time I am getting to spend with Genderbands this summer and for the life long experiences that it has provided me. I can’t wait to spend another month working so closely with these amazing people to help further a cause that I really care about.