What is the Youth Advisory Board?
OUT Maine’s Youth Advsiory Board is a group of young LGBTQIA2S+ folks (high school through age 22) who are interested in leadership and advocacy work and want to make a tangible impact on Maine’s young queer and trans communities. YAB has input on certain OUT Maine programs, workshops, trainings, events, and materials, and also works on its own chosen projects to suit individual members’ goals.
YAB members commit to a year of weekly virtual meetings with OUT Maine staff in pursuit of their goals and projects. These are stipend-earning positions, so any work completed for/with the board is work that can be translated into valid work experience for future resumes and more.
Application
Applications for new and returning board members typically open up at the end of each calendar year. Check back here for updates.
2026’s Youth Advisory Board applications are currently closed.
Previous Youth Advisory Board Projects
Past YAB members have undertaken a variety of projects, and there’s no limit to what you can accomplish together or individually.
In summer 2025, Youth Advisory Board planned and facilitated an OUT in the Park event in York. This was an outdoor social gathering for youth in the area to meet new friends and go on an accessible hike together.
Youth Advisory Board also typically leads a workshop at OUT Maine’s biggest youth retreat of the year, Rainbow Ball Weekend. Topics have ranged from self care, to anti-bullying, and more.
YAB members are also encouraged to create social media content and blog posts that OUT Maine will share to the organization’s relevant profiles. In the past, folks have done posts for Transgender Day of Remembrance, National Coming Out Day, LGBTQ+ History Month, and more. Many downloadable materials on OUT Maine’s webstore were also created with the Youth Advisory Board’s input, such as the Terminology Guide.