The 519 Community Centre: Trans ID Clinic (2 positions)

Area of Law: Administrative Law -- Human Rights Law 

The 519 is committed to health, happiness, and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. A city of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, they strive to make a real difference in people's lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect. To learn more about the 519, check out their website here: https://www.the519.org/

The Trans ID Clinic provides free legal information, form-filling services and referrals in a learning space that strives to be trans-positive, non-judgmental, anti-oppressive and inclusive. PBSC law student volunteers and lawyer supervisors work collaboratively to assist trans and gender diver individuals with obtaining new pieces of identification.

Students will meet with clients virtually (Teams or Zoom). There is also the opportunity for students to meet with clients at the 519. During the meeting, they will assist clients to fill in name change and gender marker applications. Students are not permitted to give out their personal contact information to clinic clients. Student volunteers will be expected to meet with the partner organization three times per semester to provide and update and seek guidance as needed. Student volunteers should take the initiative to schedule pre-determined meeting times with the partner organization contact at the outset of their placement. 

Time Commitment

Students are expected to volunteer up to 5 hours per week. Student volunteers will be expected to volunteer remotely on a schedule as agreed upon with the partner organization. Specifically, student volunteers will be expected to arrange meeting times with the clients and ensure they arrive promptly at the arranged meeting times. 

Required Training

In addition to the PBSC mandatory training, students will be expected to attend specialized training conducted by the 519 prior to commencing this placement. The 519 training will cover the following elements: (1) The 519 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training, (2) Trans 101 Training, (3) Trauma Informed Advocacy training. The 519 training date will be during the first or second week of October. This training is mandatory. Additional training and support will be provided on an as-needed basis, and at the discretion of the Partner Organization.

Number of Students and Prerequisites

  • How many students? 
    • Two students (students may be working with students from Osgoode Hall Law School and Lincoln Alexander School of Law)
  • Can first year law students volunteer? 
    • First year students are encouraged to apply!
  • Should you be bilingual?
    •  No, however additional languages are an asset. 
  • Any other expectations for this project? 
    • First year law students may apply, however the following courses would be considered an asset: administrative law, human rights law, poverty law, clinical placement experience, commitment to volunteering for 2 years with the project 
    • Given the background of clients being served, the 519 welcomes applications from trans and gender diverse, Black or POC students. Volunteers selected must demonstrate ongoing and meaningful allyship with the Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary and non-gender conforming and gender diverse communities. Volunteers must have strong organizational and time management skills, strong attention to detail, record-keeping and communication with supervisor skills, and experience with client relations or communications. Assets include: personal or professional experience working with Two-Spirit, Trans, non-binary, and non gender conforming communities; front-line/clinical experience; social work background; and a strong sense of anti-oppression principles.