Be the Change: Celebrate Volunteer Month with Affirmation
April is National Volunteer Month, and at Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends, we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who help make our community vibrant, resilient, and inclusive. From local gatherings to global leadership, volunteers are the driving force behind Affirmation’s existence.
The Paul Mortensen Award recipients, our highest recognition for extraordinary volunteer service, especially inspire us. People like:
- Nathan Kitchen (2024) – As a former President of Affirmation International and author of The Boughs of Love: Navigating the Queer Latter-day Saint Experience During an Ongoing Restoration, Nathan has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering guidance and fostering inclusive dialogues within the community.
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Laurie Lee Hall (2023) – The first transgender recipient of the award, Laurie’s life has been a testament to authenticity, resilience, and courageous leadership. After serving as a high-ranking Church architect and holding ecclesiastical roles, she transitioned and faced deep personal loss. Yet she became a guiding voice in Affirmation, authored Dictates of Conscience: From Mormon High Priest to My New Life as a Woman, and now helps shape safer, more inclusive communities for transgender and queer Latter-day Saints. Laurie served as Senior Vice President of Affirmation International.
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Francisco Ruiz (2022) – A deeply committed leader in Latin America and Spain, Francisco has served as Senior Vice President of Affirmation International, on Affirmation’s International Board of Directors, and as Vice President of Affirmation Mexico. He’s trained over 200 people in LGBTQ-focused suicide prevention and helped build communities grounded in safety, support, and love.
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Cristina Moraes (2020) – Cristina led Affirmation Brazil for four years, playing a pivotal role in establishing the organization’s presence in the region. Following her leadership in Brazil, she went on to serve as a member of Affirmation’s International Board of Directors, dedicating thousands of hours to organizing conferences, meetings, and events that supported and uplifted hundreds of LGBTQ+ Mormons.
Their stories show us that volunteering isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, loving loudly, and creating safer spaces.
Want to get involved? We’re currently recruiting!
- International Conference Committee Members
- Chapter Leaders in:
- Latin America, Brazil
North America, U.S., Los Angeles Area
North America, U.S., Arizona Area
North America, U.S., California Bay Area
North America, U.S., Ohio Area
North America, U.S., Western Idaho
- Latin America, Brazil
- Board Members
- Board Secretary
- Executive Committee Secretary
- Committee Members for the following areas:
- Finance/Development
- Governance
- Human Resources
- Affinity Groups / Belonging Spaces
- Committee Members to represent the following geographical areas:
- Latin America
- U.S. and Canada
- Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania
- Operations Team (Volunteer):
- Operations & Strategy Lead
- Operations & Administration Coordinator
- Finance & Fundraising Coordinator
- Events & Program Coordinator
- Engagement & Volunteer Support Lead
- Communications & PR Coordinator
- Technology & Digital Content Coordinator
- Strategic Planning & Accountability Lead
Volunteering is a chance to gain leadership experience, build community, and leave a legacy of love. Join us and bring your passion to life.
“Affirmation has been a place where I can give back and find healing at the same time. Volunteering helped me find my voice—and use it to lift others.”
— Fred8, Board Member, via GreatNonprofits.org