Welcome
Since 2015, OUT Maine has been a national leader in providing engaging, informative trainings to professionals who interface with LGBTQ+ youth.
Our interactive trainings are inclusivity-focus and trauma-informed, and are offered by experienced, informed members of the LGBTQ+ community and are geared to anyone seeking professional development or continuing education opportunities and credits, as well as those looking for current best practices within the field of inclusivity and youth development.
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We train anyone who impacts the lives of queer and trans youth and works within the space of social and emotional learning (SEL). We are particularly expert at working with clinicians and social workers (LCSW); counselors, teachers and others in schools and other educational settings; summer camps; etc. OUT Maine's professional trainings can be taken for continuing education (CEU) credits, and printable certificates of completion are available after each module.
Once you've paid for access to a self-paced training, you retain access to it so that you may refer back to it as long and as many times as you like.
Please note: While our trainings are informed by our location in Maine, the materials are largely applicable to those in any state.
Available Training Packages
Building Welcoming and Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Youth: the Basics - $59
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This self-paced introductory training offers six interactive modules that provide the foundational knowledge to bolster cultural competency and create and foster welcoming, affirming and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. Addresses terminology, risk and protective factors, student rights, social and emotional learning, DEI, taking a trauma-informed approach and more. Can satisfy CEU. Informed by our Maine location but applicable to those in any state.
1Welcome
Learn about OUT Maine's work and model, as well as why supporting LGBTQ+ youth and creating welcoming and affirming communities is so important.
2The Importance of Language
Learn about the importance of language, terminology, name and pronoun usage, as well as strategies to communicate acceptance to LGBTQ+ youth.
3Risk and Protective Factors of LGBTQ+ Youth
Learn about the risk and protective factors for LGBTQ+ youth including how family support and/or rejection impacts this population and why the role of providers, educators and school staff is important.
4Healthy Adolescent Development and ACEs
Learn about the healthy development of an adolescent, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how this impacts youth.
5Best Practices for Inclusive Programming
Learn about the best practices and action steps for creating supportive and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth and staff.
6Strategies for Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Learn about the key strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth including the unique needs of transgender youth and how to respond if a youth discloses that they are LGBTQ+.
Building Welcoming and Inclusive Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth - $99
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This self-paced training includes the Building Welcoming and Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Youth: the Basics training described above plus two additional modules specially designed to equip high school, middle school and elementary school professionals with the resources to support LGBTQ+ youth in school and classroom environments. Can satisfy CEU. Informed by our Maine location but applicable to those in any state.
1Welcome
Learn about OUT Maine's work and model, as well as why supporting LGBTQ+ youth and creating welcoming and affirming communities is so important.
2The Importance of Language
Learn about the importance of language, terminology, name and pronoun usage, as well as strategies to communicate acceptance to LGBTQ+ youth.
3Risk and Protective Factors of LGBTQ+ Youth
Learn about the risk and protective factors for LGBTQ+ youth including how family support and/or rejection impacts this population and why the role of providers, educators and school staff is important.
4Healthy Adolescent Development and ACEs
Learn about the healthy development of an adolescent, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how this impacts youth.
5Best Practices for Inclusive Programming
Learn about the best practices and action steps for creating supportive and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth and staff.
6Strategies for Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Learn about the key strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth including the unique needs of transgender youth and how to respond if a youth discloses that they are LGBTQ+.
7LGBTQ+ Student Rights and Best Practice in Schools
Learn about the importance of inclusive school environments, supportive federal and state laws, and best practices for creating safe, welcoming and affirming spaces for all students, especially youth that identify as LGBTQ+.
8Creating Inclusive Classrooms and Curriculum
Learn about how the school environment, activities in the academic setting and behaviors of educators and peers affect a young person's feeling of safety and sense of belonging, especially for LGBTQ+ youth.
Working with LGBTQ+ Youth: Best Practices - $99
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This intermediate level self-paced training offers four interactive modules designed specifically for mental health professionals (inpatient and outpatient settings), social workers, school counselors, school nurses, case managers, summer camp staff, community centers and others who work with LGBTQ+ youth and their families. This course builds deeper understandings of the ethics, challenges, risks and protective factors for youth; explores negotiating youth-family dynamics; and provides further resources for working more effectively. For those who have completed the Basics training described above. Can satisfy CEU. Informed by our Maine location but applicable to those in any state.
Working with LGBTQ+ Youth and Families While Navigating Ethical Challenges
Learn how to build an affirming practice for LGBTQ+ youth and about resources to help remain engaged in the ongoing conversation about the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Identify where you are already comfortable in working with LGBTQ+ youth, and where you need more support and training.
Working with the Provider
Understand the impact of implicit bias, recognize personal implicit biases, recognize the difference between cultural competence and cultural humility, and know the steps to adopting a "not knowing" approach
Focusing on Youth
Name additional layers LGBTQ+ youth face during adolescence and identity development, understand the importance of an affirming mental health provider, explore strength-based approaches to treatment for LGBTQ+ youth, and understand the rights of LGBTQ+ students in Maine, and how to best advocate for clients in unsupportive school districts.
Working with Families
Understand the key components of, and be able to implement a strength-based model of working with families of LGBTQ+ youth, strategize a support plan for an LGBTQ+ youth when their family is not able to be supportive, and strategize a support plan for a family of an LGBTQ+ youth if their religious community is not supportive.
System Requirements
Since this online training program is web based, it can be used on any device that is capable of running a modern web browser and meet the following prerequisites:
Screen Resolution of At Least 1024 x 768
Broadband Internet Connection
(DSL, Cable, T1, etc)
JavaScript and Cookies Must be Enabled
Modern Web Browser
(Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari; on Windows, Mac, Android 4.4 and later and/or iOS 10 or later)
Help
Help with Training Audio
All trainings have audio so be sure to turn your speakers on. To control the volume, use the volume controls on your computer, speakers, or the volume control on the bottom left side of each slide.
Logging In
If you have forgotten your password, return to the home page and enter your email into the "Forgot password?" section. Instructions will be emailed to you.
Contact Us
If you experience technical difficulties or have trouble accessing your online trainings, please contact outmaine@mcd.org. All other questions and requests can be sent to education@outmaine.org.