Hey, Y’all.
As I am nearing the one-year mark on the staff of Charlotte Pride, I can’t help but look back on all that our community has been through this year. From the lows of devastating legislation that attempt to censor the existence of the LGBTQ community out of public spaces and deny young people the right to safe and affirming healthcare to the highs of celebrating Pride around the region and hosting a record-setting parade in Charlotte, I stand in awe of the resiliency of our community. No matter what we go through, we have each other and the Charlotte Pride family is a shining example of that.
With only two full-time staff, it’s impossible to accomplish all our organization does without the incredible group of volunteers that help make up our Charlotte Pride family. They sacrifice hours of time and energy to make our year-round events come to life and I’m so grateful for them. Even during the most stressful moment, when I’m with our volunteers, I become grounded and reminded of why we do what we do. The Pride Movement was founded on the concept of liberation, which would never be possible without community, and I am so glad to be in community with the most incredible people.
As we begin the transition from one year to the next, I would like to invite everyone, including our allies, to consider joining the Charlotte Pride volunteer team. This can be your first volunteer experience ever or you can have worked with a variety of organizations for years – it’s truly open to everyone! But don’t take my word for it, hear directly from a few of our volunteers:
I became a volunteer with Charlotte Pride after attending my first Pride festival. I felt for the first time that I had found a place where I was valued, and I want anyone else who needs that safe space to find it at Pride. My favorite thing about volunteering with Charlotte Pride is the comradery with others who share my goal of providing inclusive programming for the entirety of our community. Seeing the smiling faces of festival goers enjoying themselves, being their authentic selves, and the reward of knowing that I am a part of something that continues to thrive and grow despite the overwhelming pushback from those who don’t understand us is the reason I do this work. I encourage people to volunteer with Charlotte Pride because it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have and because we need everyone in order to do the work of uplifting our community and bringing visibility to the struggle for equality.
~ Anthony (they/them)
I became a volunteer because it seemed like a perfect way to feel like a greater part of the Charlotte LGBTQIA+ community. I love the sense of the community that I’ve found, all of the new friends that I’ve made, and learning how Charlotte Pride is active all throughout the year, not just during the festival and parade weekend. It really is life changing! I appreciate all the people I met and all of the fun I’ve had hanging out with other queer folx. If you’re looking for a welcoming, inclusive, positive space where you can really make a difference, this is the opportunity for you!
~ Frankie (she/her)
Interested in learning more? Visit charlottepride.org to learn more about the specific volunteer opportunities available and apply to join our team.