Call for Volunteers

Newark-Essex Pride Committee
Volunteer Position Listing (by committee)

Arts Committee

Arts Program Assistants: Volunteering can be done on a one-time basis, over a period of a few days, or as an ongoing occurrence. Some duties can be completed by way of the internet. Assist in the maintenance of email, written and telephone correspondence with LGBTIQ organizations.

Skills Needed

Multi-tasking and time management
Basic Microsoft Office
Basic internet

Entertainment Committee Volunteers

Chair Assistant: Volunteering can be done on a one-time basis, over a period of a few days, or as an ongoing occurrence. Some duties can be completed by way of the internet. Assist in the preparation of contact lists for national acts and/or speakers. Assist in the preparation and dissemination of applications to national, local, and/or small acts.

Skills Needed

Multi-tasking and time management
Basic Microsoft Office
Basic internet

Entertainment Volunteers: This position involves working with the Entertainment Chair to assure the proper arrival of performers to events. Entertainment volunteers work closely with performers to assure that the performers are ready when needed, that they are aware of their timeline, and that any potential delays are avoided. Responsibilities may include contacting artists, driving to their hotels, accompanying talent to the performance site, troubleshooting any last-minute setbacks to the timeline, and keeping the Entertainment Chair apprised of any potential obstacles to fulfillment of the strict performance schedule, among other activities.

Skills Needed

Levelheadedness in fast-paced situations
Punctuality
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to follow directions
Ability to work calmly and professionally with big-name talent

Festival Chair

Chair Assistant: Volunteering can be done on a one-time basis, over a period of a few days, or as an ongoing occurrence. Some duties can be completed by way of the internet. Assist in the preparation, mailing and processing of paperwork and applications. Assist in the preparation and confirmation of letters. Assist in the maintenance of the festival database and responding to participant questions.

Skills Needed

Multi-tasking and time management
Basic Microsoft Office
Basic internet

Vendor Relations: Our vendor relations team works with hundreds of vendors who participate in the Pride Week 2008 events. Vendor Relations volunteers will be trained to answer vendor questions and troubleshoot issues that come up the day of the event. Volunteers will patrol the events and indentify vendors who have not purchased a license to participate and are operating illegally. These volunteers will work with their teammates, security and police officers to remove unlicensed vendors.

Skills Needed

Expert troubleshooting skills
Ability to walk around the event site occasionally

Logistics Committee

Logistics Volunteers: Volunteering can be done on a one-time basis, over a period of a few days, or as an ongoing occurrence. Some duties can be completed by way of the internet. Assist with the coordination of all sound requirements. Work closely with Logistics Chair to ensure all permits, equipment rentals and other event needs are secured.

Skills Needed

Multi-tasking and time management
Basic Microsoft Office
Basic internet

Security Volunteers: Their duties are to maintain the peace at ALL TIMES during their shift. They are expected to handle potential conflicts in a peaceful and assertive manner. If such action is taken and the situation worsens, it is their job to bring the police onto the scene.

Skills Needed

Levelheadedness in fast-paced situations
Punctuality
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to follow directions
Ability to work calmly and professionally

Media/Public Relations Committee

Media/Public Relations Volunteers: Volunteering can be done on a one-time basis, over a period of a few days, or as an ongoing occurrence. Some duties can be completed by way of the internet. Assist in the production and dissemination of all marketing materials and NEPC paraphernalia. Assist in the maintenance of the website, producing updates, newsflashes, or any other pertinent information.

Skills Needed

Multi-tasking and time management
Basic Microsoft Office
Basic internet
Basic layout program
Preferred: Web site production software

Volunteer Committee

Volunteer Program Assistants: This position provides direct assistance to the Volunteer Chair in the accomplishment of various miscellaneous tasks associated with the proper registry and assignment of volunteers during Pride Week 2008 events or before the events. Responsibilities include assembling volunteer gift bags, ensuring volunteer refreshments are available, signing in volunteers, directing and escorting volunteers to their appropriate locations, and other tasks as assigned. Flexibility is important as there are times when volunteers assisting with registration may be asked to contribute their time to other areas that might need more help.

Skills Needed

Willingness to work in other areas as needed
Ability to work professionally and kindly with our volunteers
Multi-tasking and time management

Set Up Crew: This crew will be in charge of getting everything ready for our event. This will include marking vendor spots, locking/unlocking porta-potties, placing trash/recycle bins in logical places, and assisting in the set-up of events.

Skills Needed

Any and all

Clean Up Crew: While we plan to encourage people to clean up after themselves, we want to ensure that our event spaces are returned to a near pristine state prior to our departure. The Clean-Up Crew will spring into action near the end of the event and work until this state is achieved. This will include picking up and dealing with trash, helping dismantle equipment, stacking chairs, and potentially assisting vendors dismantle their booths.

Skills Needed

Any and all