Logo
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Volunteer News
  • Signup Here!
  • Training & Policies
  • Become a Leader!
  • The Team
Volunteer Shift Signup
Logo

Home

Start Here

Volunteer News

Training & Policies

Rules and Policies

The Team

Shift Signup

AutonomyProject.org

AP Volunteer Hub
AP Volunteer Hub
/
🏳️‍🌈
Join our 2025 Pride Special Events Team
🏳️‍🌈

Join our 2025 Pride Special Events Team

🏳️‍🌈

Pride is One of Our Biggest (and Most Fun) Events of the Year!

Yes, it’s about joy, glitter, and radical self-expression—but Pride is also one of our largest public events, and it takes a badass volunteer crew to bring it to life.

That’s where you come in.

To make a real impact for our LGBTQIA+ community in 2025, we’re building Special Events Volunteer Teams designed to match your vibe, your skills, and your hunger to create something meaningful and unforgettable.

💪 We need all hands on deck—and that means you. We need folks before, during, and after Pride. You can get involved behind the scenes or just for a few hours at the event. It’s totally up to you.

‣

What’s the vibe going to be like this year?

Radically inclusive. Queer as hell. Loud, loving, and sometimes a little chaotic—but always full of heart. We’ll have music, photobooth, merch, and folks in the streets because AP doesn’t do anything halfway. This is a year full of strong feelings in the face of political adversity, and we’re here to show our community the meaning of “Joy is Resistance.”

image
📣 AP GOES TO STONEWALL PRIDE IN COLUMBUS AGAIN! ✨ You bring your energy—we’ll bring the party.

FAQ

‣

Can I help before Pride, not just at the event?

Hell yes. We need planners, builders, glitter wranglers, and snack-reminder-senders. You'll join Slack and Notion and help make the magic happen behind the scenes if that’s your jam. We’ll also have setup days and build days for some of the photobooth backdrop projects.

‣

I’ve already completed a volunteer application. Do I still need to submit a Pride application?

Yup, but good news— the system now saves your previous answers so you don’t have to duplicate your work. This just ensures we get you into the right opportunity in our system.

‣

Can I volunteer only for Pride (June 13th and/or 14th), and not behind the scenes?

Yes, but you still need to attend the Pride orientation before you signup just to make sure you’re in the know. Typically the Pride shifts go quick because this is everyone’s favorite event to work.

‣

I’ve already attended a volunteer orientation, do I still need to do a Pride orientation?

Yes! This is so we can get you up to speed on the roles, what to expect, how things will work, safety plans, and all that jazz.

‣

What if I can’t make the orientation?

Orientation is required before you work a shift. If you miss one, don’t worry—we’ll have more. Sign up for the next one or email us if you’re in a crunch. You can request a zoom call with us here or email us at volunteer@autonomyproject.org

‣

Can I sign up with a friend or partner?

You bet! Just make sure you each have your own account and your own application.

‣

Is there a minimum age to volunteer?

Yes—18+.

‣

Do I need experience to volunteer?

Nope. We’ll train you. Just bring good energy, willingness to learn, and maybe a water bottle. Existing AP volunteers and new volunteers are welcome.

‣

Can I still join the Command Team after Pride?

Yes! If you loved helping and want to stick around, talk to us about longer-term roles and leadership opportunities. We grow from within.

‣

Do you do background checks on volunteers?

Yes, all volunteers and members receive a basic background check. We serve vulnerable communities—including trans folks, survivors, sex workers, and folks with trauma histories—so we do limited background checks where safety and legal compliance are required. If that feels intimidating, talk to us—we’re not here to judge, we’re here to protect. Everyone deserves a chance to do good.

‣

Do I have to out myself to volunteer?

No. You don’t have to share your gender, orientation, trauma history, or anything else to be a valued part of this team. You bring what you’re comfortable with—your presence is enough. We require your legal information for the background and age check, and then we don’t care after that. Your information is safe and sound here.

‣

What if I’m shy, introverted, or disabled?

We have roles for everyone—loud and proud, quiet and intentional, sitting or standing, on-site or remote. Tell us your access needs and we’ll make sure you feel supported and useful.

‣

How long are shifts? Can I do more than one?

Most shifts are 2–4 hours. You can do as many as you’re comfortable with (and we’ll love you forever if you take more than one). Just don’t overcommit—we want you happy, not fried.

‣

What safety protocols are in place during Pride?

We have team leads on-site, a staffed AP booth, emergency contacts, and a clear reporting structure. You’ll always know who to go to if something feels off. We believe safety is collective—not just individual responsibility.

How do I volunteer for the Pride Special Team?

1️⃣

Step 1

Get your accounts setup!

  • Sign up for a free account on AutonomyProject.org.
  • PS: We need to send you texts, remember to opt in!

Sign Up Here →

  • Then, join the AP Community Discord and take note of your Username. You’ll need it for the application!
  • Already in the Discord and have your AP account? Cool, move to step 2!

Join Our Discord →

2️⃣

Step 2

Put in the Pride Special Team application!

  • Hit the link below to get the application page. It’s new!
  • If you’ve filled out a volunteer app before, most of it will be pre-filled. Boom. Easy.
  • Yes, it’s the same form every time. Yes, we know you’ve done it before. That’s how our system keeps track—just roll with it.
  • We check apps every few days. No confirmation email—don’t panic.
  • Want to double-check? Log in and look for “Pride Special Team” under Volunteer Opportunities. If it’s there, you’re in.

Special Teams Application →

3️⃣

Step 3

Sign up for and attend one of the zoom orientations!

  • Pick a time and hop on a Zoom. It’s chill, quick, and gets you in the loop.
  • We’ll cover how the Pride Special Teams work, what help we need, and how we stay coordinated (Slack, Notion, etc.).
  • First-timer? Stick around at the end—we’ll do your general volunteer orientation too.
  • We’ve got roles for everybody: box lifters, art dreamers, spreadsheet nerds, glitter witches, and behind-the-scenes magic makers. We meet you where you’re at—access needs and abilities included.
  • After orientation, you’ll pick your team and we’ll set you up for a quick team huddle to kick things off.

Signup for Pride Team Orientation →

Save the Dates

image
🎗️

Virtual Pride Orientation Dates

  • Thursday May 8, 6-8 PM
  • Friday May 16, 6-8 PM
  • Saturday May 31, 12-2 PM
  • Saturday June 7, 12-2 PM

To sign up for an orientation, Click Here

Pride Team Meetings After Orientation

All are in person listed on the site.

  • Pride Team Check in May 8, 2025 6:00 PM
  • Backdrop art installation day, May 13th 5:30-8:30pm
  • Pride Mock Setup Day May 17th 2025 11AM-5PM
  • Backdrop installation day part 2, May 27th 5:30-8:30pm

Pre-Pride Setup Signups!

icon

Stonewall Columbus Pride Dates:

Anticipated Hours at Pride

(Split into shifts, don’t worry, you don’t need to work the whole day! We know Friday may be tricky for those working during the day.)

  • June 13, 2025 10AM- 11PM
  • June 14, 2025 9:00AM- 11PM

( Please note that volunteer hours are estimated and the full schedule will be given at orientation.)

LOST? CONFUSED? NEED TO TALK TO US?

We got you! You can schedule a zoom call or email us at volunteer@autonomyproject.org

Schedule a zoom call with the volunteer team →

Meet the Teams!

Team
What You'll Do
🎧 DJ / Sound Team
Help with audio setup, manage DJ flow, and hype the vibe.
🛍️ Merch Team
Sell merch, process donations, and keep things looking fly.
📢 Street Team
Talk to the people, pass out flyers, and bring new folks in.
📸 Photo Booth Team
Run the photo setup, manage props, and keep the lines flowing.
🛠️ Setup Team
Load-in, decorate, and build the space from the ground up.
📦 Tear Down Team
Break it down with grace—clean, pack, and reset the space.

Special Pride Team Application →

image
Pride isn’t just a celebration—it’s a refusal.

A refusal to shrink.

A refusal to disappear.

A refusal to let the world define our worth, our love, or our lives.

Joy is Resistance because for so many of us—queer folks, trans folks, sex workers, survivors, neurodivergent creatives—joy was never guaranteed. We had to fight for it. We still have to fight for it.

So when we dance in the streets, throw on sequins, kiss our lovers, and laugh too loud at a glitter-covered booth—we’re taking up space in a world that told us not to exist.

Every moment of joy at Pride is a middle finger to shame, to silence, and to systems that want us invisible.

We don’t show up at Pride just to be seen.

We show up to thrive—together.

LOST? CONFUSED? NEED TO TALK TO US?

If you need a one-on-one or group call to get clarity or help, we got you! You can schedule a zoom call or email us at volunteer@autonomyproject.org

Click Special Teams, if you are contacting us about Pride.

Schedule a zoom call with the volunteer team →

‣

What’s the Difference Between a Special Events Volunteer and a Regular Volunteer?

👀

So, What Is a Pride Special Events Volunteer?

  • You’re the reason Pride doesn’t just happen—it thrives. As a Special Events Volunteer, you’ll help power the most joyful, inclusive, and affirming spaces we create all year.
  • From setup to strike, crowd engagement to behind-the-scenes magic, there’s a role for you here. And we’ll make sure you feel welcomed, trained, and supported the whole way through.
  • You help behind the scenes with tasks you feel excited to assist with.
🔥

Pssst.. if you’ve got a question, let us know: volunteer@autonomyproject.org

🎉 Special Events Volunteers (aka You for Pride)

  • You’re joining us just for Pride 2025 (for now!)
  • You’ll pick a role on a Pride-specific team (see above!)
  • You commit to one or more shifts during Pride weekend and/or time leading up to Pride
  • You’ll attend one orientation, meet your team, and get started fast
  • You can always grow into more roles later if you love it (and we think you will)

🔁 Regular Volunteers

  • You volunteer year-round at all kinds of events
  • You’re eligible for core roles like Merch, Check-In, Consent Crew, etc.
  • You receive ongoing updates, training, and perks as you rack up hours
  • You’re the backbone of everything we do

✨ TL;DR:

Special = short-term for Pride right now

Regular = ala carte volunteering per event

Both are amazing. You choose your path.

Not sure about Pride and just want to Become a Regular Volunteer at AP? Follow the Steps Below!

Here’s your next steps! If you’ve already completed some of the steps, keep on going. It’s an easy as 1-2-3.

1️⃣

Step 1: Put in an Application

You kick this whole thing off by filling out the Volunteer Application here! You can also find this inside your AutonomyProject.org dashboard under “Volunteer Opportunities”

Learn more →

Apply Here!

2️⃣

Step 2: Attend Volunteer Orientation

Once you’ve been approved, it’s time to get you onboarded. Head over to our Signup Portal to register for the next in-person orientation!

Learn more →

Register for Orientation

3️⃣

Step 3: Sign up for shifts!

Completed orientation? Awesome. It’s time for you to sign up for shifts. There’s lots of different opportunities at the Signup Portal.

Learn more →

Shift Signup!