As Atlanta gears up for its grand annual celebration of love and identity, the city's Pride festival organizers are calling for community support. In a nod to its significance, Atlanta Pride, which ranks as the oldest non-profit agency serving Georgia's LGBTQ community, is seeking an army of volunteers to ensure the October event is a roaring success, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Notably, this cultural extravaganza is set to paint Piedmont Park with hues of diversity and acceptance on October 12 and 13. Touting no admission fee, event organizers estimate a turnout surpassing last year's 350,000 attendees. Steven Igarashi-Ball, one of the organizers, has put out a call for at least 400 volunteers to tackle the behemoth task of managing the event, which is as much a celebration as a political statement in this election year. “It's an election year, and people are going to want to come out and have their voices heard," Igarashi-Ball told 11Alive.
Prospective volunteers can find more details and sign up to be a part of the festival at atlantapride.org. The call for volunteers encompasses all ages and backgrounds, but those under 16 are required to be accompanied by an adult. Igarashi-Ball emphasizes the inclusiveness of the event, stating, “We have volunteer positions that are available for all walks of life and all ages," as reported by 11Alive. This sentiment echoes Atlanta Pride's mission, to promote unity, visibility, and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons, and to also promote a positive image in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeastern United States through community activities and services.
A recent event marked the halfway point to the Pride kick-off and served as a volunteer recruitment drive. Volunteers play a crucial role in the festival's success. With higher stakes in an election year, organizers expect a bigger crowd, setting the stage for a historic mix of celebration and activism in Georgia.
