Volunteer
Become a Garden State Equality volunteer today!
Thank you for taking the first step toward joining our incredible volunteer team!
Volunteers are the backbone of Garden State Equality, enabling us to make a meaningful impact on LGBTQ+ communities across New Jersey. With the diverse needs of our state, we offer a variety of ways for you to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, event planning, or offering specialized skills, we have a place for you in our statewide efforts.
While some of the issues we work on impact the whole state, other priorities are localized to particular regions. There are many different ways to be involved in our work as a volunteer!
For 35 years, I was too afraid to come out as transgender. Meanwhile, the younger generation of trans kids were brave enough to come out. They showed me that I had nothing to be afraid of, and that the world was changing and becoming more accepting. I quite literally owe it to the younger generation of trans kids for giving me the courage to come out and be authentic. I owe it to them to fight for their rights because I would not be here without their bravery.
— Volunteer
Please note: You must be at least 18 years old to be a Garden State Equality volunteer. If you are currently under 18, please consider getting involved with our youth programming!
Ways to Volunteer
Annual Events
Be part of the action at our events! Volunteers assist with registration, coat check, raffles, and more. Every task ensures our events run seamlessly and leave a lasting impression.
Equality Ball (June)
The Equality Ball is Garden State Equality’s largest annual fundraising gala. We come together to celebrate past progress and future work. Our volunteers are vital to its operation! Some volunteer roles include working check-in and ushering guests.
Pride (June)
Want to participate in Pride? Our volunteers help distribute T-shirts at our headquarters in Asbury Park, table at Pride events throughout the state, walk with us in Pride Parades, and pass out Garden State Equality Pride swag.
Equality in Motion (October)
Equality in Motion is a joint statewide fundraiser that is designed to host inclusive and accessible events statewide. We need volunteers from all over the state to participate. Volunteers help with tent setup and breakdown, check-in, and T-shirt distribution.
Rooted in Equality (April)
Rooted in Equality is an annual major two-day conference that focuses on discussion and workshops for repairing trust, building systems to protect LGBTQ+ communities. Volunteers participate in ushering participants through the conference venue, assigned room assistance, replenish food and water for table attendees, help with set-up through decorating and assembling the venue space.
Blood Drives
In partnership with the American Red Cross, Garden State Equality hosts blood drives, destigmatizing the relationship between queer communities and blood donations. Volunteers help facilitate check-in, set-up, usher participants, and break down.
Mutual Aid Initiatives
Our mutual aid initiatives, like clothing and food drives, are a chance to give back to the larger community. Target populations include immigrants, unhoused individuals, and trans and gender-diverse people. During these efforts, volunteers help check expiration dates on goods, distribute goods, and deliver donations.
Expungement Clinics
In partnership with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, we provide equitable legal services for record expungement. Volunteers help with table set-up, ushering people—lawyers and clients—into the space, and break down.
Postcard Writing
Our postcard writing is a volunteer-led event that involves creating heartfelt letters addressed to incarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as individuals who are in immigrant detention facilities, to provide emotional support and lift their spirits.
Headquarters Support
Are you passionate about a specific issue? Ongoing program support allows you to lend your expertise or enthusiasm to one of our departments. Keep an eye on our social media, email newsletters, and this page for specific calls for volunteers.
Remote Opportunities
Can't make it to events or our headquarters? We still have volunteer opportunities for you! Much of our work can be done virtually.
Affirming Healthcare Map Screening
Our Affirming Healthcare Map allows users to find healthcare providers that provide LGBTQ+ affirming care. Volunteers help us screen healthcare providers who need to be added to the directory.
Translation of Resource Materials
Opportunities include tasks like translating health equity materials into Spanish or supporting outreach campaigns.
Volunteer FAQ
It was my first community event ever! it was the most meaningful thing, outside of my private life, that I have ever experienced! It was organized, informative, and fun! I wanted to participate because I am fed up with all inequality and this gave me an outlet to express my frustration! Thank you for all you do!
— Rally Participant
What kind of volunteer opportunities are there?
Potential roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to: T-shirt distribution, registration, setup and breakdown, ushering, greeting, timekeeping for speakers, food table monitoring, raffles and giveaways, and assembling thank you bags.
Is there training for volunteers?
Yes! At Garden State Equality, we strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including youth, families, seniors, people with disabilities, BIPOC individuals, and other vulnerable communities. Most opportunities only require attending a volunteer orientation!
However, depending on the opportunity, volunteering may require:
- An interview or application process
- Additional training or certification
- A time commitment for certain roles
We encourage all volunteers to attend an orientation to learn about the organization, explore different opportunities, and determine the best fit for your interests, skills, and availability.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
You need to be 18 years old or older to volunteer. If you’d like to get involved and are under the age of 18, see our Education and Youth Development programs!
What should I wear when volunteering?
At all times we want our volunteers to feel comfortable. This will look different from conferences to community programming to tabling with us for Pride. As long as what you wear doesn’t inhibit your ability to complete volunteer tasks or put others down, you’re set! That being said, you are always welcome to wear a Garden State Equality T-shirt.
What time should I arrive?
All volunteers receive email confirmation of their sign up along with additional shift information including specific dress codes, shift start and end, and location and parking details. Times may be subject to change, but all volunteers will be notified of adjustments.