Dear community,
This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, a time to recognize something truly special: the people who show up, step in, and make community possible.
At San Diego Pride, volunteers are more than helpers—they are leaders, connectors, and changemakers. The impact they have reaches far beyond any single event or moment. It lives in the spaces they help create, the people they uplift, and the sense of belonging they make real for so many.
We’re proud to share reflections from our staff who see that impact every day:
“Our Volunteers are the true backbone of the integral work we do to create a better world for the queer community.” – Shay
“The volunteers here at San Diego Pride forge a close, distinctive community that not only supports the organization but also drives its positive influence on many fronts. Frankly, without them we wouldn’t exist. Y’all are the lifeline of this organization, and we’re endlessly grateful.” – Manny
“To our volunteers – Our Pride legacy was built by volunteers and continues to stand tall because of our volunteers. Thank you so much for being a part of this movement!” – Lo
“I have so much appreciation for our San Diego Pride volunteers who are always ready to jump in and help where needed. Pride simply could not happen without their unwavering support and willingness to pitch in, no matter the task. Thank you, volunteers!” – Alaina
“There is no better time than now to show up for one another—true community is built through acts of service, and each of us has a role to play in lifting others here at San Diego Pride.” – Gardenia
These words reflect what we see year-round: volunteers showing up for each other, for this community, and for a shared vision of a more inclusive, joyful, and just world. Have a message of gratitude for a volunteer or a story about what this community means to you? We’d love to hear it.
Whether it’s your first time engaging with Pride or you’ve been part of this community for years, Volunteer Appreciation Week is an invitation—to recognize the power of collective action and the role each of us can play.
Because Pride doesn’t just happen—it’s built, together.
With gratitude,
Linda Glevy
Volunteer & Accessibility Manager
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
