Volunteers are being sought for a range of roles in next month’s Auckland Pride Parade, from people who can help with float construction to marshals - who get some of the best views on Ponsonby Rd. “This year we need a team of 130 Volunteers and we are not there yet,” says Volunteer Coordinator Murray Broadmore, ahead of the big event on Saturday 21 February. He is urging people to gather family and friends to help. “So often I hear ‘if only you had said something’. So get out there and find a friend for the day. Oh and this is not limited to one. Find as many as you like. “You get the best seat in the house and spend time with the best people on the planet and that’s a promise. The whole day is just a wonderful, joyful and positive experience that you will remember with pride forever. Don’t miss it, your community needs you!” Here’s a rundown of the volunteers the Auckland Pride Parade needs: Check-in Marshals This is a great role ideally suited to people with great communication and negotiation skills. The aim is to assist and support all the floats on the day to make sure their entries pass the health and safety requirements and help find solutions if they don’t. This role provides a great opportunity to be part of the hype, excitement and anticipation before the parade starts. You’ll be required to attend a training session with a fun, informed and inspiring team of Pride Coordinators. Gap Marshals and Stationary Marshals Want the best seat in the house well this one is for you. This team are spaced out all along Ponsonby Road. Primarily, to ensure that the public stay cheering behind the barriers, assist in the movement of the floats as they head down Ponsonby Road and report back to senior parade staff if there are incidents. You’ll be required to attend a training session with a fun, informed and inspiring team of Pride Coordinators. Packdown Marshals You will be located at the Three Lamps end of the parade. The buzz is amazing as you welcome the floats on the home stretch. You direct all floats to the area set aside for them to dismantle and disperse. Also some crowd control is required which is always bound to be exciting. You’ll be required to attend a training session with a fun, informed and inspiring team of Pride Coordinators. Float Builders – Call to Action If you can swing a paint brush, use a glue gun, screwdriver or a hammer have we got a deal for you? Every year the Pride Parade team also put in a float. This year they specifically need people to help with: a bit of carpentry, hot gluing cardboard, polystyrene sculpting, general arts and crafts, sewing (basic costume), painting and set element finishing. For more information email Volunteer Coordinator Murray Broadmore at murray@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz or give him a call on 021 846 636. GayNZ.com staff - 20th January 2015