Youth Volunteers & Inclusive Futures

How Can Young People Get Involved?

Young people are an important part of building the Disability Pride NYC Parade and the future of disability pride in New York City.

Disabled and nondisabled young people are invited to create, volunteer, lead, perform, learn, and take action together. You can participate individually, with friends, through a school or youth organization, or as part of Inclusive Futures, the youth leadership team of NYC Belongs: Together for All.

You do not need previous volunteer experience. Bring your ideas, creativity, interests, skills, and energy—and help build a Parade where everyone belongs.

What Is Inclusive Futures?

Inclusive Futures is the youth leadership team of NYC Belongs: Together for All. It brings disabled and nondisabled young people together to help make New York City more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming.

Inclusive Futures members can help shape the Parade while also participating in projects and activities throughout the year.

Young people aren't just volunteering at the Parade—they can help build it.

What Are the Different Roles for Young People?

Youth Leaders

Help develop ideas, activities, and projects for the Parade and take part in planning and decision-making.

Creative and Arts Volunteers

Create signs, banners, art, decorations, and interactive activities; dance, perform, make music; or help bring the “Together We Build!” themed blocks to life.

Accessibility Volunteers

Help identify access barriers, keep accessible pathways clear, provide information, and connect participants with accessibility supports.

Young people with disabilities and lived experience of access barriers are especially encouraged to help shape this work.

Disability History and Storytelling

Learn about and help share disability history, culture, and pride. Interview community members, collect stories, and help connect generations of disability leadership.

Welcome and Community Engagement Volunteers

Welcome participants and spectators, provide information, help with activities, and help create a joyful and welcoming Parade.

Social Media, Photography, and Communications

Help tell the story of the Parade through photography, video, interviews, social media, and other communications using accessible practices such as captions and alt text.

Schools and Youth Groups

Schools, classes, clubs, after-school programs, and youth organizations can volunteer together, contribute to a themed block, create art, perform, share disability history, or develop their own Parade project.

Volunteer at the Parade—or Get Involved Year-Round

Young people can volunteer on Parade day, help plan and create the Parade in advance, or become involved with Inclusive Futures and NYC Belongs: Together for All throughout the year.

Whether you have an hour, a day, an idea, a talent, or want to take on a leadership role, there is a way to be part of it.

Access for Youth Volunteers

Disabled young people are encouraged to participate and lead in every area—not only in accessibility roles.

Let us know about any access needs when you register. Opportunities can include seated roles, shorter shifts, lower-sensory activities, remote or advance preparation, and other ways of participating.

You do not need to disclose a disability or explain why you need an access support in order to participate.

Join Us

Come volunteer. Bring your school or friends. Join Inclusive Futures. Help build the Parade—and help build a more accessible and inclusive New York City.