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Dear Volunteer,

Welcome to the Pride Center of the Capital Region! We are absolutely thrilled to have you join our team of passionate, dedicated individuals committed to empowering and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community. Volunteers like you are the heartbeat of our organization, and your contributions have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

This handbook is designed to provide you with an overview of our mission, values, and policies, as well as essential guidelines to ensure your volunteer experience is both rewarding and meaningful. Whether you’re leading a support group, assisting with events, or working behind the scenes, your efforts are instrumental in building a stronger, more inclusive community right here in Albany, NY, and beyond.

We deeply appreciate your commitment, time, and support. Together, we can continue to create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

With gratitude,

The Program and Operations Coordinator
 Pride Center of the Capital Region

Welcome Letter

  1. About the Pride Center of the Capital Region
  2. Mission, Vision, and Values
  3. Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
  4. Policies and Procedures
  5. Acknowledgment and Understanding of Policies

Table of Contents

Founded in 1970, the Pride Center of the Capital Region is the longest continually operating LGBTQIA+ community center in the United States. Based in Albany, NY, we are dedicated to advocating for, educating, and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. Our mission is to empower, uplift, and connect members of the LGBTQIA+ community while fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Our comprehensive programs and services include:
  • Free Mental Healthcare: Providing free counseling and case management at our mental health clinic and virtually.
  • Support Groups: Offering safe spaces for individuals with diverse identities and needs to connect and share experiences.
  • Youth Programming: Encouraging personal growth, leadership development, and peer connections for LGBTQIA+ youth.
  • Community Outreach: Building awareness, promoting education, and forging meaningful connections within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Signature Events: Celebrating pride and visibility with events like the annual Capital Pride Festival, which brings the community together in joy and solidarity.

About the Pride Center of the Capital Region

MISSION
The Pride Center of the Capital Region promotes the well-being of all LGBTQIA+ individuals and those affected by discrimination based on gender identity and expression. We seek to fulfill this mission daily through free groups, community events, training and outreach, advocacy, and free mental health services.

VISION
We envision a Capital Region where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, can live openly and authentically without fear of discrimination. A region where diversity is celebrated, equity is embraced, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are empowered to achieve their full potential while living authentically and in-place.

VALUES
  • Community: We create and sustain spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies can form meaningful connections.
  • Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and strive to create environments where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.
  • Empowerment: We provide the resources and support individuals need to express themselves fully and achieve their goals.
  • Advocacy: We address systemic inequities and combat discrimination through education, policy change, and grassroots efforts.
  • Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all we do.
  • Collaboration: We work alongside organizations, community leaders, and allies to amplify our impact.
  • Resilience: We honor the courage of those before us and continue pushing forward in the face of adversity.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Volunteers at the Pride Center of the Capital Region play a vital role in advancing our mission. Below is an overview of available roles and their responsibilities:

Support Group Facilitators
  • Lead peer-based support groups on a regular basis to provide safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Facilitate discussions with empathy, ensure confidentiality, and promote inclusivity within group settings.
  • Complete mandatory training in active listening, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution.
  • Submit regular attendance records and feedback reports to the Program Coordinator.

Event Planning Volunteers
  • Assist in organizing and executing Pride Center events, including fundraisers, community programs, and social gatherings.
  • Manage logistics such as vendor coordination, setup and teardown, and attendee support.
  • Promote events through outreach, social media engagement, and partnership development.

Administrative Volunteers
  • Provide clerical and office support, including data entry, scheduling, and document management.
  • Assist with mailings, donor acknowledgments, and communications.
  • Support organizational efficiency to ensure smooth daily operations.

Outreach & Advocacy Volunteers
  • Represent the Pride Center at community events, resource fairs, and advocacy initiatives.
  • Distribute educational materials and engage in conversations about LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusivity.
  • Build relationships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to foster partnerships.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

Attendance Policy
  • Volunteers must notify the Program Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance if they cannot attend a shift.
  • Consistent attendance ensures the Pride Center can provide reliable support services.
  • Multiple unexcused absences or failure to communicate schedule conflicts may result in dismissal from the volunteer program.
  • Group Facilitators must make every effort to attend scheduled groups; cancellations should only occur in emergencies, with immediate notification to the Program Coordinator.

Code of Conduct
  • Volunteers are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect, and integrity in all interactions.
  • Confidentiality must be maintained for all participants in Pride Center programs and services.
  • Volunteers should foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
  • Any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior, including physical, verbal, or digital misconduct, will not be tolerated.
  • Volunteers may not use their position for personal gain, political endorsement, or promotion of non-aligned organizations.

Zero Tolerance Policy
  • The Pride Center prohibits all forms of abuse, including:
            • Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, or any unwanted physical contact.
            • Sexual harassment: Unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, or suggestive remarks.
            • Verbal/emotional abuse: Threats, slander, intimidation, slurs, or degrading language.
            • Discrimination: Any act of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or other forms of bias.
            • Weapons & Threats: Possession of weapons or making threats of violence.
            • Breach of Confidentiality: Sharing private participant or organizational information without authorization.
  • Any violation of this policy will result in immediate review and may lead to termination of the volunteer role.

Guidelines for Reporting Misconduct
  • Volunteers should report concerns to the Program Coordinator or, if the concern involves Pride Center staff, to the Board Executive Committee at executivecommittee@capitalpridecenter.org.
  • Anonymous reporting is available through a digital grievance form.
  • All reports will be reviewed within 14 days, with acknowledgment of receipt and outlined next steps communicated.
  • Retaliation is strictly prohibited. Volunteers who report concerns in good faith are protected, and any retaliatory actions will result in disciplinary measures.
  • Investigations will be conducted with fairness and due process, ensuring all parties have an opportunity to provide relevant information.

Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • The Pride Center is committed to maintaining a discrimination-free environment and aligns with New York State Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, or immigration status.
  • Intent does not negate impact: The Pride Center recognizes that discrimination can be overt or subtle (such as microaggressions) and is committed to addressing harm through education and accountability.
  • True allyship requires active engagement in reducing discrimination and ensuring safe, inclusive spaces for all marginalized communities.
  • Reports of discrimination will be handled through the misconduct reporting process and addressed promptly with appropriate corrective actions.

Alcohol, Drug, & Smoking Policy
  • Volunteers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while participating in Pride Center programs or events.
  • The Pride Center is a smoke-free environment; smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas at least six feet away from the entrance.
  • Any volunteer found violating this policy will be subject to review, which may result in dismissal.
  • Volunteers struggling with substance use are encouraged to seek available resources for support.

Confidentiality Policy
  • Volunteers must respect the privacy of all Pride Center participants and staff.
  • Any information shared in support groups or programs is confidential and must not be disclosed without explicit permission.
  • Any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from the volunteer program.

Social Media and Digital Conduct
  • Volunteers must distinguish between personal opinions and official Pride Center statements when posting online.
  • Volunteers should not share photos, participant information, or sensitive organizational materials without prior consent.
  • Concerns related to Pride Center operations should be communicated internally through appropriate channels rather than through public social media posts.

By reinforcing these policies, we uphold the Pride Center’s mission of creating a safe, respectful, and affirming environment for all. Volunteers are expected to adhere to these guidelines to ensure their continued involvement and positive contribution to our community.


Policies and Procedures

In completing your Volunteer Application, you are required to confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the policies, procedures, and expectations outlined in this document. This acknowledgment reflects a shared commitment between you, as a volunteer, and the Pride Center of the Capital Region to uphold our mission and values.

Commitment to a Safe, Inclusive, and Respectful Environment
  • Act in a manner that reflects the Pride Center’s mission and values.
  • Foster an environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from harm.
  • Adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook.

We deeply appreciate your commitment and passion for supporting our community. Thank you for being an essential part of the Pride Center of the Capital Region!

Acknowledgment and Understanding of Policies

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER