Volunteers are the Heartbeat of SOGIEcon

March 19-20, 2027

SOGIEcon does not run without its volunteers. More than 100 people give their time each year to make this conference happen, setting up rooms before the first attendee arrives, welcoming buses of students at the entrance, monitoring workshop spaces, guiding people across campus, and cheering alongside thousands of LGBTQIA+ youth at the closing ceremony.

Volunteers are not background players at SOGIEcon. For many attendees, especially the young people who arrive nervous and uncertain, a warm volunteer greeting at the door is the first moment the conference becomes real. Your presence matters.

Volunteer Roles Volunteers are organized into committees, each focused on a specific area of conference operations. When you sign up, you’ll be asked to indicate your interests and availability, and the volunteer coordinator will place you in the role that fits best.	Set-Up & Breakdown The conference does not appear by magic. Set-up volunteers arrive early (often the day before and the morning of) to prepare spaces, arrange signage, assemble registration materials, and get everything in place. Breakdown volunteers help restore the campus at the end of the day. This is physical, hands-on work, and deeply satisfying.
Registration & Welcome The first faces attendees see. Registration volunteers check in participants, distribute badges and materials, answer questions, and help orient people to the conference. This team sets the tone for the entire day, warm, welcoming, and affirming from the moment someone walks in.	Vendor & Resource Room Vendor room volunteers assist with the setup and management of the exhibitor and resource space, helping connect attendees with organizations, services, and vendors throughout the day.
Room Monitoring Room monitors are stationed in workshop spaces throughout the day. You’ll introduce presenters, take attendance, ensure the room is comfortable and organized, and be a calm, supportive presence if any needs arise during a session.	Accessibility Support Accessibility volunteers assist attendees with mobility, sensory, or other access needs throughout the conference. Training is provided. If you have experience in accessibility services or disability support, this role would be a great fit.
Campus Navigation & Wayfinding SOGIEcon takes place across multiple buildings on the UConn campus. Navigation volunteers are stationed at key intersections and transition points to help attendees find their way between sessions, especially during the busy mid-day rush.	Office & Pre-Conference Support SOGIEcon also needs volunteers in the weeks leading up to the conference, helping with mailings, materials preparation, phone outreach, and logistics coordination. If you can’t make it to the conference day itself but want to contribute, this is a great option.
Youth Support Youth support volunteers are trained to be an affirming, grounding presence for young people who may be experiencing the conference, and sometimes a community like this, for the very first time. This role is particularly well-suited for social workers, counselors, and others with experience supporting youth.	Fundraising & Grant Writing SOGIEcon relies on year-round fundraising to keep the conference accessible and growing. Volunteers in this role help identify funding opportunities, draft and edit grant proposals, coordinate donor outreach, and support fundraising campaigns and events. This role is particularly well-suited for those with experience in grant writing, development, or nonprofit fundraising, and offers a flexible, ongoing way to contribute outside of conference weekend itself.

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Training

All volunteers attend a training session (in person or virtual) before the conference. Training covers your specific role, the conference layout, emergency and safety protocols, SOGIEcon’s values and Code of Conduct, and how to support LGBTQIA+ youth in an affirming way. Volunteers new to LGBTQIA+ youth spaces are especially encouraged, training is designed to prepare everyone.

Time Commitment

Most volunteer roles require arrival 60–90 minutes before the conference opens and a full day of service through closing. Specific time commitments vary by role and will be confirmed when you are placed. Some roles (set-up, breakdown, office support) have different schedules.

What You’ll Receive

• Complimentary conference registration
• SOGIEcon volunteer t-shirt
• Lunch provided for volunteers working a full day
• A volunteer appreciation acknowledgment from the SOGIEcon team
• The indescribable experience of being part of something that genuinely changes lives

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Who Should Volunteer?

Everyone is welcome. Past volunteers have included social workers, educators, UConn students, GSA advisors, healthcare professionals, retired teachers, community organizers, and parents of LGBTQIA+ youth. The only requirements are a commitment to LGBTQIA+ affirmation and a willingness to show up.

How to Sign Up

Volunteer registration for SOGIEcon 2027 will open in [DATE TBD]. Spots fill quickly, especially for in-demand roles like registration and youth support, so we encourage you to sign up early.

[Volunteer sign-up form: LINK TBD]

To sign up, you’ll need to provide your name and contact information, your availability, your role preferences, any relevant experience or skills, and any accessibility needs of your own.

Questions? Contact the volunteer coordinator at [VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR EMAIL TBD].