Organization: Juneteenth NYC (Produced by Umoja Events)
Founder & CEO: Athenia Rodney
Volunteer Coordinator: Simone Charles
Event Location: Gershwin Park / Linden Park – Brooklyn, New York
Juneteenth NYC is a cultural celebration that brings together thousands of community members, small businesses, families, and leaders to celebrate freedom, heritage, and community empowerment. The organization relies on volunteers to help support programming, logistics, and community engagement activities.
Juneteenth Event Summary
This Volunteer Agreement outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and protections for both the volunteer and the organization.
By signing this agreement, the volunteer acknowledges and agrees to the following terms.
Volunteers play an important role in supporting the success of Juneteenth NYC programs and events. Volunteer assignments may include, but are not limited to:
• Event setup and breakdown
• Guest and vendor support
• Registration and information desks
• Parade coordination
• Kids Zone programming
• Community outreach and engagement
• Administrative support
Volunteers serve as ambassadors of the Juneteenth NYC mission and are expected to represent the organization with professionalism and respect.
Volunteers understand and acknowledge that:
• Volunteer service is unpaid.
• Volunteers are not employees, contractors, or agents of Juneteenth NYC.
• Volunteer participation does not create an employment relationship with the organization.
• Volunteer service does not guarantee future employment or compensation.
To maintain a safe, positive, and collaborative environment, volunteers agree to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally at all times.
Volunteers agree to:
• Treat staff, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and community members with respect
• Follow instructions from volunteer coordinators and designated leadership
• Maintain professional and respectful communication in person and in written communication
• Work collaboratively with the volunteer team
The following behaviors are not permitted:
• Harassment, intimidation, or hostile behavior
• Aggressive, disruptive, or confrontational communication
• Verbal abuse, threats, or inappropriate language
• Disrupting event operations or volunteer coordination
• Misrepresenting one's authority within the organization
All official communication regarding Juneteenth NYC operations must be directed through designated leadership.
Volunteers agree that they will not:
• Represent themselves as an employee or official spokesperson of Juneteenth NYC
• Contact sponsors, vendors, partners, or media on behalf of the organization without authorization
• Issue statements, commitments, or agreements on behalf of Juneteenth NYC
• Send communications that imply authority they do not have
All questions, suggestions, or concerns should be directed to the Volunteer Coordinator or designated leadership team.
Volunteers may not claim or imply authority they do not possess.
Volunteers may not:
• Represent themselves as part of executive leadership
• Sign documents or agreements on behalf of the organization
• Claim relationships with sponsors, public officials, or partners on behalf of Juneteenth NYC
• Present themselves as authorized representatives unless explicitly approved
Juneteenth NYC is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all staff, volunteers, vendors, and community participants.
Juneteenth NYC reserves the right to suspend or terminate any volunteer whose behavior raises safety concerns, disrupts operations, or creates discomfort for staff, volunteers, or participants.
Behavior that may result in removal includes but is not limited to:
• Repeated disruptive or erratic communication
• Behavior that creates fear, hostility, or intimidation
• Aggressive, unstable, or inappropriate interactions with team members
• Interference with event operations or leadership directives
• Conduct that damages the reputation or mission of the organization
The organization retains sole discretion in determining whether a volunteer’s conduct violates this agreement.
Volunteers may have access to internal information related to event planning and organizational operations.
Volunteers agree not to disclose or share:
• Internal communications
• Volunteer lists or contact information
• Sponsor or partner information
• Operational plans or logistical details
Confidential information may not be shared publicly or with outside parties without authorization.
Volunteer participation in events may involve physical activity, outdoor environments, and interaction with large groups of people.
By participating, volunteers acknowledge and agree that:
• They participate at their own risk
• They assume responsibility for their own health and safety
• They release Juneteenth NYC, Umoja Events, its board members, staff, and affiliates from liability for injuries, losses, or damages incurred during volunteer participation, except where prohibited by law
Juneteenth NYC reserves the right to terminate or remove a volunteer from service at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to:
• Violation of this agreement
• Disruptive or inappropriate behavior
• Failure to follow volunteer leadership direction
• Safety concerns raised by staff, volunteers, or event participants
• Actions that negatively impact the reputation or operations of the organization
Removal may occur immediately and without prior notice.
Volunteers agree not to publicly misrepresent or damage the reputation of Juneteenth NYC, its leadership, staff, or community partners.
Concerns or disputes should be addressed through internal leadership channels.
Juneteenth NYC events may include photography, video recording, and media coverage.
Volunteers grant permission for Juneteenth NYC to use their likeness for:
• Promotional materials
• Marketing and advertising
• Social media and digital content
• Press and media coverage
By signing below, the volunteer confirms that they:
• Have read and understood this agreement
• Agree to abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct
• Understand that failure to comply may result in removal from volunteer service