Pride Night Volunteering! - Henry Vilas Zoo

Event Summary

Our third annual Pride Night will take place on Saturday, June 14, 5:30-9PM! Previously Drag Me to the Zoo, this is always a night when we celebrate the diversity of the human and animal kingdoms. Pride Night includes community organizations, giveaways, and, of course, drag queens!

What to expect

Volunteering For All
At HVZ we strive to make volunteering accessible to all by giving you as much information as possible and trusting you to know what is best for you. To that end, we've put descriptions of the physical & sensory environment under each role, where you can also find shift times and duty expectations. Please reach out to our volunteer department with any clarifying questions at all.

What to Expect

All HVZ event volunteers can expect to receive:

A short online training a week before the event going over details of where to go, what to expect, who's who, etc. so you're fully prepared for the day
A 40% discount at all HVZ eateries for the day
A 30% discount at the HVZ gift shop for the day
Volunteer Update emails with news about animals, upcoming volunteer opportunities, events and more!

Weather Policy

In the event of truly inclement weather (tornados, hail, volcanoes), we may cancel the event. We will notify volunteers no later than 1PM the day before the event should we need to cancel.

Group Volunteering

While we'd love to have your group, we're just not set up for that for most of our events. However, members of your group are certainly welcome to sign up as individuals or pairs for several roles!

Open to anyone!

Gate Greeters

Shift(s):
- 5-7PM
Duties: Gate Greeters provide the first point of contact for our guests during events. They check tickets and provide helpful directions to lost guests. Worry not. We make sure all our greeters have this information going in. HVZ Staff will be there to take the lead on checking IDs for the night.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Able to sit/stand for the 2-2.5hr shift. Able to engage in short conversation with guests. Able to calmly
Volunteering for All: Gate Greeting can get quite busy during the beginning part of events as people first arrive. There will be staff at each gate to help support our volunteers. Greeter positions are easily accessible by wheelchair, and are located near bathrooms, gift shops and other HVZ staff. This role is outdoors in a mix of shade and sun.

Go-phers

Shift: 3:30-5:30PM
Duties: Work with our Guest Services Coordinator to helps set up for the event! Put up tents, run supplies, assist tabling participants in bringing supplies to and from cars.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Able to move for the entire shift shift. Able to lift at least 10lbs.
Volunteering for All: This role works directly with one of our event staff all throughout the zoo. It is easily accessible by wheelchair and is always within easy distance of a bathroom. This role is outdoors in a mix of shade and sun. It requires the ability to lift, carry, and get up/down from a sitting/standing position.

Photographers

Shift: 5:15-7:15PM
Duties: Photographers help during HVZ events by capturing the humans and activities in action. Pride Night photos will cover specifically:

Tabling Participants: smiling faces, guests and tabling participants interacting.
Performer Interaction: Guests interacting with performers, smiling, enjoying themselves, funny moments
Every volunteer on grounds. Photos should include smiles and clear interactions between volunteers and guests that help potential volunteers see what they might be doing in a role
*Please no "just" photos. This includes any photos of just a performer, or just an animal. We're looking for interaction and community-building themed shots.

Age Requirement: 18+
Requirements:

- Own a DSLR camera capable of taking photo and video that can be loaded onto a Google drive
- Be comfortable operating your camera
- Be comfortable moving around to get a great shot without interfering with the general flow of the event and/or without putting yourself or others in danger
- Be comfortable taking both candid and posed photos of people

Volunteering for All: This role requires the ability to operate fairly independently throughout the zoo. It also involves constant movement in a variety of different sensory environments and on a mix of surfaces. This role may not be suitable for those with social anxiety or those who are sensitive to light and sound.

Tabling Check-in

Shift: 4:15-5:45PM
Duties: Work with our Guest Services Coordinator to check in our tabling participants before the event. Direct participants to their locations & answer questions.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Able to sit/stand for the entire shift shift.
Volunteering for All: This role works directly with one of our event staff at one of our staff gates to the zoo. It is easily accessible by wheelchair and is direct walking distance of a bathroom. This role is outdoors in a mix of shade and sun. It requires good communication skills, and may not be suited for those who are non-verbal.

Train/Carousel Crew

Shift: 5:15-8:30PM
Duties: Train/Carousel crew members work together as a team to operate the rides and bring a sense of joy to a very joyful event! This is a role normally reserved for those trained in for an ongoing role; however, we have enough support this day that we're able to take on one new volunteer for the day who's interested in giving train/carousel a try! As a new team member, you'll be helping riders get on and off safely, taking tickets, welcoming guests and operating the carousel.
Age Requirement: 18+ with a current driver's license
Volunteering for All: The HVZ Train & Carousel is located close to the parking lot along Vilas Park Dr. HVZ staff are available all throughout the shift to support volunteers when needed. A small office is located within the carousel and often serves as a quiet/dark break area for volunteers and attendants. The closest bathroom is in the center of the Zoo just outside the Children's Zoo. All surfaces are even, and accessible by wheelchair. The HVZ Train & Carousel is a high-sensory area due to the lights, loud music/sounds and high guest numbers, and may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to light and sound.

Trivia Support

Shift: 5:45-7:45PM
Duties: Drag Queen Bianca Lynn Breeze will be running our first trivia night as part of Pride! And she'll need help helping the guests. Show guests to their seats, help them get the trivia app up on their phones (We'll show you how!), and assist Bianca throughout the night. HVZ staff will also be there to support our volunteers.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Able to sit/stand for the entire shift. Able to engage in conversations with guests and offer clear explanations. Able to listen to and follow directions from our performer and staff.
Volunteering for All: This role works directly with staff and performers in the middle of the zoo. It is easily accessible by wheelchair and is close to a bathroom and break areas. This role is outdoors in a mix of sun and shade. This role will be around a lot of crowds, and may not be optimal for those with sensitivities to sound.

Open only to current volunteers

Animal Ambassador Docent

Goat Yard

Wildlife Champion

Pride Night App 2025

I am...(Required)

I am volunteering...(Required)

Sign up!

Using your MyImpact account goes faster! Just log in, go to the menu > Opportunities and look for the category "Events". All other ongoing role openings for the day are listed in their regular categories. Want to volunteer in a role you're not trained in? Give us a call/email. We'll see if we're able to train you in ahead of time.

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Your Email(Required)

Role (1st Preference)(Required)

Role (2nd Preference)(Required)

Role (3rd Preference)(Required)

Photography Equipment Expectations

I understand that I must provide my own DSLR camera capable of holding a SD card, OR, can upload my photos onto a shared Google Drive after the event.

Photography Expectations

I understand that this role focuses on human and not animal subjects. While animals may be in the photos, the goal of the day is to highlight the guests and their interactions. I feel comfortable interacting with humans, and can take both candid and posed shots.

Moving Forward

An answer of "No" to any of the photography expectations above has triggered this section. We stand firm on our requirements for volunteer photographers. If you are unable to meet either of these expectations, we recommend choosing another role. No other role suits you right now? No worries! We have many other volunteer roles that pop up throughout the event season. You can go to our Volunteer Interest Form to get on our email list for future event volunteering opportunities.

Step 1: Choose your role!

Role (1st Preference)(Required)

Role (2nd Preference)(Required)

Role (3rd Preference)(Required)

Photography Equipment Expectations

I understand that I must provide my own DSLR camera capable of holding a SD card, OR, can upload my photos onto a shared Google Drive after the event.

Photography Expectations

Moving Forward

Step 1: Choose your role!

*Please be aware that some roles are only open to individuals. If you aren't seeing the role you want, it may be that we're just not able to take pairs due to the nature of the role or capacity.

Role (1st Preference)(Required)

Role (2nd Preference)(Required)

Volunteer Information

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Your Email(Required)

We will use this to send important Run Wild info. You will also receive our weekly volunteer updates. After Run Wild you can opt out at any time.

Partner's Name(Required)

First Last

My partner shares my:

Address

Phone Number

Partner's Email(Required)

We will use this to send important Run Wild info. You will also receive our weekly volunteer updates. After Run Wild you can opt out at any time.

If you're volunteering representing a group/organization, please list it here:

Date of Birth(Required)

Pronouns(Required)

(Optional) Race/Ethnicity

Partner's Date of Birth(Required)

Partner's Pronouns(Required)

(Optional) Partner's Race/Ethnicity

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Partner's Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Cell Phone #(Required)

Texting Agreement(Required)

We will be using text messaging to communicate to volunteers from just before their shifts to no later than 24hrs after Party for the Planet. Are you able to receive text messages on your cell phone for the duration of Party for the Planet volunteering?

Partner's Cell Phone #(Required)

Partner's Texting Agreement(Required)

Emergency Contact(Required)

First Last

Relation(Required)

Emergency Contact Phone#(Required)

How did you hear about volunteering with us?(Required)

Why do you want to volunteer with Henry Vilas Zoo?(Required)

What else would you like us to know about you? How can we help make this volunteer experience fun and meaningful for you?(Required)

Step 3: Finishing up!

Dane County Drug/Alcohol Policy for Volunteers(Required)

I have read, understand and agree to the above drug/alcohol policy for volunteers.

Dane County volunteers are held to the same expectations and requirements as County staff members when it comes to drugs/alcohol. Below is the policy as it applies to volunteers. Please read it over carefully before confirming that you have read and understand everything list.

Policy Statement: The work place should be free from the hazards posed by the use of alcohol and controlled substances in order to protect the safety of employees and the public. Alcohol and drugs can impair thinking and reasoning and may lead to behaviors that bring the user into severe conflict with their work environment. Misuse of alcohol and drugs/controlled substances among Dane County employees and/or volunteers can have a devastating impact on safety, health and on the efficiency of the workforce.

Dane County Drug/Alcohol Policy

1. Volunteers are prohibited from using alcohol while on duty, and are prohibited from reporting for duty (and from remaining on duty) when their blood alcohol concentration is greater than 0.00

2. Volunteers are prohibited from reporting for volunteering and from continuing to volunteer when under the influence of any drugs/controlled substance. Possession of drugs & controlled substances while on duty is prohibited as defined by statute and administrative rules.

3. Volunteers are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, sale or attempted sale, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol, drugs/controlled substance, and/or drug paraphernalia when representing themselves as a Dane County volunteer - whether on or off site.

4. Volunteers may be asked to leave and may or may not be permitted to return to the site should the Volunteer Coordinator or other staff hold reasonable suspicion that the volunteer is working while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulate observations concerning appearance, behavior, speech or body odors.

Dane County Social Media Policy(Required)

I have read, understand and agree to the social media policy.

Dane County volunteers are held to the same expectations and requirements as County staff members when it comes to posting on social media. Below is the policy as it applies to volunteers. Please read it over carefully before confirming that you have read and understand everything list.

Policy Statement: This policy provides guidance regarding the use of social media on behalf of the County, as well as guidance regarding volunteers’ personal use of social media, when that personal communication relates to Dane County government.

Guidelines for Dane County Volunteers' Personal Use of Social Media

2.1 Volunteers may not make social media posts on behalf of the Dane County unless specifically authorized. If you identify yourself as a Dane County volunteer, then you must make it clear that what you post is representative of your personal views and opinions and not necessarily the views and opinions of the Dane County. Dane County volunteers may not use the Dane County seal or Department logos.

2.2 .Dane County Civil Service Rules require volunteers to use good judgment and to show respect for colleagues and the people we serve. If you’re about to publish something that makes you uncomfortable and it is related to Dane County’s business, please discuss the post with the Volunteer Coordinator. For example, while it is fine for colleagues to disagree, volunteers should not use their personal social media sites or accounts to air differences in an inappropriate or unprofessional manner. Dane County will investigate complaints regarding the use of social media on a case by case basis.

2.3 Certain Dane County volunteers, such as those who provide information to the public) have a higher obligation regarding the use of good judgment and showing respect for the people whom Dane County serves. Due to their positions, these volunteers should not only assume that Dane County colleagues and members of the general public may read what they post on social media, they should be careful not to publish personal thoughts in way that implies they are expressing official Dane County positions.

2.4 Social media blurs many of the traditional boundaries between internal and external communications. Dane County volunteers should be careful not to disclose Dane County confidential or proprietary information on social media (or elsewhere).

HVZ Volunteer Consent(Required)

I have read, understand and agree to the volunteer policy.

Policy Statement: This policy provides guidance regarding volunteer expectations as they relate to the time that the volunteer is representing themselves as a member of the HVZ team in a personal or professional capacity.

Guidelines for Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteers
1. Volunteer Policy. Volunteers understand that they are not employees of Dane County, and are not entitled to compensation from Dane County. Volunteers understand that Dane County will not be paying wages, stipend, or Workman's Compensation benefits. Finally, they understand that the HVZ volunteer program is not a guaranteed pathway to paid work, nor does it take the place of an internship or job shadow program of any kind.

2. Experience Expectations. Volunteering at Henry Vilas Zoo should be fun and meaningful for every volunteer. If at any point one of those two things becomes the opposite, volunteers can talk with the Volunteer Coordinator, and/or the HVZ staff member who works most closely with them.

3. Behavior Expectations. Volunteers understand that we are all humans working together toward the common well-being of our animals, guests and each other. They show respect, patience and understanding towards all humans on Zoo grounds.

4. Dress Code. Volunteers will wear weather-appropriate clothing with the HVZ logo and/or nametag visible at all times. Shoes will be closed-toed. Henry Vilas Zoo will not be held responsible in the event that a volunteer comes to harm due to inappropriate dress. Volunteers will not wear their shirts or nametags outside of official Henry Vilas Zoo volunteer service.

5. Representation. Volunteers represent the Henry Vilas Zoo any time they are in uniform and/or volunteering with Henry Vilas Zoo in an official capacity. They welcome, listen, include and teach all who come through our gates or interact with us in any way.

6. Communication. Volunteers communicate their questions, concerns, and other ideas in a timely manner to the Volunteer Coordinator and/or HVZ staff member who works closely with them.

7. Health. Volunteers put health first. Volunteers communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator regarding schedule changes related to health. They do not put themselves or others at risk by showing up to volunteer while sick. In the event a volunteer needs to take a break from service due to long-term health issues of any kind, Henry Vilas Zoo will work with the volunteer to coordinate communication over the break.

8. Volunteers give permission to Henry Vilas Zoo to use images of them while on grounds in a promotional capacity for the Zoo and its programs. Volunteers understand that a criminal background check is part of the onboarding process for all adult volunteers.