CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Carry the Giant Preamble to the Constitution in the CLE Pride Parade · Mobilize
We're bringing a giant hand-painted original artwork of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution — along with 100+ feet of signable panels — to march in the Pride in the CLE parade on June 6th. It's a bold, joyful, highly visible statement of the ideals We The People hold today and the future we're committed to building together.
After the march, the piece will be displayed on the festival lawn where attendees can add their names and messages to the signature panels. This event closes out the We The People of Ohio tour, and from here the artwork and signature panels will make their way to Washington, D.C. for July 4th.
To pull this off, we need volunteers — ideally around 100, give or take — to carry the banner, hold the poles, set up our space on the Mall at the end of the route, and bring the energy. Whether you want a physical role or just want to march alongside us in costume or with props, there's a place for you.
All volunteers must join our dedicated Signal chat — that's how we'll coordinate before and during the event. The link will be provided after you sign up.
The parade route runs from Public Square to Mall C, heading east on Superior, north on E. 9th, and west on Lakeside — approximately 1 mile in total. Parade organizers begin queuing groups at 10 AM, with the parade starting at 11 AM. We need to arrive before queuing begins to set up and secure an area where we can safely stand with the unfurled banner and panels. In addition to our marching crew, we also need a dedicated setup crew to prepare our space on the Mall where the piece will be displayed after the march. Expect an extended period of standing and waiting before the march begins. We anticipate marching approximately 100 feet of banner (more or less) depending on weather and volunteer turnout.
#Volunteer Roles
##Setup Crew Volunteers 5–10
Day-of arrival: 10 AM Training: Late May — date TBD, to be announced via Signal chat
This group will not be marching. They'll be at the Mall ahead of time to prepare our placement at the end of the parade route. Tasks include setting up backdrop frames, a canopy tent, signage, pens, and tables, and potentially laying out a signature panel to attach to the banner upon arrival. A couple of setup crew members will likely need to be available the Friday before the event to pick up materials and supplies. All setup crew are required to attend a group training session in late May.
##Pole Carriers Volunteers 6–9
Day-of arrival: 9:15 AM
Pole carriers handle the extendable poles the main banner is attached to. This is a physically demanding role — volunteers need to be relatively strong with good endurance. Harnesses are provided to help with the weight. Our goal is to have one team carry the banner the full length of the route without stopping, so as not to cause backups for other marchers — but we're preparing 3 teams of 3 and will rotate if needed. The route is about a mile, and wind can make it significantly more tiring.
##Banner & Panel Carriers Volunteers ~100
Day-of arrival: 9:30 AM
These are our general marching volunteers. Some will carry the We The People banner and signature panels directly; others will march alongside us with props, themed hats, or costumes — or rotate between carrying and marching with props as needed. If we end up with more volunteers than we need for carrying, every extra person still adds to the presence and energy of the march!
##Drummers & Musicians Volunteers
Open Day-of arrival: 9:30 AM
We'd love to have drummers and other musicians marching in front of the banner. This is in addition to our general carrier count — all are welcome!
TCarlson
