Bold steps for equality: The impact of Sewa volunteers at Pride Parade
As members of the Chicago Chapter of Sewa International's LEAD 2023 program, we volunteered on the morning of June 4, 2023, at the annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade.
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) holds the view that we are all members of one big family. The word Sewa means service in Sanskrit language. The program gives students in grades 8 through 12 the chance to take part in several types of community service projects, also giving them the chance to gain volunteer hours in the process. Sewa believes that everyone is family and participants from various groups and beliefs are invited to help out in nurturing our community.
During this recent opportunity, teen LEADs had the opportunity to paint the town with love as they volunteered at the Pride Parade by breaking barriers and spreading acceptance with every step they take. It is evident that their youthful spirit and unwavering commitment are slowly but steadily reshaping the landscape of equality.
In this occurrence, Sewa partnered with the Shelter Inc. community, an organization that is geared toward providing everyone a safe home by linking hands to end homelessness. During these hours, we were able to do tasks such as waving a rainbow flag and getting on rainbow accessories to show support toward the LGBTQ+ community. Specifically, once the parade started, LEADs were grouped off into tasks such as holding up the poster and leading the front end of the parade, doing just the same but rearing everyone along at the end, and finally, passing out items such as candy, stickers, and bubbles to the audience at the side of the parade.
After a long walk through the course of the parade, the volunteers had run out of candy, stickers, and bubbles but managed to share the love across the community. In the aftermath of walking through the entirety of the course of the parade, LEADs were met by the appealing site of the Pride Carnival filled with games, music, and food which commenced the end of the Pride Parade for the 2023 year.
When asked to talk about her experience one LEAD stated ...
"It was surprising to see so many people showing their love at the parade. My favorite part about the parade was handing out candy to the kids because I could see how their faces just lit up."
All in all, LEADs were able to participate in this experience and spread some love at the annual Pride Parade, making it a fun and rewarding experience for all.
Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, nonprofit service organization registered under Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) (3). Founded in 2003, SEWA International is part of a larger movement that started in India in 1989 and is active in twenty countries. SEWA serves humanity irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, or nationality.
We specialize in disaster relief and rehabilitation. Our development programs focus on family services; child, tribal, and refugee welfare; women empowerment; health; and education.
In addition to our work in the US, we have undertaken development projects in Colombia, Guyana, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.