Volunteers Needed: 2026 PRIDE Information Hub

Each June, UC Davis and UC Davis Health proudly stand with our LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month.

In 2026, UC Davis Health returns to the streets of downtown Sacramento under this year’s theme, Empowered by Hope, honoring the resilience, joy and strength of LGBTQIA+ communities while reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, dignity and belonging for all.

Sacramento Pride is one of UC Davis Health’s largest and most visible community events. It is a powerful opportunity to show up together — employees, students, families, patients and allies — and send a clear message: everyone belongs here.

The PRIDE Employee Resource Group develops this Pride Information Hub. It is your one-stop resource for marching with UC Davis and UC Davis Health, staying safe, and finding meaningful ways to celebrate Pride Month across the organization.

March with UC Davis and UC Davis Health at Sacramento Pride

Employees, students and families are invited to march together in the 2026 Sacramento Pride March on Sunday, June 14, joining thousands across the region in celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and visibility. Register now!

• Start: Southside Park
• March time: 11 a.m.
• End: State Capitol

The march is sponsored by UC Davis Health and the Office for Health Equity by Design for Inclusive Excellence, and highlights our shared Legacy of Care for the communities we serve.

In recent years, more than 1,000 people have marched with UC Davis Health, making us one of the largest organizational contingents in the parade. Your presence matters.

Your help is needed. Volunteer today.

There are several opportunities to join your colleagues and volunteer during the Pride March and Festival. You’ll make great friends in the process. Click the links below to sign up.

• Festival booth volunteers
• Pride March volunteers
• Pride March T-shirt pickup volunteers
• Event breakdown volunteers

Why “Empowered by Hope” matters

The 2026 theme, Empowered by Hope, reflects both celebration and purpose.

Hope is what fuels advocacy, builds community and inspires action — especially at a time when LGBTQIA+ rights and protections continue to face challenges nationwide. By marching together, we reaffirm our commitment to equity, visibility and belonging.

Choosing to participate in Sacramento Pride is one way employees can help UC Davis Health lead with compassion, inclusion and courage.

Registration details

• Registrations have already surpassed 700.
• The first 700 registered participants will receive a free shirt; additional shirts are available for purchase.
• March registration does not include festival admission.
• Festival tickets must be purchased separately through the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
• Online registration includes a required liability for release and photo/marketing consent forms.

More details, including lineup instructions and T‑shirt pickup information, will be shared closer to the event.

What to expect on March day

March day is joyful, energetic and empowering — but it can also be long and busy. Plan to make the most of the experience.

Helpful tips:

• Arrive early and plan to stay together
• Dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes
• Bring water, sunscreen and hats
• Pack snacks or light refreshments
• Be prepared for warm weather and sun exposure

Families, friends and allies are encouraged to join. Four-legged companions are welcome at participants’ discretion, provided they follow city and event guidelines.

Safety, wellness and looking out for one another

Pride is a celebration of love, identity and community. While the event is overwhelmingly positive, participants may encounter counter-protesters along the route.

Please remember:

• Do not engage with negativity or counter-protesters
• Smile, wave and keep marching proudly
• Report concerns to the event staff or security
• Travel in groups whenever possible

Your safety and well-being come first.

Health and wellness reminders

• Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed
• Use sun protection
• Apply hand sanitizer frequently
• Use face masks at your discretion
• Limit alcohol consumption

If you need help

• Notify event staff or law enforcement immediately
• Call 911 for emergencies
• Sacramento Police non-emergency line: 916-808-5471

Living the Principles of Community

All employees participating in the Pride March are expected to embody the UC Davis Principles of Community, including respect, inclusion and integrity.

By marching together:

• We celebrate diversity and equity
• We treat everyone with dignity and respect
• We represent UC Davis Health with professionalism and care

Our presence at Pride reflects who we are — and who we strive to be — as an organization committed to creating a welcoming environment where all feel seen, supported and valued.

Ways to celebrate Pride Month beyond the march and festival

Pride at work

• Display Pride-themed virtual backgrounds or email signatures
• Share pronouns and encourage inclusive language
• Attend or host unit-level Pride Month conversations

Learn and engage

• Explore LGBTQIA+ health equity resources
• Attend PRIDE ERG events and listening sessions
• Learn how inclusive care improves patient outcomes

Support year-round

• Join or partner with the PRIDE Employee Resource Group
• Volunteer with local LGBTQIA+ organizations
• Continue advocacy beyond June

Let’s make Pride Month 2026 a celebration of hope, unity and belonging — and a reminder that at UC Davis Health, everyone deserves to live, work and thrive as their authentic selves.

Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate in, or learn about the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.