Hugs! You Matter 2025

Thank you for volunteering for Hugs for Ferndale Pride! You provide the most human service of all: validation through physical, compassionate touch. All Hugs Volunteers are required to wear the provided Hugs T-shirt. Masks are provided. Our non-gendered, non-binary t-shirts say, “Hugs, We Care,” on the front and, “You Matter,” on the back. This year's color is blue representing magic and art. T-Shirts provided by Jim Schaffer & Associates. You may wander throughout the Pride or may be assigned an area that needs coverage. Be aware that not everyone may want a hug. Some people may prefer a handshake, elbow bump, high five or just need a listening ear. The only exception to this is if someone is acting in a way that is making you uncomfortable. Then direct them to our tent. If protestors or other negative or unsupportive signs and behaviors are present, please report it to the Hugs or Volunteer Check-In booths. Unfortunately, protest and dissent is something the community has always had to deal with. It is important that we are able to help. If someone is acting in a way that is making you uncomfortable, direct them to our tent.

Walking for long distances and standing for long periods of time required for this task. You must be willing to speak, engage, sit, talk, listen and hug, if consent is given, all persons. No exceptions. No photos! Unless requested, and only if you give consent, too. Pride is a Safe Space and, therefore, confidential. By checking yes to terms and agreements I am signing this Indemnification Agreement, I hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Ferndale Community Foundation and its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, representatives, successors and assigns, and all persons conducting directly or indirectly, the activities surrounding my involvement as a volunteer from any and all claims, rights, demands, actions, causes of action, expenses and damages, which I or my heirs, personal representative, successors, assigns or anyone claiming by, through or under me ever had, now have, or may have against the parties identified above arising from any injury, act or omission relating in the way to my participation as a volunteer connected with the performance of the Ferndale Pride Committee members and regardless of which claim, demand, damage, loss, cost or expense is caused in part by the negligence of the Ferndale Community Foundation, Ferndale Pride or by third parties, or by the agents, servants, employees, volunteers or factors of any of them.