SEEDS 035. Reykjavík Pride

PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers in this camp will assist the organisers of the Reykjavík Pride festivities. The Reykjavik Pride has been an annual event in Reykjavik since 1999 but the first Reykjavik Pride Parade took place in August 2000. However, its history goes back to 1993 when Icelandic gays and lesbians first gathered in the city center of Reykjavik, demanding freedom and human rights. The protest was repeated in 1994.

That little pride, originally visited by some fifteen hundred onlookers, has blossomed and evolved into almost a week-long, colorful celebration that attracts over 100 thousand guests from all over the world. Reykjavik Pride is, in fact, the biggest annual event in Iceland and has sometimes been called “the world’s biggest small Pride!”

Reykjavik Pride is organized and held by the not-for-profit organization Hinsegin dagar í Reykjavík – Reykjavík Pride. Any profit or surplus funds the organization raises are used to improve the events and support the LGBT+ communities.

The main tasks of SEEDS volunteers will be to support the pride store & café, support the selling of tickets, setting up stages for concerts or shows, giving information and guidance and doing some logistics related tasks. The group can be split up for different tasks/projects, but it will never be less than two working together.

During the festival, the volunteers will work with a diverse crowd of LGBTQIA+ people with various sexual orientations and gender expressions. Volunteers will be expected to show their utmost respect in all their interactions and no form of homophobia, transphobia or other discrimination will be tolerated. Volunteers will receive awareness training at the beginning of their workcamp." 

Volunteers should be prepared for working a flexible time schedule and also within teams. In most cases, not all volunteers will have the same time off, as the festival will always need a team to support the events.

This camp combines hands-on work, sharing  and having fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be ready to spend some time outdoors, walk medium distances during activities and to the accommodation. As a part of the project happens outdoors, volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule, as depending on the changeable weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities (as) planned. 

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will stay in an equipped house, which is located about 4 kilometres from the centre of the city. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms or dormitories. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel.

Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. 

LOCATION: Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources such as geothermal power. About two thirds of the population of Iceland live in Reykjavík including the metropolitan area; over 200,000 people. 

The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. Visitors easily experience the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital, whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife. 

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed. 

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ). 

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. 
Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) on August 5 at SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Some excursions (e.g. Hot River, Golden Circle, the South Shore and/or Snæfellsnes) can be arranged at discount fares if there is additional free time after the camp activities or during days off.

It may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.