Lit Fest 2026: Pre-Event Support Volunteer
Event: 1st Annual Literacy Festival: Celebrating the Power of Black Literacy & Liberation Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 10am–4pmLocation: Gary Comer Youth Center | 7200 S. Ingleside, Chicago
About Lit Fest
Lit Fest is a vibrant, multidisciplinary Black History Month event that reimagines literacy as more than words on a page. Through immersive workshops, performances, and conversations, we explore literacy as a pathway to self-expression, wellness, financial empowerment, digital fluency, and cultural preservation. We invite families, educators, artists, and young people to connect, learn, and celebrate in community—honoring the legacy of Black storytelling and the power of lifelong learning.
The Opportunity: Pre-Event Support
Help us build momentum and lay the groundwork for a successful Lit Fest. As a Pre-Event Support volunteer, you'll be essential to our behind-the-scenes preparation, ensuring every detail is coordinated, every partner is engaged, and every community member knows about this celebration of Black literacy and liberation.
Responsibilities
Administrative Support:
Vendor & Partner Follow-Up:
Resource Tables & Event Logistics:
Sponsorships:
Marketing & Advertising:
What We're Looking For
Why Volunteer with Us?
How to Get Involved
Interested in volunteering? We'd love to have you!
Contact: Dr. Jeannyne A. Staten, Director of Development Email: jstaten@gcyhome.org Phone: 773.358.4049 Follow us: @garycomeryouthcenter | www.garycomeryouthcenter.org
Together, we can transform how our community experiences literacy—and what it means to be truly empowered.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with GCYC for Lit Fest 2026!
How to Submit Your Interest
Volunteers are submitting interest directly through Idealist. Simply complete the volunteer application on the Idealist platform, and we'll be in touch with next steps.
What to Include in Your Application
When submitting your interest, please provide:
Special Requests & Additional Documents
If you have special requests or would like to submit additional documents (such as a resume, portfolio, or letter of interest), please note this in your Idealist application, and we'll follow up with you directly to receive those materials.
Questions?
If you have questions about the volunteer opportunity or the application process, please reach out to:
Dr. Jeannyne A. Staten, Director of Development Email: jstaten@gcyhome.orgPhone: 773.358.4049
We look forward to welcoming you to the Lit Fest team!
Together, we can transform how our community experiences literacy—and what it means to be truly empowered.