The Equality Central: DNC Volunteer Hub is a dedicated space where Human Rights Campaign volunteers unite to champion LGBTQ+ equality at the Democratic National Convention. This hub empowers our community to take action, while serving as your one-stop shop for all the information you’ll need during your time with us in the Exhibitor Hall at McCormick Place.
Please take a moment to fill out the emergency contact form, which includes a few additional questions to ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information on file for you and your designated emergency contact. While we hope we won't need to use this information, it's better to have it onhand.
Form
Learn more about the Travel Restrictions as they relate to the McCormick Place Site by visiting the
City of Chicago's Website.
Bikes are not allowed into the pedestrian zone, so if you bring one, please not that you'll have to find a place to lock it up offsite.
Parking Nearby is very limited.
Many of the garages have shared that they have little to no parking available, so if you plan to drive we suggest using a third party to see what options are available to you.
Public Transit (CTA) - Green Line is the nearest ‘L’ track to the McCormick Center.RideShare Services, remember to Round up and give to HRC 🙂
Cabs
You're going to be on your feet for a majority of the shift, so please wear shoes that you find comfortable. Wear clothing that is comfortable yet professional (jeans are okay!) and an HRC Shirt! Don't have one, or want another, we have a $5.00 off sale for our Volunteers just see Kevin or Shyam to get that discount!
A form of Photo Identification
A Reusable Plastic Water Bottle
Please note that space is limited in the booth, so we suggest leaving as much as you can at home, we will have a bin for the personal items you do bring.
PROHIBITED ITEMS LIST
Please note all guests will be required to pass through a screening checkpoint operated by the United States Secret Service before gaining access to the official convention venues.
The following items are prohibited:
● Aerosols
● Ammunition
● Animals other than service/guide animals
● Bags exceeding size restrictions (18” x 13” x 7”)
● Bicycles
● Balloons
● Coolers
● Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
● Explosives
● Firearms
● Glass, thermal, or metal containers
● Laser pointers
● Mace / Pepper spray
● Noisemakers
● Packages
● Selfie Sticks
● Sound Amplification Devices
● Structures
● Signs
● Support for signs and placards
● Toy guns
● Umbrellas with metal tips
● Recreational motorized mobility devices
● Weapons of any kind
● Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards
Note: The comprehensive list of prohibited items above is provided for planning purposes and
remains subject to change by the DNCC and/or its security partners at any time.
Execute your Travel Plan and getting to McCormick Place! We will be in the McCormick Center West Building! You'll enter through the Personnel Checkpoint on E. 24th Street.
You'll enter through the Personnel Checkpoint on E. 24th Street.
This process will take some time, so please arrive early and make sure to have your Identification ready. The United State Secret Services has not give us clear direction on what this screening process will look like, but we will update this once we have more guidance. If they ask the purpose or organization you are with, just let them know you're a volunteer working the Booth with the Human Rights Campaign. If for any reason they have questions or you encounter an issue, step out of the way and call Kevin (312)728-0937. Please don't argue with the security team or DNC staff.
We are still waiting for our booth assignment number we get that on Saturday. Once we have that and a exhibitor map, we will send those along. If you can't find us, call or text Kevin (312)728-0937.
Once you arrive at the booth let us know you're a volunteer and we will work with you to get checked in and give you a quick orientation! It is a quick process.
During this Orientation we will discuss various things about the booth and your role(s) for the day, safety and ultimately, how to have fun while advancing equality.
We will have a blast in the booth and beyond, so get ready for a GREAT week!
For any questions, shift cancellations, or concerns, please reach out to Kevin. You can call or text at 312-728-0937 or email at Kevin@HRCChicago.org.
Below is the Slideshow that we presented at our training call on 8/7. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.