FAQs - Krewe of Dolly

“We’re a loose group. I mean, we’re not loose women, we’re just not very well organized."

Who can join?

In the spirit of inclusiveness, the Krewe of Dolly is open to all. There is no waiting list. Membership is closed for the current season and will reopen on September 5, 2024. Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch about future membership opportunities!

What is the Krewe’s mission?

The Krewe of Dolly engages the community through special appearances and events to support causes close to Dolly’s heart with a focus on children’s literacy in New Orleans. Stated simply, What Would Dolly Do?

What’s the commitment required to be a Dolly or a Kenny?

There is no minimum participation requirement. We welcome all who want to participate at whatever level they are able. As we grow our literacy initiatives, there will be multiple opportunities to volunteer time to support the krewe’s mission.

Are out of towners allowed to be members?

Sure! We just ask that out of towners consider their ability to come to New Orleans for events and weigh that with the cost of dues. We are building a group of members who are engaged in the local community to promote literacy in New Orleans. If you can’t visit frequently but want to support the krewe’s mission, please consider a tax deductible donation to support our literacy initiatives.

When are most events?

We typically have a Krewe event once a month, but sometimes more frequently. Participation is optional and members are notified of events and parades as soon as we are confirmed with organizers. Dates for events can vary from year to year, just like Mardi Gras! In addition to parades and fundraisers, we have smaller community events like library read-alouds and informal social gatherings throughout the year. Please see our list of Events for more details!

What does the cost of dues cover?

Dues cover the costs to parade and host Krewe events. Depending on the event, a limited number of official throws promoting literacy are provided to members. Members provide their costume. Additionally, we offer a 50% discount for educators and students to honor Dolly's lifelong work inspiring a love of reading. And if you are an educator or student able to pay the full amount to support our mission, we very much appreciate it!

What is the required costume?

There is no required costume other than a head of big blonde hair (wig or natural)! Be the fabulous Dolly that speaks to you. Just as Dolly said, "I'm not offended by all of the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb … and I also know that I'm not blonde."

What is the age range of the Dollies?

Our members range in age from their 20s to their 60s. All adults 18 and over are welcome!

My partner wants to participate. What do they need to do?

Awesome! If your partner wants to attend every event, they can join as a member. Alternatively, we often need support at parades and select events. Partners, friends, and relatives of members ages 18 and above can provide support at parades as a Kennies or Willies. Please note that numbers of support Kennies and Willies are limited based on event needs.

How many members do you have?

I'm in other Mardi Gras krewes, is that a problem?

Not at all! Many of our members participate in other marching groups and krewes. More is more, bring on the Mardi Gras Magic!

I've had negative experiences with Mardi Gras groups in the past. How do you deal with these issues?

Krewe of Dolly members have the right to feel safe, respected, and protected during participation in the organization. Our Brave Space Policy describes how the organization ensures the social, emotional, and physical safety of all members. Above all, What Would Dolly Do?

Is the Krewe of Dolly a nonprofit?

What is the Imagination Library?

The Imagination Library is Dolly’s nonprofit to promote literacy by sending books to children from birth to age 5. They partners with local nonprofits to build and maintain a database of the addresses of every child in the zip code. The local partner raises the funds to ship the books and the Imagination Library sources and ships the books at very low cost. Our goal is to bring the Imagination Library to New Orleans, one zip code at a time!

I subscribed to the newsletter. Now what?

We send periodic newsletters that include information about new member registration. Please add us to your contacts to avoid emails from going to spam. And pay close attention to emails as we approach the new member registration window from September 5-9!

Is there a required bust size?