Volunteering at festivals and events
Edmonton, Alberta is nicknamed Festival City, with an abundance of events year-round.
Volunteering at the many festivals in Edmonton and area is a great way to take part in all of the excitement that these events bring to the city. Often, you get to enjoy the festival up close while you are volunteering and usually at no cost either before your shift, or when it’s completed. The commitment is not very long or if it is – it’s almost always over the course of a few days, rather than months, so if you are a busy person, this is often a manageable commitment.
Most events require a large number of volunteers and a lot of people attend these events, so there are many opportunities to meet other people.
You can be involved in the planning and coordinating of the event, you can work front line at the event, or behind the scenes. Whatever situation suits you, there is an opportunity to volunteer.
Be prepared to attend an orientation session and possibly some extra training before you get started volunteering.
Checklist of things you'll want to know:
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the minimum number of shifts to volunteer
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details about the tasks you'll perform
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where you'll volunteer (some events have multiple locations, as well as both indoor and outdoor roles)
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the benefits of volunteering (t-shirt, free pass, etc.)
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how to dress
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whether or not they provide meals, snacks and beverages
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what you may have to provide (a lawn chair for a course marshal for example)
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who is the person to contact if you have questions
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who will be your supervisor when you're volunteering
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who will you call if you have to cancel last minute for an important reason
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what kinds of security clearances you'll have to have completed in time to volunteer
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what other orientation or training sessions you're expected to attend.
"good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others."
~Unknown Volunteer
