Volunteering
Tagged with: behavior, check in, compensation, emergencies, expectations, hours, staff, volunteer
So, you’re interested in volunteering for NDK but you’re not sure what to do or what that entails?! Here are a few guidelines and expectations which we encourage and expect all volunteers to abide by.
First things first, after getting your convention pass check in with the Volunteer Coordinator at the Volunteer sign in desk. This desk should be located by registration in the main lobby of the hotel. You can check in when you’re ready to work or let them know that you would like to volunteer but at a later time and let them know when to expect you. If you are planning on showing up at a certain time PLEASE show up or inform the volunteer desk beforehand that you won’t be able to make it.
What is a volunteer?
A volunteer is a paying attendee who is generous enough to donate their time to help out the convention. They receive a special badge and or ribbon noting that they are volunteers. This badge/ribbon CAN NOT get you into any normal badged areas. For donating X amount of time they are compensated with gifts and passes. You can work from 1 hour to 16+ hours. It is your choice.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering is a wonderful way to really get to know the people behind the convention and see what all goes on behind the scenes. We also like to offer volunteering to the public so that they have an opportunity to one day become staff members. Another great reason, FREE STUFF! If you work 8 hours you will receive a free shirt and a small goodie bag for helping us out. If you work 16+ hours you will receive 2 free passes to the following year’s convention and will be noticed by the directors for possible staff placement when we have an opening.
When do I become staff?
When there is an opening, if you have been a responsible, reliable volunteer for at least one year and have worked 16+ hours the area heads and directors of NDK will consider you for a staff opening if you have shown enough responsibility to handle the job. Staff members oftentimes work 12+ hours a DAY during the convention and oftentimes have many other tasks to take care of before the actual convention. We don’t take our staffing lightly and we chose carefully.
How do I get noticed to possibly become a staff member?
The current staff members are always watching their volunteers and know when you’re naughty or nice. But the best way to get known is to get to know the Volunteer Coordinator, Loreena. Getting on a first name basis with her will really help in keeping who’s who straight. At the end of the convention she meets with all the staff and staff heads and gets a run down on who did what and who is worth watching for possible staff members for the following years. There are good ways to get noticed and there are also the bad ways. And we DO notice them.
What is expected of me as a volunteer?
A volunteer is one of the most crucial parts of the convention. The Volunteer bridges the gap between con goer and staff member. We expect all volunteers to be polite and pleasant when doing their assigned jobs. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are having a difficult time being pleasant and polite, call security, a staff member, or your volunteer coordinator. For example, the yahoo in line who can’t seem to keep his hands to himself, let them take care of the uglies, that’s why they get the nifty Staff shirt. Taking care of a heated situation might get you in more trouble then you’d like and you might be asked not to volunteer next year. If you run into an incident like this please feel free to report it to the Volunteer Coordinator. Try to catch their name from their badge or at least a physical description. We don’t like troublemakers at our convention, and depending on the situation may keep an eye on them during the weekend.
We do expect Volunteers to be at their posts when they are assigned. Check in and out with the Volunteer desk. If you are on your way to a post and decide you don’t want to work, go back to the volunteer desk and let them know. If the volunteer desk sends you somewhere, please check in with that area’s staff.
There will be an hour long volunteer orientation on site around 1pm on the Friday of the convention. Attendance is not mandatory but if you can make it please come. This will be a run down on what’s expected, help you get to know your coordinator and the areas you will be working. This will also help you navigate the new hotel.
What do I do if there is an emergency?
An emergency would be anything like an injury, fire, medical emergency, etc. In any of these instances contact OPS immediately so they can alert the appropriate area. Unless you are legally trained and certified in helping with an emergency please do not. Try to keep other con goers safe and calm while the situation is being handled.
A few friendly reminders
- NEVER under any circumstances touch an attendee. In the same right no attendee should ever touch you. If they do, contact security IMMEDIATELY and they will be dealt with accordingly.
- Everyone still needs to follow the Colorado State Laws. You know the repercussions if you don’t. This includes – No illegal drugs on the premises. No drinking of alcohol while on duty or under the age of 21. Making alcohol available to minors is also now a felony in Colorado.
- Sometimes when the hallways get jammed or there’s a huge crowd for an event the best help you can be is somewhere else.
- DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! Dehydration is so common during the convention you’d think none of us are used to living in Colorado! Keep yourself safe and healthy! Food, drink, water, common necessities.
- If you have any problems, concerns, or questions during the convention please see your Volunteer Coordinator. She’s in your corner and is there to help you out.
- We have the right to turn away any individual for volunteering.
How do I Volunteer?
Let us know you’re interested in volunteering for the convention by contacting our volunteer coordinator, Loreena or by marking the proper box on your registration form. It is as simple as that.
Updated 01/02/2007
