Volunteer Assignments

Volunteers are the lifeline of our work, and our success is a result of the time and effort provided by people like you, who serve their community and help to further the mission of Tucson Meet Yourself Folk life Festival.

LIMITED POSITIONS LEFT!! 10/9/2011

Please Click here to sign up. The process should take no longer than 5 minutes.

Registration is required to sign up for volunteering opportunities. After completing your application we will add your basic information to our database at Volunteer Southern Arizona, which is our Community Partner for our volunteer program.

If you have any questions or issues concerning the registration process, please email our Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, Hilary Walker at hilary@tucsonmeetyourself.org

Thank you for showing an interest in Tucson’s most-loved folk life festival!

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CLOSED AREA CAPTAIN* | Responsible for performing a variety of duties throughout the festival area, including coordination and management of other volunteers. Maintain open communication between senior operations staff, volunteer coordinator and volunteers. Ensure volunteers in assigned festival area are equipped to carry out their duties. Routinely check on volunteers to arrange for replenishing of supplies or replacement volunteers. You may also be required to cover volunteer breaks and assist the volunteer coordinator where necessary.

CLOSED ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT | Responsible for pulling crowds to participate in events and demonstrations around the festival. Act as participants at workshops and jam sessions in order to encourage involvement from festival goers. Generate energy during activities and congratulate or thank participants for getting involved. Support workshop, games, session vendor or facilitator by requesting and collecting supplies as needed. Direct festival goers to other programmed areas when they have finished an event in your area.

CLOSED DANCE INSTRUCTOR | Instruct and lead dance workouts before and during the festival. Responsible for attending community dance workouts between now and October 15th to teach or assist in teaching community groups the Move Your Body choreography and Moving Parade. May also be responsible for leading/managing or assisting a designated group or area during the Move Your Body Flash Workout and Moving Parade on October 15th at 2:00 pm. Must have experience in performing and or teaching dance.

CLOSED FESTIVAL FLOATER* | Fly by the seat of your pants and be ready to work in the various positions around the festival. Assist Festival Director, Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator as needed. Monitor and cover for TMY Passport Ambassadors, Activities Assistants and Merchandise Assistants. Monitor and request assistance for trash/recycling needs.

CLOSED FOLK ARTS ASSISTANT | Support all facets of operations and programming for the TMY Folk Arts (Demonstrator) Marketplace, and assist individual folk artists or tradition bearers in a variety of activities involving the folk arts demonstrations. Assist the TMY Folk Arts Coordinator in helping folk artists manage their demonstrations, children’s activities and displays. Act as participants during demonstrations in order to encourage involvement from festival goers. Communicate with patrons and congratulate or thank participants for getting involved.

LIMITED GREEN TEAM | Help reduce hazards by keeping the site clear of trash and lead TMY’s recycling efforts. Travel the assigned festival area to ensure trash is promptly collected. Separate garbage from recyclable items. Communicate with Area Captain to request trash unload and cleaning/maintenance supplies when necessary.

CLOSED MERCHANDISE ASSISTANT | Assist with sales of TMY, performers and artist merchandise. Organize and keep an attractive booth display. Monitor and record merchandise sales. Communicate with Area Captain to replenish supplies and request cover or replacement at end of shift. Provide excellent customer service. Encourage or request donations to support festival.

LIMITED PASSPORT AMBASSADOR* | Demonstrate your knowledge of the festival by providing information to festival goers, sponsors and partners. Engage with and generate enthusiasm among festival goers to get excited about the special features of the festival, such as the Passport to the World. Provide information about areas of the festival, performers, artists, vendors and sponsors. Direct festival goers to their place of interest or other programmed areas. Cover for Activities Festival Assistants, Merchandise Assistants and other positions if necessary. Assist Volunteer Coordinator and Area Captain as needed.

PRE-FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER – NEEDED TUES, WED, THURS (Oct, 11, 12 & 13)| As we prepare for the festival, there are a number of pre-festival opportunities, which require the help of motivated and enthusiastic volunteers. You will be placed in a position to match your skills and/or interests. Join the team early, get to know about festival operations and increase your chances for a senior volunteer position during the festival.

SET UP & TEAR DOWN CREW - NEEDED THURSDAY OCT 13 5PM – 10PM | Volunteers will assist with the set up and/or tear down of site signs, tents, banners, and other equipment. Use ladders and hand tools to construct stages and tents. Position chairs, booths, banners, cable and lighting before and after the festival. Assist the Operations Manager as needed.

CLOSED STAGE ASSISTANT | Help organize the order and flow of stage performers and assist with issues that arise surrounding the stage area. Ensure a clean and safe environment. Assist performers, artists and patrons as required, including lost children and lost property. May be required to hang banners, help with lighting rigs, test sound and position microphones. Assist the Stage Manager as needed.

TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS – NEEDED FOR ALL SHIFTS THROUGHOUT WEEKEND | Direct both human and vehicle traffic at closed intersections and provide information for alternative routes. Provide information and direction to parking areas, festival areas and programmed events. Ensure road blockades and barriers remain in position. Be prepared to allow and direct emergency services.

VISITOR COUNTER – NEEDED SUNDAY 2-6PM | Records the number of people coming into the festival area. Greet incoming patrons. Engage in conversations to share TMY features and events. Direct festival goers to information booth and other requested locations. This position may suit volunteers who are less mobile and wish to remain in one position for most of their shift.

CLOSED VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION ASSISTANT* | Ensures volunteers are signed in and assigned positions in a prompt and courteous manner. Greet Volunteers warmly and register new volunteers into the database. Provide T-shirts and name badge, and direct volunteer to assigned location and supervisor. Ensure volunteers are checked-out and database updated with hours worked. Monitor and replenish volunteer refreshments. Assist Volunteer Coordinator as needed.

* Training is provided for Area Captains, Festival Floaters, Volunteer Registration Assistants & Passport Ambassadors

Range of Skills Required (not essential for all roles)

– Good communication skills.

– Ability to use good judgment in a variety of situations.

– Must be a self-starter and use initiative.

– Motivated individuals who are comfortable speaking to people.

– May need to stand and/or walk for entire shift.

– May be required to lift small loads.

– Ability to work in a team.

– Willing and able to follow instructions and get the job done.

– Supervisory skills an advantage for some positions.

– Knowledge of downtown area and festival grounds is an advantage.

– Prior knowledge of festival operations is an advantage but not essential.

– An interest in ethnic groups and folk arts is an advantage, but not essential.

– Maintenance or handy person skills are an advantage for some positions, but not essential.

– Construction and carpentry skills are an advantage for some positions, but not essential.

Overall Benefits to Volunteers

– Meet new people

– Volunteer while having fun

– Expand your leadership skills

– Actively impact your community

– Improve and build upon your resume skills

– Develop public speaking & interaction skills

– Get to know your local cultural & ethnic groups

– Get to know folk artists and performers from your community