WhirligigFestival.org

VOLUNTEERS

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Hundreds of Volunteers are needed each year to keep the Whirligig Festival free and open to the public.

 

Groups of volunteers from civic, schools and religious organizations are encouraged to volunteer! 

 

Volunteering at the Wilson Whirligig Festival is a great way to meet new friends, learn about what happens behind the scenes of the festival and give back to your community.

 

The Festival accepts applicants who are 15 years old and older. Volunteering can be counted as community service hours for school and work. Volunteer opportunities can vary from light work to heavy lifting. All of the volunteer categories are listed on the volunteer application.

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Looking for a Senior Project, Eagle Scout Project, need to complete community service hours for National Honor Society or school? 

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VOLUNTEER QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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Q: Where is Volunteer Check-in? When do I Check-in/Check-out?

A: The check-in station will be announced prior to the Festival. Volunteers may come to the Hospitality tent(s) for instructions, assistance or additional assignments. Each Volunteer MUST sign-in at the beginning of their shift and sign-out at the end of his or her shift.

Q: What should I bring/wear? Do I get a volunteer t-shirt?

A: We recommend you bring water and sunglasses. We recommend you wear good walking shoes and layered clothing (keep an eye on the weather as it gets cool in November). Yes, you will receive a volunteer t-shirt. It’s a good idea to order a shirt that will fit over another shirt.

Q: Is there a place to store my stuff?

A: No, we don’t have a place to SAFELY store items. We encourage you to bring a backpack or bag you can easily carry all day for valuable items.

Q: Is there water available? Are there restrooms?

A: We do have some refreshments available for volunteers, but it is a good idea to bring cash something with you from home just in case. Yes, there are restrooms located throughout the Festival footprint.

Q: Where do I park?

A: Parking is free and available in the surrounding downtown side streets and in many local business parking lots. Please keep in mind the festival area streets will be blocked. We recommend your family or friends drop you off and pick you up from a pre-determined location. All volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from the festival.

Q: Is talking on a cell phone or listening to music acceptable while I’m volunteering?

A: NO! Your job as volunteer is to interact with festival guests, artist, exhibitors and the public. Talking on a phone or listening to music does not make you appear approachable and does not allow you to interact. Any volunteer seen talking on a phone or listening to music will be asked to take their phone/ipod to the volunteer station and leave it until their shift is over.

Q: Can I receive service credit for school, work or community organization? How old do you have to be to volunteer?

A: Yes, you will receive a certificate of appreciation with your hours of service when you check out. All volunteers must be over the age of 15 to volunteer without a parent or guardian.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: The festival goes on even if it rains so please show up for your volunteer shift as assigned! Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes to make your shift as comfortable as possible.

Q: Is the festival handicapped accessible? Where is lost and found?

A: Yes, the festival is handicapped accessible. All artisans, concessions and entertainment are on ground level. Items found during the Festival should be turned into the Hospitality tent(s). Items may be claimed during the festival or at the Festival Headquarters at 120 Goldsboro St, SW. following the close of the festival. 

Q: What if I need assistance? What do I do in case of an emergency?

A: If you need assistance of any kind, approach any Festival Staff Member, or Wilson Police Officer and they will direct you to the correct location.

 

In Case of Emergency follow these directions according to the type:

Serious medical situations – call 911 (or have someone call) and do not leave the person unattended

Minor emergencies – send the person to one of the Information Tents to notify Festival Staff

Lost Children –take the child immediately to the Information Tent(s) and discuss the issue with a Festival Staff Member. Do not leave a lost child with another volunteer at the tent, only with a Festival Staff member or Wilson Police Officer.

Band-Aids – send the person to the lifeguard stands or the information tents

Q: What do I do if I don’t know the answer to a question? What if a patron is making me feel uncomfortable with their questions?

A: In both situations, please direct the patron, artist/exhibitor to the Information Tent where they can ask a Festival Staff Member the question. Sometimes patrons will become upset and demand an answer. Festival Staff are trained to help resolve concerns.

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1. All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age

2. All volunteers are expected to attend a Zoom orientation prior to the festival (details to be shared via email)

3. Upon completion of all volunteer shifts for which volunteers are registered, volunteers will receive a certificate of participation and a coupon for 1 free Chick-fil-A meal

4. All volunteers are expected to wear a mask throughout their volunteer shifts, regardless of the location of their volunteer responsibilities 

5. If volunteers have been exposed to COVID-19, tested positive for COVID-19, or had any symptoms of COVID-19 within 10 days of their volunteer shift, they are asked to forgo their shifts and let the volunteer team know that they are not able to attend at gabriellegracem@gmail.com 

6. We encourage volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but are not requiring proof of vaccination 

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