General Information
Job Descriptions
Volunteer job descriptions are posted on the Festival website – please review to help select a volunteer assignment that interests you.
Online
Volunteer online at Mississippi Book Festival.
Deadline
Submit the volunteer form online by August 1, 2015. The earlier the better – because some events fill-up quickly.
Confirmation
You’ll be sent a confirmation email automatically after submitting the online volunteer form. You will be contacted again at a
later date by your Event Chairperson to finalize shifts and training (usually by email).
Multiple Events
You may sign up for more than one shift, but please be careful! Although festival volunteers are “super,” you can only be at one place at a time. Example — If you sign up for 3 events – we are assuming you want to work at all 3 events/shifts. Thus shifts cannot overlap in date/time.
Friends
If you and a friend wish to work together you will both need to submit the online volunteer form as individuals and choose the same events for the same date and time. However, the Book Festival cannot guarantee that friends will be scheduled together.
Groups
Contact the MS Book Festival office to request group placements (do not use the online form). Every group is different in size and needs. The Volunteer Chair will work with you to coordinate placement of the volunteer group where (and when) they are needed.
Age
You must be 16 years of age or older to volunteer. But please look carefully at the online job descriptions because some jobs do have special age requirements.
Location
Most volunteer jobs are on the Capitol grounds, and most volunteer jobs take place Saturday of the festival. BUT NOT ALL! Again – be careful in your volunteer choice if this is an important factor in your decision.
Your Contact Information
It’s essential that you provide a phone number and/or email address where you can be reached by the Event Chairperson to confirm your assignment. Email is the method of contact used by Event Chairpersons, as they need to reach numerous people in a short period of time. Please provide an email address that you check often. When you get an email from MS Book Festival or your Chairperson, please respond as soon as you can.
Persons with physical disabilities or limitations should call the Book Festival office for information about volunteer opportunities. Volunteers must be able to reach, carry, lift, stand, sit, bend, and communicate with various persons.
Check-in
Check-in at the Volunteer Tent located on the south grounds of the State Capitol.
Check-in early so that you can arrive on time to your volunteer assignment.
You’ll receive your festival volunteer t-shirt at the Volunteer Tent.
What to Wear
Your volunteer T-shirt which you receive upon check-in at the Festival. The volunteer t-shirt is required apparel.
Comfortable slacks/jeans, long shorts, or skirt.
Comfortable shoes. We have a notorious lack of places to sit, so be prepared to stand or walk.
Sun visor or hat or rain gear — weather dictating
Valuables should be left at home – space is not secure for purses, briefcases, or purchases.
SUNSCREEN. Again – if it’s a warm sunny day you’ll be glad you did.
Training
Online
The Festival website includes general information that should be reviewed in advance – such as the Festival map, schedule of events, and parking information.
From your Event Chairperson
Some jobs require additional training. The Chairperson for your job assignment will get in touch with you if there is special training or information you need prior to the festival.
On the Spot
If training is not needed prior to the festival, your Chairperson will train you at your event. All the better reason to arrive a few minutes early to your shift.
Email
It is essential that you provide an email address and phone number on the volunteer form where you can be reached. Without that, the Chairperson cannot reach you to confirm your assignment or offer training.
Parking
Please consult the Book Festival website for updated parking maps, garages, and directions. There is usually a parking garage near the festival where volunteers may park – in addition to the many free lots open to all volunteers and attendees.
General Expectations
Punctuality – Arrive early for your shift to minimize unattended areas and allow volunteers to pass information from shift to shift.
The festival volunteer t-shirt is required.
Enthusiastic and courteous demeanor.
Knowledge of the Book Festival and the specific areas where you will be working.
Know your job assignment and shift, and are prepared for the assignment.
Know where to park or have other travel arrangements established prior to the festival.
You volunteer ‘freely’, meaning the book festival does not pay volunteers.
Cancel or Reschedule
Cancelling
Please make every effort to find a replacement on your own. Share the information in this handbook and the Festival website with your replacement. Ask your replacement to report to the Volunteer Tent giving your name and volunteer time. We’ll take it from there. If you are unable to find a replacement, please contact the Volunteer Chairs AS SOON AS POSSIBLE at volunteer@msbookfestival.com.
Rescheduling
If you want to change your volunteer event, shift time, or day — notify the Book Festival by August 20th at volunteer@msbookfestival.com. Also, please keep in mind that most slots will be filled by that date, so you will need to be flexible about your new job assignment.
More Information
If you have further questions about volunteering, please contact us at
volunteer@msbookfestival.com
Website: www.msbookfestival.com
Thank you very much for volunteering.
We really do appreciate it! The Festival cannot be successful without volunteers! YOU are very important to the success of the Mississippi Book Festival.