Everyone wishing to participate in Events Edmonton’s volunteer program must fill out the online volunteer application form and follow the recruitment process. Only upon successful completion of the volunteer recruitment process will a person become a volunteer for Events Edmonton. The volunteer recruitment process may include some or all of the following:
- Application
- Interview
- Reference Checks
- Police Check
- Placement
- Orientation & Training
- Evaluation
Recruitment:
Events Edmonton is an equal opportunity provider and welcomes people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or nationality.
Interviewing
All potential volunteers are interviewed by the volunteer management team either in person or over the phone. The interview is an opportunity for the volunteer to learn about Events Edmonton, about the festival, and about available volunteer positions. It is also an opportunity for volunteer management to get to know the applicant a little and to find a suitable position for him/her. Volunteer placement is left to the discretion of volunteer management. No volunteer will be placed in a position for which he/she is not fully qualified or for which the organization cannot provide adequate training.
Minors
- Events Edmonton requires volunteers to be of minimum age of 15 years in order to volunteer without a parent or guardian.
- Volunteers ages 15-17 will provide the signed consent of their parent or guardian to be accepted into the volunteer program.
- Volunteers ages 12- 14 can volunteer for Events Edmonton together with a parent or guardian. The adult volunteer takes on sole responsibility for the actions and behavior of the youth volunteer.
- Placement of all youth volunteers is at the discretion of the Volunteer Manager
Download a Minor Consent Form here
Screening
Police security checks may be performed for the following volunteers:
- volunteers handling money or valuable product
- volunteers with access to sensitive information/materials
- volunteers coming into contact with children or vulnerable persons (seniors, disabled)
Events Edmonton will cover the cost of police security checks.
Placement
All placement decisions will be made by Volunteer Management. Returning volunteers will have first choice for time and placement prior of the recruitment of new volunteers.
Orientation & Training
Orientations are mandatory unless otherwise stated by Volunteer Management. If the volunteer is unavailable to attend the orientation, he/she is responsible to obtain and to read through all training and information material, and to acquire the necessary knowledge pertaining to the festival and the area(s) he/she will be working in.
Evaluation
Volunteers will be evaluated on their performance by their direct supervisor, and/or Volunteer Management. References or confirmation of volunteer hours will be provided upon request.
Once a volunteer becomes a member of the volunteer program, he/she adheres to and commits to the policies and code of conduct as outlined below.
Volunteer Rights:
- To be identified and recognized as a volunteer
- To be treated with respect and dignity
- To be properly informed about the organization, its policies, programs and procedures
- The receive adequate training to feel comfortable with the assigned tasks and to understand what is expected
- The be recognized for her/his contribution to Events Edmonton and its festivals
Volunteer Benefits
In addition to festival-specific benefits, volunteers enjoy:
- Meeting new friends
- Supporting the community
- Networking
- Learning new skills
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers are often the first contact that festival visitors encounter. Creating a first good impression is essential for attendees’ overall experience at the festival.
Volunteers will act in a respectful, friendly and caring manner. Volunteers will not act in any way that will embarrass the festival, may be considered unethical or put festival goers and/or any stakeholder at risk.
Volunteers will not discriminate anyone based on any category covered under the Human Rights Act. This will be described in more detail under CODE OF CONDUCT.
In addition, volunteers will:
- Adhere to the CODE OF CONDUCT
- Follow all instructions as laid out in the volunteer orientation handbook, and all specific area instructions for the festival, and/or as provided verbally by the volunteer management team
- Arrive on time and commit to the agreed upon shifts
- Make every effort to fulfill duties and responsibilities
- Inform volunteer management well in advance if unable to work a shift
- Attend all mandatory orientations
- Read through the provided information material and acquire all information and knowledge necessary to fulfill duties with confidence and professionalism
- Contact volunteer management with any concerns, problems, or questions immediately as they occur, to ensure that the issue can be dealt with in a timely manner
- As a representative of the organization, dress appropriately to present a good image to the public and as required for the respective area
- Refrain from use of cell phones while on shift