Volunteer FAQ
Where is the new WordFest office?
Where should I report for my first volunteer shift?
What should I do if I am delayed or can’t make a scheduled shift?
How do I know my crew assignment and what is expected of me?
What is the time commitment as a volunteer?
Can I use WordFest as a job reference?
Where can I park?
Can I watch events during my shift?
I am a writer myself. Can volunteering for WordFest help to advance my career?
Where is the NEW WordFest office?
WordFest’s new location is in Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW , Calgary, AB. We are in unit B03, but you can quickly find us at the East Entrance.
Where should I report for my first volunteer shift?
Where you check in depends upon your crew assignment. Your crew coordinator or the Volunteer Manager will give you a check in date, time and location. If you have any questions about your schedule or duties please contact Angela McIntyre, WordFest Volunteer Manager at 403.237.9068 or volunteers@wordfest.com.
What should I do if I am delayed or can’t make a scheduled shift?
If your availability changes or you can’t make a shift, please notify your crew coordinator immediately. If you cannot reach your coordinator contact or leave a message for the Volunteer Manager.
During the Festival dates we attempt to schedule “Floater” crew to cover for unexpected situations. The sooner we know of a possible shortage, the easier it will be to arrange a replacement.
How do I know my crew assignment and what is expected of me?
Your crew coordinator or the Volunteer Manger will supply information by e-mail prior to the Festival. There is also a volunteer orientation meeting in late September where volunteers receive their t-shirts and information packages and meet WordFest staff and fellow team members. Many WordFest volunteers are “regulars” both at WordFest and other Festivals and will be happy to show new people the ropes.
What is the time commitment as a volunteer?
Your volunteer time commitment to WordFest is agreed upon between you and your crew coordinator. Every effort is made to accommodate individual schedules and interests in your crew assignment and shift scheduling. It is more important to fulfill the agreed upon commitment than to sign up for more hours than you can reasonably manage. We do have a “Floater Crew” to cover unexpected crew shortages, but we do not schedule extra volunteers “in case somebody doesn’t show up”. You will be missed if you do cancel at the last minute.
Can I use WordFest as a job reference?
If you would like a reference letter from WordFest concerning your volunteer participation please obtain an evaluation form from your crew coordinator or the Volunteer Manager. Your coordinator will submit an evaluation following the Festival to the Volunteer Manager to draft a letter of reference. Reference letters will be mailed out to those requesting them the first week of November.
Where can I park?
Most events are held downtown. Unfortunately downtown parking is hard to find and very expensive (especially during the day). Evening parking rates (after 6pm) are usually more reasonable. Fortunately, most WordFest venues are accessible to the C-Train and numerous bus routes.
Can I watch events during my shift?
Volunteers should not count on being able to watch events during your shift. If an event is “must see” for you we suggest you take advantage of the 50% ticket discount for volunteers. (Volunteer discount tickets must be purchased through the WordFest office at least 24 hours ahead of time and are available to individual volunteers only with presentation of their badge.) If an event does not sell out, volunteers are admitted for free upon presentation of their badge five minutes before the show.
I am a writer myself. Can volunteering for WordFest help to advance my career?
Some WordFest volunteers are writers (published and unpublished) as well as avid readers themselves. Volunteering for WordFest is an invaluable opportunity to meet other readers and writers and participate at the ground level of a world-class literary event. That said, it is not an appropriate opportunity to “shop a manuscript” to Festival guests or participants. We appreciate your consideration and restraint in this matter.
One avenue we do suggest for volunteers interested in pursuing a career in writing or publishing is to attend events in the “Industry Insider Series”. During these sessions writers, publishers, editors and others “in the biz” talk about aspects of survival and current trends and innovations in the world of Canadian books and publishing.
If we haven’t answered your question here, or you require more details on any of the answers provided, please contact Angela, Volunteer Manager at 403.237.9068 or volunteers@wordfest.com.