About the Festival

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a unique, community-based celebration of the finest in contemporary and traditional folk and roots music from around the world. It is an event that connects generations of families, groups of friends, and community members who come to enjoy the music, dance, food, children’s activities, and the very special ambiance of Jericho Beach, one of Vancouver’s seaside jewels.

Volunteers help create a successful Festival year after year. We believe this volunteer experience is like no other. Our team of 1400+ volunteers, in collaboration with staff, have mastered the art of establishing a multi-faceted village of entertainment and enjoyment. Together we create a supportive and appreciative space for artists to collaborate and perform;  a welcoming, safe and comfortable space for audience members of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the artists and their music, the festival and the park; an area for community organizations to engage and tell the audience about the good work they are doing; a festival that is environmentally aware and sustainable, and so much more!

Come join us for the 41st annual VFMF in 2018!

Read our Volunteer Value Statement here.

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How do I become a volunteer?

Anyone 14 and over can apply to be a volunteer! Browse through our website and familiarize yourself with all things Folk. Review the Committee Descriptions and then head over to our online Volunteer Application Agreement and Form and you’re on your way! Remember to make sure that the committee you're applying to is not already filled!

Please note that The Vancouver Folk Music Festival abides by all required Human Rights and Non-discrimination legislation when selecting and assigning volunteers. No person will be denied the ability to volunteer for any reason or combination of reasons covered by said legislation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• All Volunteers must fill out an Application form. Please note the deadline: July 10.
• All information must be filled out fully and accurately to ensure placement.
• Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Please be patient as we receive a high volume of applications.
• Volunteer positions are filled based on previous Festival experience, work and life related skills, and selected committee preferences. Some committees require specific skills and qualifications. Please describe your relevant experience in your application.
• Once accepted you will be assigned to a committee, and your committee coordinator will provide all the specific information about requirements and scheduling.
• Pre-festival volunteers may be asked to begin as early as May 15^th. Meetings and training will precede this start date if applicable.

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Volunteer Commitments

HOURS

Commitments may vary depending on when and where you are assigned:

• Pre & Post Festival Volunteers are required to volunteer a total of 30 hours.
• Festival Weekend Volunteers are required to volunteer a total of 15 hours. Some volunteers may be scheduled for combination of Pre/Post and Weekend hours and will have time commitments adjusted accordingly.

Please note: not all jobs are created equal, but all jobs are valued highly. Each team is dependent on another and only through this connectedness can we unite the community of the Folk Festival into a cohesive unit.  Each committee is thoroughly reviewed to assess an appropriate number of volunteer hours conducive to the Festival’s success.

MEETINGS

• All volunteers are required to attend mandatory onsite committee meetings in the week immediately preceding the Festival weekend.
• All NEW volunteers are required to attend a newbie meeting in early July. Watch your emails for the date!
• Depending on your committee, you may also have to attend an offsite committee meeting in June.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Some committees require additional information along with the application. Please include all documents in your application, or in a separate email to volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca.

• Driver's abstract: required for all driving positions
• Serving It Right certificate: required for all committees that handle alcoholic beverages
• Sample of work: required for Photography and Video committees
• Food Safe: recommended for all committees that handle food (not required)

RESPONSIBILITIES

We take our volunteers very seriously. Any volunteers who fail to adhere to the Festival Code Of Conduct, who fail to arrive for their shifts, or who display irresponsible behaviour will not be allowed to return the following year.

We also expect all our volunteers to have fun!! Smile, make friends, and enjoy yourselves - this is YOUR Festival!

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The Perks

In addition to joining an amazing community of like-minded individuals that make up the thousands strong Festival, all volunteers will receive the following:

• Full weekend entry to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
• A Festival program guide, Volunteer Handbook, and Volunteer T-shirt
• Entry to the Festival backstage area
• Entry to the Volunteer After-Party
• Fantastic Food: Friday, Saturday & Sunday dinner, and Saturday & Sunday lunch
• Cash breakfast available Saturday and Sunday
• And of course good times, awesome people, and amazing music!

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Commitment to a Safe Work Environment

The Festival is known for offering a safe community and work environment to its artists, volunteers, and staff. Fostering such an environment includes:

• respectful treatment of volunteers by staff members
• training sessions and support from the Volunteer Coordinator and Support Team to ensure a safe and secure work experience
• compliance with provincial heath and safety regulations; meeting all necessary legal requirements to protect its volunteers
• a Volunteer Review Committee, with representation from the Festival's Board of Directors, to listen to and address volunteer grievances and/or concerns
• a detailed volunteer handbook will be provided electronically to all volunteers

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Do you need more information or want to contact the Festival?

For the Volunteer Coordinator:

volunteers@thefestival.bc.ca or call 604.602.9798 ext. 404

For the Volunteer Coordinator Assistant:

volunteer.assistant@thefestival.bc.ca or call 604.602.9798 ext. 401

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Vancouver Folk Music Festival Volunteer Value Statement:

Volunteers are essential to the operation, and integral to the success and ability of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in carrying out its mission and vision.

The VFMF values the time, talent, experience, knowledge, and commitment contributed by our volunteers. We value volunteering as an opportunity for people to connect, engage and discover joint solutions through the sharing of  an individual's experience both outside and within the Festival. We are committed to offering our volunteers appropriate and meaningful responsibilities, suitable orientation and training, effective leadership, evaluation, and recognition. Volunteers are expected to be dedicated to the mission and vision of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, to perform their duties to the best of their abilities, and to be ambassadors of the Festival, sharing the joy and passion of the Festival with all involved including each other, the artists, and the public.