New Volunteers/People Thinking About Volunteering

[indigocaz]

So I am considering volunteering this year...

I have had the same dilemma every year...FRFF is my one and only true vacation and the only schedule I like to worry about is who I want to see when and where during the festival...

However I would also like to be able to help out and give back to the festival...

I always feel like there is so much of an "unknown" when you send in your application to volunteer...Like you never know what you will truly get until you're there, etc...

But my friend volunteered for the first time last year and had a great experience...

Anyone have thoughts, suggestions, stories to share, etc?

And I could not locate ANY info about volunteering on the website...

[boyhowdy]

I'd start with: is helping put up a barn or paint a house with new friends your idea of a vacation? (Assume that when you're done, there's a barn dance to be had.) If the answer is "maybe", I recommend a try.

It's not for everyone, surely -- there are certainly those who have tried it, and decided it was too much work, and others who really felt like if they didn't get their twelve hours of stage time every day, they were missing out. But for us, now ten years into a volunteer experience (my wife and I both volunteer, and we tend to have to do it at opposite hours to keep tabs on the wee kiddies), there's music aplenty. Yes, there is suddenly a good five hours or so per day to work, and you'll always miss something -- though my experience is that most crews allow some flexibility of scheduling, and anyway, don't we already miss something, with four stages happening at once?

More specifically -- and others will surely have their say, too; everyone gets something slightly different, I think -- among less obvious benefits/blessings, I count these:

1. For those volunteers who return, it's not about the free entry or the very cool t-shirt; ultimately, I think, it's about the way experiencing the festival from the community within the community is priceless. There's something about being a part of making it happen, and something about seeing all those shirts and knowing that's all your crowd, that feels good.

2. Having the large volunteers tent available to you as just one more outpost of community and shade is a nice benefit. The snacks/juice throughout the day without having to head back to the tent area are wonderful, too. The volunteer tent access shade is, in fact, one reason my wife volunteered to begin with.

3. I like the volunteer camping area. Again, not everyone does this, but it's nice to be with the folks who are working. Makes for a whole new layer of community; see #1.

4. I do find that I can't see as MUCH music, especially since I took on running a volunteer crew. But the volunteering itself tends to be good work, done cheerfully and with good spirit. Being a part of that is itself a wonderful thing to add to the experience that is FRFF. And there are fewer crews that run after dark, so you can almost always ensure seeing the song swap and other night shows.

5. There is something to be said for paying with labor. It's folky, I guess, but in this economy, it also helps us be able to go at all. But if you decide to come and buy the ticket, don't feel bad -- we'll still love you, and after all, we need paying patrons aplenty, too!

[PaulC]

http://www.falconridgefolk.com/volunteer-info.html

Volunteering is a great way to enjoy the festival. I have volunteered for several years and it is like a family reunion. I wouldn't miss it.
It is alot of work and you may miss some music but going to Falcon Ridge as volunteer adds a great deal to the festival experience. You really get a sense of belonging and community.
My wife and I started out on separate crews then worked together on the chuck wagon crew which is a great crew-sometimes you get to drive golf carts which is alot of fun. You also get to go backstage when you are working and get a great view of music at the main stage. Sometimes you can talk to the performers a bit while working. They are really nice.
Now we volunteer pre fest which can be more work and more of a time commitment but in exchange you get the festival off.
We started out at Falcon Ridge as paying campers and then switched to volunteering and it really does add to the festival experience. It is not for everyone because of the time commitment but if you have the time you do feel rewarded. People genuinely appreciate your efforts and let you know. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the festival and more rewarding then just donating $$.

[Rakenjake]

My husband and I volunteer as well and I can say that I really haven't missed any music that I wanted to hear. I go to my crew chiefs with a copy of the schedule and they are wonderful... it is so worth volunteering.

[Notlob]

Maybe I'm having a brain fade, but I swear volunteer info used to be on the home page, but now I cannot find it.

Things like application deadline, crew descriptions, application form.....

Link, anyone?

[john r]

if you look way down toward the bottom of the home page, it says:

Information about volunteering at the festival, including an application form, will be available April 1st.

(i did not see that at first, either)

[Notlob]

Hmmmmmmm....4/2 and nothing there, maybe tomorrow.

[PaulC]

Maybe I'm having a brain fade, but I swear volunteer info used to be on the home page, but now I cannot find it.

Things like application deadline, crew descriptions, application form.....

Link, anyone?

http://www.falconridgefolk.com/volunteer-info.html

[john r]

how did you find the volunteer page? i still do not see that link on the home page

[PaulC]

how did you find the volunteer page? i still do not see that link on the home page

It isn't. The link has been missing for a few years now. I saved the web address and just cut and paste it into the browser. The link is also missing for the volunteer crew descriptions page as well.

[PaulC]

I haven't seen anything posted on the website about volunteering. It is well past April 1st and still nothing for 2009. I guess I can wait till they send applications by snail mail. Just wondering if anyone else has heard anything?

Paul C

[Rakenjake]

Got my "greenie" today but I have to say that for the first time I am considering not going. I love Girlyman, Gandalf and Tracy but I am decidely ambivilent about the line up. Jury is certainly not out I just have trouble imagining teh Gospel Wake Up Call without Eddie. It makes me sad.

[AnneS]

Barbara Jesse and I are working on an update now, she wanted to get the cards out to all returning vols first, thanks, Anne

[PaulC]

Ours showed up in the mail last week. We filled them out and they are going out Monday. Thanks!

[indigocaz]

So I followed the link and am going to send in my application.

I don't know why, but I'm really nervous.

Maybe because I've never volunteered before and truly have no idea what to expect.

Maybe because it seems like there are so many variables involved.

Maybe I'm just trying to make excuses.

So I'm doing it! Wheeeee!!