Volunteering

Would you like to volunteer for TeslaCon ?  This convention is detailed…and we mean it! It runs because many fine people partake and give of their time. We are very grateful for those who help us so, if you are inclined, please contact our Head of Volunteers at: bobbins@teslacon.org

Volunteer Basics:

10 hours = Free admission!

16 hours = Free admission + Poster Set!

20  hours or more = Free admission + Poster Set + FREE Tea Room!

There will be water and snacks available to all volunteers throughout the convention.

Rules For Volunteering:

• You must be 18 years or older to volunteer for TeslaCon. All volunteers will be required to provide a phone number to contact you in case of changes, questions or no-show on a shift. Also an emergency contact must be provided in case of an emergency. * Please let the Head of Volunteers know when you mail her if you are an All-Event volunteer or if you will only be there certain days and detail which days. * Volunteers are expected to follow all event and hotel rules, local and federal laws. * You cannot volunteer for less than 10 hours or two 5-hour shifts as this is the minimal that will allow you to enter the event for free! You will not be asked to work longer than 10 hours in a row on any given day and likely won’t be asked to work more than 8 hours in one day unless you want us to schedule you that way. * Before and after each shift you must check in with your assigned Manager so that your hours are properly recorded and to receive your prizes and meal vouchers. * You MAY earn your hours before the official opening of the event if you live in the Central Madison, Wisconsin area and attend different working meetings such as Hotel decoration, or work pre-registration on Thursday night before the event. Such shifts are very limited so please inquire early!

* You may be asked to help out performers and other guests.

Things to Remember:

Stay fed and hydrated - Take advantage of the Staff Room and drink plenty of water. Tired volunteers can’t do their job and we need you in top shape.

Keep yourself clean and respectable – If you have a costume provided by the convention or have your own, please remember a few rules:

Keep it clean – Remember, Victorians where notorious for keeping their clothes clean and pressed. If you look slightly disheveled or need a fresh pressing, let us know.

Keep yourself clean - This is simple but remember to bathe and cleanup before you come in to work. This means hair in place (both boys and girls), face washed and hands clean. It also means (and this happens) deodorant use…nobody wants to work around a German sailor who has been at sea too long. Also small things like polished shoes & proper use of jewelry go along way in how people perceive the staff.

No one likes to talk about this but we need to let you know that should you fail to meet the hours you have signed up for,  especially if you do not meet the required 10 hours, your passport may be revoked and other perks lost.

Info On Perks:

* For each shift you work, you will receive a Volunteer Meal Voucher good for one (1) meal in our Staff Room because you earned it! If you work a night shift you should talk to your Staff Manager ahead of time to make sure you get your voucher! * Your Volunteer passport allows you to attend any part of the event when you are not on-shift unless otherwise noted (such as events that cost extra like the Tea Room). Unless otherwise earned, you will be responsible for retrieving your tickets for any high-draw events on your own expense. * If you have paid for an extra-cost event such as the Tea Room or dinner at the Captain’s Table, please let the volunteer head know in advance so that he does not schedule you during this time.

Any volunteer found stealing or damaging another volunteer’s belongings will be asked to leave the event.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Some areas that need Volunteers (please note any and all you may wish to volunteer for when you message the volunteer head and also note any special skills you may have!):

* Pre-Registration Team – Thursday evening is pre-registration. Friday through Sunday, during set hours, you would help out with the pre-registration area. No handling of money required. If you would like to be part of the regular Registration Staff, please let us know your experience as this will require handling of money and a level of trust. Volunteers are needed mostly for Friday and during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

* Stage Hands – There is 1 main stage. You could help set-up, move items on or off stage, keep rows clear, etc. If you would like to be an assistant stage manager, please let us know your experience! Needed Friday before opening and Saturday.

* Junior Security Team – The Senior Security Team could always use a few folks roaming the halls with them to help with problems. No intimidating physique or take-down moves required! To be part of the Senior team, please tell us your experience. Needed at any time during the event, including late-night.

* Junior Vendor Team – The Senior Vendor Team could use volunteers who enjoy helping Vendors load their merchandise in and out of the hotel, who can take the Vendors as they arrive at the hotel to their assigned areas and to check in on Vendors periodically on Friday to make certain everything is going well. Junior Vendor Team needed mostly on Thursday, Friday and Sunday afternoon!

* Junior Performers Team –Performers are needed Friday and Saturday to help out with the main performances by Lord Bobbins and his crew. This would be assisting with ambience mostly gasping, screaming in terror and fainting on queue!  It also means being professional and willing to go the extra mile to make this event special.

* Passport & Weapons Check Team – Enjoy sitting and checking things? Then this is the job for you! Passport Check is needed at every large event space, especially the pre-pay events and panels. Bonus, you can sit, listen & watch too! Weapons Check required at the Registration Area. Weapons checkers needed mostly during Registration hours and Passport checkers needed at various times throughout event.

We are looking forward to having you as part of the TeslaCon team. It is the fans and devoted people that make this convention special.

Thanks Again,

Lord Hastings Robert Bobbins III