Needs From: United Way's Volunteer Center

What volunteers do

Festival volunteers help keep the event welcoming, organized, and safe. Volunteers support guests, assist with activity stations, help vendors and partners with simple needs, and keep the festival flowing smoothly so families can focus on having a great time.

Typical volunteer tasks (assigned based on comfort level)

Welcome + Info Support: greet attendees, answer basic questions, point families to activities, restrooms, and schedule highlights Activity Station Helper: help reset supplies, explain simple directions, manage lines, and keep stations moving Kids & Family Flow Support: help guide foot traffic, keep walkways clear, and help families find where they’re going Vendor/Partner Support: check in with vendors/partners, help with basic needs (tape, signage, quick questions), and route issues to the Operations Lead Setup / Breakdown Help: light setup (signage, tables, supply bins) and end-of-day cleanup support Safety + Courtesy Monitor: help keep the vibe friendly and safe (no enforcement—just visibility and guidance)

Note: Volunteers are never expected to handle conflict alone; any safety issues are immediately routed to the Event Day Operations Lead.

Role: Event Day Operations Lead (Volunteer)

What they do

This role is ongoing for special events like Juneteenth: Bridging Communities and Imagination Fest. The goal is to make this a grant funded role in time.  This role might require some light admin work like phone calling for an hour or two a week before festival launch. Most of the work will be done for one day for each festival.  The Event Day Operations Lead is the on-the-ground right hand for the event. They help keep the day running smoothly by coordinating volunteers, keeping activities on schedule, supporting vendors/partners, and troubleshooting small issues so the event lead can focus on programming, partnerships, and overall leadership.

Key responsibilities

Pre-event check-in (light planning): 1–2 short check-ins in the week leading up to the event to review the run-of-show, site map, and roles. Volunteer coordination: confirm volunteer arrival times, assign stations, provide quick direction, and handle volunteer breaks. Vendor/partner support: greet vendors/partners, confirm placement, answer basic questions, and ensure setups follow safety rules (tents weighted, clear walkways, etc.). Run-of-show management: keep a copy of the schedule, call time reminders, and help transitions between activities. Troubleshooting: handle small issues (missing supplies, signage needs, lines forming, station flow) and escalate major issues to the event lead. Safety + flow: monitor crowd flow, keep pathways clear, and coordinate with the event lead on any safety concerns. Wrap-up: help confirm cleanup assignments and make sure the site is left orderly.

What success looks like

Volunteers know where to go and what to do Stations run on time and feel organized Vendors feel supported The event lead is free to host, manage partners, and handle higher-level decisions