Volunteer FAQ Overview
New Volunteers
How do I apply?
If you are interested in volunteering at the Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival, you must first fill out an online application form and agree to the waiver. The application link is available at the bottom of this page. By agreeing to the waiver you are stating you have read and agree to Salmon Arm Folk Music Society's Volunteer Code of Conduct.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Duties will vary from crew to crew. Please read the crew descriptions for a general idea of what to expect. After you are accepted on a crew, your Head Supervisor will go over duties and expectations.
Crew Descriptions | Click Here
How many hours are required?
It depends which volunteer crew you are on.
Pre-festival and post-festival crews: 25-32 hours
During festival crews: 16-20 hours
Crew Descriptions | Click Here
How do I choose a crew?
On your volunteer application please choose your top two choices and note your first preference. Please see the question above for a list of crews to choose from. New volunteers are placed on a first come first serve basis considering preferences as well as skills, interest and qualifications. Depending on the crew's requirements, you may have to undergo an interview, certification or training before you are accepted.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
The minimum age is 14. It is Festival policy that all volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 must be the children of an active volunteer or be sponsored by an active adult volunteer who will take responsibility for them. The Festival reserves the right to determine who will be acceptable as responsible adults. The parent or responsible adult must agree to the Waiver and Release of Liability form before a minor is formally assigned to a crew. Volunteers under the age of 19 must be accompanied to the volunteer party by their volunteer sponsor.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Once you are accepted on a crew, your main point of contact will be your Head Supervisor. Head Supervisors schedule your event shifts and depending on crew, sometimes your set up or tear down shift. If you have questions before you are placed on a crew, or can't get a hold of your Head Supervisor, you can contact our Volunteer Department.
volunteer@rootsandblues.ca
I haven’t heard from the Volunteer Department yet?
Please check your email's junk folder before calling. If you have not received any emails please call 250-833-4096 and ask for the Volunteer Department.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
We have the utmost respect for the skills, time and passion volunteers bring to the festival. All festival volunteers receive the following:
• A volunteer ID name tag and wristband (provides festival access for Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
• A meal from Askews on Friday, and 1 voucher for participating Food Vendors on Saturday and Sunday
• Access to the Volunteer Lounge who provides snacks, coffee and tea throughout the entire weekend
• Access to the volunteer after party on Sunday night
• A volunteer t-shirt
• A volunteer parking pass for the volunteer parking lot
Is there a place for volunteers to camp?
The festival offers weekend tent only camping to volunteers for the discounted rate of $30 for the weekend. The volunteer campsite is located in Blackburn Park, across from the regular festival campsite. Camping is on a first come first serve basis, tents only, no showers, no pets but there will be water stations. No vehicles are permitted on the campsite however volunteer parking passes are available for the volunteer parking lot. Volunteers can reserve and pay for a volunteer camping spot by calling 250-833-4096 or stopping by 541 3rd Street SW, Salmon Arm. If you wish to bring a camping trailer, please purchase regular camping at regular prices on our website.
To purchase regular camping | click here
ROOTSandBLUES apologizes for being unable to accommodate a special rate for volunteers wishing to use a camping trailer. We hope for your understanding in this matter.
What are tear down shifts and how do I sign up?
We ask all new volunteers to choose one 4 hour tear down shift, the week of August 17th to the 21st, 2020. New volunteers are assigned a shift on a first come first serve basis considering preferences and festival needs.
What if I am unable to volunteer and have been accepted and placed on a crew this year?
Please contact your Head Supervisor and Holly, the Volunteer Coordinator immediately via phone AND email. Do your best to let us know well in advance of the Festival if your plans change.
Holly Ketter
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@rootsandblues.ca
Returning Volunteers
How do I confirm my intentions for 2020?
ROOTSandBLUES is working with our volunteer management software, Zone Festival, to create a short, returning volunteer application. However, due to unforeseen delays it will not be ready for this year. Due to the information the ROOTSandBLUES volunteer department requires each year, all volunteers will have to fill out a new form and attach a new photo. Please note: A new waiver is required for each and every year.
Am I guaranteed a spot on my crew from last year?
Returning volunteers who have filled out an application are guaranteed placement on their crews until May 15, 2020. After that date, they are still welcome to return, but may have to transfer to another area if their crew becomes full.
I requested to transfer crews this year. When will I find out if I was accepted?
Please choose a different crew when filling out the volunteer application. Your placement may take some time depending on the crew - some require interviews, certification, etc.
Who will be contacting me about my crew?
Once you have completed your application, the Volunteer Coordinator will confirm with you whether or not your application was accepted. Next, your Head Supervisor will contact you with further crew details.
Why do I have to fill out a new form every year?
ROOTSandBLUES is working with our volunteer management software, Zone Festival, to create a short, returning volunteer application. However, due to unforeseen delays it will not be ready for this year. Due to the information the ROOTSandBLUES volunteer department requires each year, all volunteers will have to fill out a new form and attach a new photo. We do know how important a simplified returning volunteer process is for many of you. Please know we have heard you and we are doing our best at this time. We hope for understanding and patience.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Your first point of contact should always be your Head Supervisor. If you can't get ahold of your Head Supervisor, you can contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@rootsandblues.ca
During The Festival
When is the Festival?
Thursday, August 13 - Sunday, August 16, 2020.
How do I pick up my Volunteer Package?
You will be notified how to pick up your volunteer package prior to the festival. Please direct questions to your Head Supervisor or at Volunteer Services located near the main gate.
How early should I arrive for a shift?
It is expected that you arrive 15 minutes early to each shift to help facilitate a smooth shift transition.
I can't volunteer anymore, what do I do?
Tell your Head Supervisor immediately via phone AND email. Failure to properly notify your supervisors may result in removal from the SAFMS volunteer program.
I'm going to be late or miss a shift, what do I do?
Tell your Head Supervisor immediately. You should send a follow up email to your Head Supervisor and CC volunteer@rootsandblues.ca. Failure to notify your Head Supervisor may result in volunteer follow up and possible removal from the SAFMS volunteer program.
Is there a map of the Festival grounds?
Please check at the Volunteer Services for directions. Volunteer Services is located near the main gate.
Do volunteers get meals?
A meal is available to all volunteers for each day. Friday, Askews provides a meal and Saturday and Sunday each volunteer is provided with a Vendor Buck. Vendor Bucks can be used at participating Food Vendors for a meal. The Volunteer Lounge is open during the weekend to provide snacks, ice cream, coffee and tea. To pick up your meal vouchers please go the Volunteer Kiosk located in front of the Volunteer Lounge.
• Vegetarian and meat options are always available.
• Your volunteer ID name tag is your meal ticket, and is punched as you pick up your meal voucher.
• Allergies! You must be diligent about monitoring your own food. If you are unsure of ingredients, please ask. If you have severe allergies, you may wish to bring your own food.
• In an effort to reduce waste, drinking containers are not provided.
• Please bring your own reusable water bottle and mug.
Can I eat or drink on shift?
We ask volunteers to eat before or after their shift as most shifts are only 4 hours long. If you would like to snack, please be prepared and bring your snacks with you to your shift. Always bring a water bottle with you and stay hydrated. Please do not consume alcohol before or during your shift. You must remove your volunteer t-shirt before consuming alcohol.