Block Heater Volunteer Program
2018 Program Overview
Block Heater Overview
General Information
Block Heater – a winter music extravaganza is a three-day, multi venue event that features over 25 local, national and international roots, world music, funk, and indie artists. Located in historic Inglewood, Block Heater includes a combination of concerts and collaborative sessions.
Block Heater runs from February 15-17, 2018
Venues
Festival Hall
1215 10 Ave SE
Performances on February 15 & 17
Ironwood Stage & Grill
1229 9 Ave SE
Performances on February 15
King Edward Hotel
438 9 Ave SE
Performances on February 16 & 17
National Music Centre
850 4 Street SE
Performances on February 16 & 17
Chain of Command
In order to run this complex event successfully, we rely on the dedication and support of our passionate volunteers. Our staff work closely with volunteers to ensure everyone is properly informed and supported before, during and after the event.
Block Heater Volunteer Program
Volunteer Program
The Block Heater Volunteer Program is composed of approximately 50 volunteers, split into 11 different crews. These voluneters are recruited directly from our Calgary Folk Music Festival (CFMF) and Festival Hall (FH) volunteer programs.
Below is an overview of the Block Heater Volunteer Program as a whole.
Volunteer Crews
Volunteer Commitment
Block Heater volunteers are required to commit to at least two (2) concert blocks during the event (approx.. 6 hours each block).
It is up to YOU to make the proper arrangements to fulfill your volunteer commitments. This means: book time off work, get a babysitter, and don’t be on-call for the weekend.
Rights & Responsibilities
Before you are considered to be a volunteer on our team, you will be expected to agree to our volunteer contract. This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of all of our volunteers, as well as Block Heater staff.
Volunteer Benefits
As a Block Heater volunteer, you will receive:
- Block Heater volunteer t-shirt;
- Access to Block Heater – a winter music extravaganza;
- Tasty snacks and non-alcoholic beverages;
- Block Heater program book;
- 10% discount on CFMF presented concerts throughout the year; and
- Participation in an action-packed, fun-filled event with great music and amazing people!
The Block Heater Volunteer Program is separate from the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s (CFMF). Block Heater volunteers cannot earn an access badge to the CFMF by working as a Block Heater volunteer.
Setting you up for Success
Block Heater Success
We believe that we all have a right to be treated with respect, and a responsibility to ensure that we are not only treating others with respect, but also taking action when we witness unacceptable behaviour. Sticking up for each other is the key to our success.
We are here for you, but can’t help solve a problem that we don’t know about. If you see something – big or small – let someone know!
Accreditation
All Block Heater volunteers will receive a volunteer package prior to the event. This package will include a volunteer t-shirt and badge.
You are expected to wear your volunteer t-shirt and badge while on duty. You are welcome to wear these items while off shift, but expect patrons to ask you questions if you do!
Volunteer Handbook
Every volunteer will receive a Volunteer Handbook prior to the event. You are expected to read it ahead of time, and to have it with you during the event. This small book is your guide for the weekend, and has valuable information to get you through the weekend.
Your Resource Team
Who to Contact
There are many people who are here to support you throughout Block Heater. Feel free to contact the following people if you have any questions, comments or concerns:
- Staff Contact
- Venue Supervisor
- Volunteer Manager
The fastest way to get a hold of someone mentioned above is to go to the Volunteer Information Station (located at Festival Hall on Feb 15 & 17 (aft) and the National Music Centre on Feb 15 & 16 (eve)). If a serious incident has occurred, be prepared to fill out an incident report, which is also available at the Station.
If something that concerns you is going on, don’t wait until after the weekend is over to tell us. Letting us know in the post-event survey is good for documentation, but it is too late for us to make changes during the event. Waiting to tell us could mean the difference between a volunteer returning next year, and leaving out team entirely.
Crews
Crew Recruitment
2017 Block Heater volunteers will be contacted in the late fall to confirm their 2018 intentions. Returning volunteers are given priority to crew placement over new volunteers.
Block Heater volunteers are recruited directly from the Calgary Folk Music Festival (CFMF) and Festival Hall (FH) volunteer programs. Volunteers are selected based on leadership experience and crew requirements. Once these volunteers are placed, remaining volunteers will be chosen on a fist-come, first served basis.
Crew Information
ARTIST LIAISON
Artist Liaison
- Supports the artists before, during and after performances.
- Experienced volunteers only. Interview required.
FRONT OF HOUSE
Bar
- Serving alcoholic beverages to patrons at Festival Hall.
- Serving experience, ProServe required.
Concession Ticket Sales
- Selling drink tickets for the bar.
- Money handling experience, Police Information Check required.
Door
- Selling & accepting event tickets at concert doors; capacity control.
- Money handling experience, door experience, Police Information Check required.
Merchandise
- Selling Block Heater and artist merchandise.
- Money handling experience, Police Information Check required.
Recycling Station
- Monitoring recycling station at Festival Hall.
- Knowledge or interest in waste management preferred, but not required.
MEDIA & PUBLICITY
Photography
- Documents the event with photos.
- Experienced volunteers only. Interview & portfolio required.
Videography
- Documents the event with video recordings.
- Experienced volunteers only. Interview & portfolio required.
STAGES
Stage Support
- Assists production staff with set-up, strike & other sound needs.
- Experienced volunteers only. Interview required.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Volunteer ID
- Preparing and distributing volunteer packages.
- Experience on Volunteer ID crew required.
Volunteer Information
- Filling volunteer gaps; distributing program; answering volunteer questions; etc.
- Experience on Volunteer Information crew preferred, but not required.
Block Heater Timelines
Calendar Overview
November
- Call to returning volunteers
- Call to new volunteers
December
- Crew placements begin
January
- Crew placements confirmed
- Crew schedules completed
February
- Volunteer orientation (new volunteers only) | Feb 11 | 12-30-1 pm
- Volunteer package pick-up | Feb 11 | 12-3 pm
- Door Training | Feb 11 | 1-1:30 pm
- Block Heater – a winter music extravaganza | Feb 15-17
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