CALL FOR
REPUBLICAN VOLUNTEERS!
With election season underway, we are about to get our Shelby County Republican Party “outreach” season in full swing as well. During the summer months, there are festivals and events in which we register, set-up, and staff a booth. This is actually a pleasurable experience to represent our party, get some sunshine (not too much though, we do have a tent), fresh air, and enjoy the flavor, sounds, and (usually) music of the event.
ALABASTER CITYFEST - JUNE 2
This is a Call for Volunteers to work the Shelby County Republican Party Booth at the ALABASTER CITYFEST (http://www.alabastercityfest.com/) on June 2. Following below is a description of the various duties involved for our party to participate effectively, efficiently, and without excessive burden on anyone. Please review and CLICK HERE TO EMAIL or call 205-821-5916, and be sure to provide your name, your phone number (cell phone preferable to accommodate text messages) and email address, along with the preferred area you wish to volunteer (see additional info below). This is always an enjoyable time, and an opportunity for you to serve our party in a meaningful, productive, and fun way. There are four (4) areas in which volunteers are needed:
- Outreach Event Coordinator
- Event Set-up
- Event Break-down
- Booth Volunteer
Outreach Event Coordinator
The Outreach Event Coordinator is responsible to ensure that each functional area listed hereafter is both equipped and adequately staffed to represent the Shelby County Republican Party at its selected events. Communication and coordination with SCGOP officials, event officials/coordinators, and SCGOP volunteers are critical aspects of this role.
o Duties Include:
§ Coordinate call for volunteers with Communications Director and/or Chairman
§ Identify and schedule volunteers
§ Notify volunteers of assignments, times, etc.
§ Advance preparation of booth supplies using checklist
§ Notify Chairman or other designated official of items missing or in need of replacement
§ Advance contact and coordination with designated event officials/representatives
§ Advance review or survey of location (as necessary)
§ Provide adequate instruction to volunteers
§ Collection and timely transfer of completed information, sign-up, and voter registration forms
o Estimated Duration: 3-4 Hours
o Time of Day: Variable, precedes the date of event
Event Set-Up
Event set-up involves some moderately physical activity, which should be taken into account by the volunteer considering this role. Some light lifting is involved, primarily items such as (1) booth supply box, (2) canopy and frame, (2) tables, chairs and other accessories/supplies required for the booth. Other physical aspects include setting up the canopy frame, placing the canopy fabric in place, placing and securing ropes, cords, or tie-wraps fastened to banners or signage, and driving anchors to secure legs on the canopy frame. Adequate consideration should be given for capability to haul the items mentioned herein from HQ to the event site.
o Duties include:
§ Verify at HQ, along with checklist, supplies available for event
§ Identify and obtain any items missing
§ Pickup ALL supplies (see checklist), canopy, table(s), chairs at HQ
§ Deliver items listed above to outreach event site
§ Check in with event officials and obtain access to event property and booth site location
§ Set-Up, as applicable, including, but not limited to the following:
§ Set up and place on booth site the “EX-UP” canopy frame and fabric
§ Drive anchors and secure canopy frame legs to anchors
§ Hang and secure banners and signs
§ Set-up folding table and chairs
§ Secure supplies box beneath table for later use by Booth Volunteers
o Estimated Duration: Including drive time 1-2 hours
o Time of Day: Typically early morning prior to event commencement OR evening of the day preceding event
Event Break-Down
Event Break-Down essentially is the reverse of Event Set-Up. Likewise, this phase involves some moderately physical activity, which should be taken into account by the volunteer considering this role. Some light lifting is involved, primarily items such as (1) booth supply box, (2) canopy and frame, (2) tables, chairs and other accessories/supplies required for the booth. Other physical aspects include taking down the canopy frame, remove canopy fabric, untie and release ropes, cords, or tie-wraps fastened to banners or signage, and pulling up anchors secured to legs on the canopy frame. Adequate consideration should be given for capability to haul the items mentioned herein from the event site back to HQ.
o Duties include:
• Break down table and chairs
• Take down and pack banners and signs
• Pull up anchors for canopy
• Take down canopy frame and remove/fold canopy fabric
• Re-pack canopy and frame into duffle bag
• Orderly pack supplies box
• Conduct spot inventory of items used up, soiled, or damaged and note on Checklist
• Haul and return ALL booth items to HQ and secure into appropriate storage area.
• Notify Outreach Event Coordinator upon completion, reporting any items that require replacement
o Estimated Duration: Including drive time 1-2 hours
o Time of Day: Typically mid-to-late afternoon, at close of event
Booth Volunteer
The Booth Volunteer works the booth during the course of an event. The volunteer is usually seated behind a table in the booth and is a smiling face and personal representation of our county party. This is without exception an enjoyable experience, particularly if the volunteer likes meeting the public and interaction with others. Even if the volunteer is not particularly outgoing or shy, the booth is there to make information available to those who wish to stop by, and otherwise may be a passive presence on the part of the volunteer. Consequently, most anyone is capable of filling this valuable role.
o Duties include:
• Voter Registration
• Volunteer sign-up
• Distribute GOP and (if applicable) candidate information literature
• Answer questions about and generally represent the Shelby County GOP at the event
• Maintain neat and orderly presence of the booth
o Estimated Duration: Variable, but typically involves a 2-hour shift
o Time of Day: Usually daytime hours, usually weekend, most often Saturdays (Exceptions: Shelby County Fair does involve nighttime duty.
General Instructions
The purpose of filling any of the aforementioned roles is to be a representative of the Shelby County Republican Party. In doing so, volunteers are expected to be mindful of and demonstrate appropriate conduct and, likewise, the message you convey during your time as a volunteer. These guidelines are not intended to dictate or restrict your opinions or preferences outside the context of your service to SCGOP, but they are intended to provide reasonable boundaries for the volunteer while on duty.
o Typically these outreach events are family oriented, and thus alcohol is usually not available on the premises anyway. Regardless, consumption of or being under the influence of alcohol or any other substance while a representative of the SCGOP is strictly forbidden.
o Engaging with the interested public is encouraged, however, please refrain from arguments or confrontations.
o While there are many good messages, causes, and personalities worthy of our time, please concentrate on the principles, ideas, purpose, and activities of our county party. Any prospective “dual” interests you think should be presented during an outreach effort shall be only with the express knowledge and approval of the Chairman and the Steering Committee.
o Avoid messages that are in conflict with or ambiguous to the purpose of our outreach effort. Particular, during or before a primary season, expression that would give the impression or perception that SCGOP favors or endorses a particular candidate are contrary to purposes of the SCGOP and are forbidden.
