VOLUNTEERS Want to be a Shuffle Volunteer? Volunteer, a derivative of the Latin "voluntaries" meaning, "of one's free will". As with many festivals and events, the Southside Shuffle would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who devote and donate their time and effort into making the Southside Shuffle one of the fastest growing, most successful festivals in Southern Ontario, and North America! It is a labour of love for the Southside Shuffle volunteer, with the countless hours and it ends with an exhausted yet exhilarated soul. Being a Southside Shuffle volunteer is regarded as a privilege. Consider the opportunities it presents: learning new skills, unleashing hidden talents, meeting hundreds of wonderful people, experiencing some of the best in the music biz and quite simply, having FUN. Volunteering is what makes communities like Port Credit thrive and a pleasure to visit. Thanks to the many volunteers who lend their skills throughout the year to the expansive list of activities - all the community events visitors and tourists come from miles around to enjoy. The Southside Shuffle - Port Credit's Blues and Jazz Festival - its Volunteer Comittee and Board of Directors wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers that make this festival possible. From those who work all year long in the preparation to the ones who come out festival weekend to see it through. Each and everyone is equally important as the next and makes this event what it is. How do I become a volunteer? The Southside Shuffle could not happen without a dedicated crew of volunteers, and the festival experience can be much more fun when you're part of the team! Click here to sign up now and join the team!. If you have any questions please email volunteers@southsideshuffle.com Why would you want to become a volunteer at the Southside Shuffle? Read what some of our volunteers are saying about their experience: "Let me thank you for having been instrumental in having access to this kind of experience. I had that chance to see the bands first-hand and hear their quality music. It never dawned on me that there was much more to the music than meets the eye. There was this bunch of people called 'volunteers' who were there, who really enjoyed doing what they did. There was this bunch of people who wanted just to make other people happy (and without compensation). If you'll just see how Denise would run after every festival-goer and smilingly hand 'em a free '2004' Festival button...you'll understand what I mean. With regards to my assigned task as a member of the 'clean-up gang', everything was worthwhile working with Mr. Nick's group. Alex, Zach and Chris were great. All these three were half my age but we got along well. Mr. Nick's enthusiasm was contagious. He never missed to acknowledge a job well done". Abet "Brenda, last night was amazing! I think my decision to volunteer for the Southside Shuffle is going down as definitely one of the best things I reached for this year. What a tremendous experience. Thank you and please let Sandy know how much I appreciated being part of this years Shuffle." Janina Hi Brenda, I enjoy volunteering with the Southside Shuffle. The number one pleasure that I receive is meeting so many people whom like myself, love the blues. The music is hot and the party just goes on!" Roger What can I do as a Volunteer? Please read through the following area descriptions to find a desirable volunteer position. We ask you to choose 3 areas of preference, and we will do our best to try and place you in one of the three. We know you'll enjoy whatever volunteering you do for the festival. Set up/Break down: Work with the crew before, during and after the festival to set it up, maintenance during the festival and break it down afterwards. Can be very physical, with long and late hours. Areas could include stage, street, anywhere on site. Street Shuffle: work as a member of the Street Shuffle crew to set up and take down street barriers before and after the Street Shuffle. During the Street Shuffle, maintain order, deal with public, support bands on street. Must be able to lift & move heavy metal barriers, a time-sensitive activity. Must be a team player. Front Gate: To greet the public, to check or sell wristbands. Can be fast-paced at times. Must be able to handle cash, may be on your feet for long periods of time. CD & Merchandise Sales: To sell CDÕs, t-shirts, posters, etc. at different locations (Main Stage, Front Gate, Street Shuffle, Legion). Must be personable, able to handle cash. Can be fast-paced at times. Hospitality: For musicians, VIPs, and/or volunteers. This can be a very busy area. Must be sociable. Greet people as they come in, keep area tidy, maintain food & drink supply, create a welcoming atmosphere. Beer Tent: Servers: To serve alcohol and to ensure compliance to liquor control regulations and the safety of patrons. Friendly, responsible and energetic. Must be 19 yrs. of age or older and have Smart Serve Certificate. Ticket Sellers: To sell beer/liquor tickets to public. Must be good with cash, personable, responsible. Can be fast-paced at times. Support Staff: Supply servers with orders, maintain inventory, etc. NOTE: Must be 19 years of age or older to work in this area. Transportation: To Transport Artists from Airport to Park, Legion or Banquet Hall. Must have Valid Driver's License and good driving record. Mature, personable, flexible, willing to work long hours. Some shifts require 2 drivers per vehicle - bring along your spouse or buddy and work together. Miscellaneous: Parking Monitor: To control parking lots, checking for valid parking passes. Must be mature, diplomatic. Dealing with artists, Festival staff, public. Park Maintenance: Working with Maintenance Crew to create and maintain a welcoming environment by keeping the park clean. Floater: To fill in wherever assistance is needed. Must be flexible, energetic, and willing to pitch in wherever and whatever is needed in any area of the festival. Shuffle "Ambassadors": To promote the Southside Shuffle. Throughout the summer, visit local businesses, or attend other events where the music fans are. Hand out postcards, and/or sell merchandise and talk up the Southside Shuffle.