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Volunteers

Volunteering at the Convention

We can use your help! Please see the Volunteer FAQs below for more information on how you can help.

CONVENTION VOLUNTEER FAQS

Note: The information below does NOT apply to Children's Program volunteers. Please click here for details about volunteering in the Children's Program.

Sue DeFazio, Volunteer Coordinator, volunteernow@heav.org

I want to give something back to HEAV--may I volunteer for a few hours during convention?
What do I have to know to volunteer?
Who may volunteer?
My young adult or teen wants to volunteer. Do I have to pay to register him?
When should I offer to volunteer?
How many volunteers do you really need?
Can I get a discount on my registration by volunteering at the convention?
Do I have to complete my two hours before I am allowed early entry into the UCS?
Do I have to miss a session to volunteer?
Can I volunteer for more than two hours?
Can I use my volunteer hours at convention for the HEAV VIP Volunteer Incentive Program or the Presidential Service Award?

I want to give something back to HEAV--may I volunteer for a few hours during convention?
A: Yes! We would love to have your help! If you know where you want to volunteer, you may directly contact the coordinator for that area (see the list below), or fill out the Volunteer Checklist and we will send it directly to the coordinator for you. If you don't have an area of convention in mind, use our Volunteer Checklist to let us know the day and time you are willing to work--we will find just the right place for you! 

[ Photo credit: Seth Fisher, Through My Lens Photography ]

Exhibit Hall
HT & Tammy Bear
exhibithall@heav.org

Graduation
graduation@heav.org

HEAV Tables
Linda Linder
linda@heav.org

Information & Security
Tim & Sue Grimes
security@heav.org

On-site Registration
Rebekah Bentley
registration@heav.org

Speaker Hosts & Hostesses
Ann Harrell
speakerhosts@heav.org

Used Curriculum Sale
ucs@heav.org

Q: What do I have to know to volunteer?
 A: No prior experience is necessary for the majority of our volunteer positions. We need volunteers to register convention attendees, greet our pre-registered convention attendees, sort and sell books at the UCS, hand out information, check bags in the Exhibit Hall, host or hostess the workshops, and answer the same question (e.g., Where is the closest bathroom?) 50 times with a smile. We also need volunteers with significant homeschooling experience to answer questions at the HEAV tables.

Q: Who may volunteer?
 A: Any registered attendee of the convention may volunteer. Young adults and teens are welcome to volunteer, but they must be registered for convention with a parent. Able-bodied men are always needed for set up and security.

Q: My young adult or teen wants to volunteer. Do I have to pay to register him?
A: Yes. All volunteers, including young adults and teens, must be registered to attend the convention. Any child under the age of 16 must volunteer with a parent unless special permission from the specific department or from the volunteer coordinator is given. All children, including teens, MUST attend convention with an adult. We have many children who volunteer year after year at the convention and love the opportunity they have to serve and develop friendships. Even tweens and younger children love to volunteer in the UCS alongside their parent. 

Q: When should I offer to volunteer?
 A: It's never too early--or too late! It is very helpful for the convention coordinators to know they have volunteers lined up by the end of May. If you call early, you will have more choices AND you will be a great encouragement to our coordinators! Keep in mind the Thursday afternoon and evening volunteer shifts are the first to fill up, so register for those time slots early. If you decide to attend convention at the last minute, stop by the volunteer booth next to the Registration area [Floor plan] during the convention--there will undoubtedly still be opportunities available.

Q: How many volunteers do you really need?
 A: We generally utilize more than 450 volunteers at the convention! If everyone does a little, things go smoothly and all are blessed.

Q: Can I get a discount on my registration by volunteering at the convention?
A: Volunteers do not receive a discount on registration costs, but there are other benefits for our volunteers. Those who volunteer at least two hours will have the opportunity to shop first in the Used Curriculum Sale on Friday morning. This allows our volunteers to be the first to have access to the best selection of materials.

Q: Do I have to complete my two hours before I am allowed early entry into the UCS?
 A: No. You can receive a ticket ahead of your volunteer time from the volunteer or department coordinator that allows you access into the early volunteer UCS shopping time. Our volunteers consistently show up to volunteer when they are scheduled, regardless of whether it is before or after the UCS shopping time. The UCS also has a list of scheduled volunteers who should be given early admission.

Q: Do I have to miss a session to volunteer?
 A: Not at all! We need volunteers at each of the sessions to assist the speakers. This is a great way to volunteer and also enjoy the workshops at the same time! You only need to help out in two sessions to qualify for early admission into the UCS. There are also volunteer shifts available on Thursday to register people, help in the UCS and Exhibit Hall, and to man the HEAV Tables before or as the convention opens. If you enjoy serving food, the Hospitality Suite has early breakfast hours and lunch hours available. The Hospitality Suite is a favorite for families that like to volunteer together. Keep in mind the Thursday shifts fill up the earliest.

Q: Can I volunteer for more than two hours?
 A: Absolutely! We ask for at least two hours of service in order to receive a pass for early admission to the UCS, but you may volunteer as much time as you like. We appreciate all of our volunteers and many enjoy it so much they volunteer for much more than two hours! Our volunteers are a special group of people that continue, year after year, to amaze us with their dedication and commitment to service. 

Q: Can I use my volunteer hours at the convention for the HEAV VIP Volunteer Incentive Program or the Presidential Service Award?
A: You may use your volunteer hours while onsite at convention for early admittance to the UCS, but not for the VIP program. You can, however, add these hours to your service hours for the Presidential Service Award.

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