Without volunteers, we wouldn’t have WordCamps. Volunteers are the heart of WordCamps and their contributions are vital to the success of these events thanks to their their volunteered time, skills, and energy.
We would love for you to join our team of volunteers! There are no special requirements to volunteer. From lead organizers to speakers to Contributor Day collaborators, WordCamps around the globe only happen because of our community of volunteers.
Below, find a bit about volunteering for WordCamp US as well as the volunteer roles available.
Who Can Apply?
WordCamp US (WCUS) is looking for volunteers who have technical and non-technical backgrounds. Newcomers to WordPress and WordCamps are always welcome.
A diverse set of volunteers bring fresh perspectives and fosters cultural exchange that makes everyone feel safe and welcome at a WordCamp.
Every volunteer has different talents. Maybe you’re interested in helping greet people at the registration desk, emceeing a panel to introduce our speakers, welcoming newcomers at the community table, or in one of the many other areas of need.
You can be certain there is a volunteer role that could use your help! And in return for your generous help, you’ll receive some benefits as well, including:
- Fun and camaraderie: Working alongside other passionate volunteers creates a sense of camaraderie and fosters a fun, engaging environment.
- Giving back: As WordCamps are community-driven events, volunteering is a way for individuals to give back to the community, contribute to its growth, and support the open-source movement.
- Networking: WordCamps are ideal platforms to meet like-minded individuals, professionals, and experts from the WordPress community. Volunteering can help build meaningful connections and expand one’s professional network.
- Free WCUS ticket: In addition to the other benefits listed above, your ticket to WCUS will be completely covered by us! So when you’re not listed on the schedule, you can participate in the WordCamp by attending sessions, speaking to sponsors, and more.
To be part of the Volunteers team, we do ask you to:
- Be kind, respectful, helpful, and work well with others
- Keep a positive attitude
- Follow the Code of Conduct
Help us create a welcoming, fun, and friendly atmosphere!
What does the time commitment look like?
This is flexible but we do ask for a minimum commitment of two half days or one full day for volunteering. This leaves you with plenty of time to fully enjoy WordCamp US as an attendee. You’re welcome to volunteer more than that too. (Thank you!) When you apply to volunteer, you’ll share your availability for volunteering with us. Your availability will be used to create the volunteer schedule.
So, what’s next? I’m ready to get started!
- Ready to join the fun as a volunteer? Just click the Apply to volunteer button below and fill out the form – it’s that easy!
- Once you’ve applied, you will see a message that shows that we received your application.
- Rest assured, your application is in good hands! We’re excited to review it and ensure it aligns with the selection criteria we shared with you. Our team will carefully assess your application, and we appreciate the effort you’ve put into applying.
- Our awesome team will review your application ASAP. Applicants will be notified by July 15th at the latest. You will receive a notification whether you were selected as a volunteer or not.
Can’t wait to have you on board!
Note: The Call for Volunteers closes on July 1st, 2024
Please note that we have a separate application for photographers this year. The Call for Photographers will open soon. Stay tuned!
We realize you may wish to adjust your volunteering commitment if you’re unable to attend WCUS or if you apply to speak at WCUS and are selected as a speaker. Regardless, please apply as a volunteer now if you believe you will be attending and you want to donate your time.
We can make final adjustments to your volunteer hours as necessary closer to the event date if your travel plans change. Likewise, if you’ve applied to be a speaker and are selected, your volunteer hours will be changed to accommodate your new schedule.
We thank you for your interest in volunteering! We ❤️ our volunteers!
Important dates
| Call for Volunteers opens | May 2nd |
| Call for Volunteers closes | July 1st |
| Applicants notified | July 15th |
| Volunteer schedule shared with volunteers | August 15th |
Volunteer roles
There are lots of different ways to volunteer at WordCamp US! Curious about the available volunteer roles? Check out the list below!
Attendee Services
Accessibility Support
Your job is to support attendees with extra needs, including those with disabilities or requiring assistance in specific venue areas. Familiarize yourself with wheelchair-accessible spots like elevators and access routes to Tracks or Workshops. Your role isn’t confined; you might also help volunteers with diverse accessibility needs to navigate the venue.
Information Desk & Lost/Found
You’ll be responsible for providing information to the attendees regarding the entire WCUS event. This could include information in relation to the venue areas, the tracks – even the schedule of events – these are just a few of the questions you will might be asked to answer. But don’t worry, you’re not expected to have all of the answers but being able to assist in any possible way would be perfect – and where you don’t know the answer, having the initiative to ask the relevant team and/or organizer for guidance. This role will also involve supporting with the collation of lost & found items and be responsible for safeguarding them until the responsible person comes for them.
Registration Desk
You’ll have the exciting opportunity to be among the first faces our attendees encounter, warmly greeting them as they arrive at the conference. Your main responsibilities will include offering essential information to visitors and ensuring smooth badge distribution/printing for attendees, volunteers, and speakers alike.
Swag Station
You’ll be responsible for the distribution of free swag to our visitors. This includes:
- Unbox boxes of swag and set up swag table. Restock swag table as needed
- Give swag to attendees and check attendance records once completed
Room Staff
Emcee & track lead
You will be announcing speakers and transitions between sessions. You will be provided a script with speaker bios. Introduce yourself to the speaker and ask about special requests as well as check bio and name pronunciation. You will also act as a lead for your assigned room. You will make sure all room volunteers are in their position and performing assigned tasks.
Time keeper
Communicate with the speakers and emcee about time limits/schedule. Coordinate with Track Lead and ensure that talks start and end on time. Explain to speaker how/when you will show ‘remaining time’ cards during their session.
Speaker assistant
Get to know speakers, introduce yourself to your speaker, and find speakers about 60 minutes before their talk. Show speaker the room they will be speaking in as well as the speaker room (green room).
Room guard
Open room doors after session, greet attendees as they enter, close doors when session starts, and help keep noise down around the room during the session.
Other / Special volunteer roles
Runner
This role will involve supporting our volunteers and bringing them everything they might need during their shifts while they are unable to leave their post. This could be water and/or eating, personal items and belongings from the volunteers’ room, an additional chair or required/additional equipment for their shift. You will be a ‘runner’ during your shift and therefore may be moving around the venue for long periods of time. You’ll be reporting to a Volunteers Team organizer and this will involve communicating with them through our preferred platform (Slack), therefore you’ll need to have a mobile device with you. Additionally, you may need to reply to requests from your volunteer colleagues in the Volunteers Slack channel.
Lunchtime support
This is a limited in length shift (i.e. special shift). Your role will be to allow attendees to proceed to the lunch area in a controlled manner. You’ll need to know where the serving stations are located and assist visitors locating where specific food types are being served (for example, Halal, Vegetarian alternatives, etc)
Greeters/Roamers
The Volunteers Team organizers will place roamers in stations to help direct traffic. Help attendees find their way around and answer attendee questions. Greet attendees and help create a fun and positive atmosphere. Fill in as needed as things come up during the event.
Contributor Day Help Staff:
- Run registration desk during Contributor Day. Check in attendees and help attendees find their team’s table
- Help show new contributors the many different ways to get involved with WordPress
- Help onboard contributors on WordPress.org and Slack setup
- Guide new contributors navigate to make.wordpress.org
- Help answer contributor questions
- Be welcoming and friendly 🙂