VOLUNTEER HANDBOOKGENERAL VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteers—The Main Ingredient of the Pittsburgh Irish FestivalEvery year we add new volunteer positions and volunteers to the PIF family.

The time and energy that you provide to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival enables us to present one of the “biggest and best” Irish festivals in the United States. The Pittsburgh Irish Festival is the largest Irish festival in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We take your volunteering seriously and hope you do too. When you sign up, we depend on your help, and without your help, we are not able to provide our patrons with an outstanding Festival experience. So, keeping this in mind, we need you to fulfill your volunteer assignment, but most importantly, we want you to have fun at the Festival.

About Pittsburgh Irish Festival Vision: To enhance the Irish Culture through educational outreach and yearly festivals.

Mission: To contribute to the rich cultural awareness of Irish history and tradition that exists in Pittsburgh and to further promote and preserve all things Irish.

Diversity Statement: At the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, we strive to celebrate our Irish heritage and culture, while welcoming all people. It is only by welcoming all that the Pittsburgh Irish Festival can succeed in contributing, promoting and preserving all things Irish.

The Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability.

All employees, volunteers, entertainers, staff, and vendors are expected to adhere to this non-discrimination policy. Any act(s) that may violate this policy shall be reported to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival immediately. (412) 422-1113, pghirishfestival@gmail.com

Festival HoursFriday: 4PM – 11PM, Saturday: 11AM – 11PM,

Sunday: 9AM – 5PM Volunteer CenterFor information about volunteering during the Festival, visit PghIrishFest.org for online information. The Volunteer Center is located just inside the Amphitheatre area, just below the main entrance. After checking in at the Front Entrance Gazebo and proceeding through the gate, be sure to check in at the Volunteer Center before heading to your assignment.

Volunteer Kick Off Party Join us the Wednesday prior to the Festival from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle (corner of 24th Street and Penn Avenue in the Strip District). Attendance is strongly encouraged. Get information on where to report on the day you volunteer, what the volunteer expectations are for each area, etc. You’ll also get the scoop on all the last minute Festival news before the gates open on Friday afternoon. The volunteer party includes free food, drinks and entertainment. You’ll also have the opportunity to sign up for additional shifts at the Festival, plus you’ll meet old and new friends at this event!

Volunteer OrientationJoin us Thursday prior to the Festival on the Festival grounds to take a walk-though of the new areas, get a lay of the land and meet your area coordinator for the weekend. This is a good chance to leaner where everything is and feel comfortable before you arrive over the weekend. The orientation will run from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Riverplex, 1000 Sandcastle Drive, West Homestead, PA 15120.

Mandatory Check-InIt is critical that all volunteers check in at the Volunteer Center. Why? It is so that we ensure adequate volunteer coverage at all areas; you can help the effort by communicating with us. The Volunteer Center is your headquarters at the festival. Volunteers can grab a complimentary bottle of water, grab a snack or take a break out of the sun at the Volunteer Center located just inside the Amphitheatre area.

During your assignment, if you leave Festival grounds, your wristband will allow you re-entry on the day you volunteered. Upon entry at the main gate gazebo, you will be asked to validate your name and phone number before proceeding to the Volunteer Center.

Getting to and Serving at Your Assignment Present your personal information at the Main Gate • Go directly to the Volunteer Center, located immediately inside the Amphitheatre Area.

• Receive final volunteer assignment instructions and report to your location as instructed.

• Never assume if the area is staffed with volunteers, you are not needed - you are most likely there to replace or work with those volunteers.

• When your shift is complete, please do not leave until replacement volunteers have arrived or the Volunteer Coordinator or her representative has released you.

Getting Here

• Allow Travel and Parking Time.

• Check in at least 40 minutes before your shift.

• Allow plenty of extra time to get to the Festival.

• Check-in at the Volunteer Center to receive your assignment location and complimentary Festival t-shirt.

ParkingWe encourage you to carpool. With an army of over 400 volunteers, you may know someone else volunteering at the Festival. If you don’t know any other volunteers, ask a friend to sign up and volunteer with you at Festival. Join them and share a ride.

The Pittsburgh Irish Festival is not responsible for loss or damage to your vehicle, its accessories or contents resulting from theft, vandalism, fire or any other cause.

TEAM + At the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, our patrons and volunteers make the festival experience! Whenever you are interacting with patron, keep this simple formula in mind.

GENERAL GUIDELINESVOLUNTEER POLICIES & SAFETY PLANS

Thank You Plus + • Always say thank you

• Add the plus - is there anything else...

Attention • Welcome our guests

• Be there

Enthusiasm • Smile

• Have fun yourself

Make Their Day • Exceed expectations

General Policies of the Festival • No coolers, food, pets or weapons at the Festival

• No skateboards, bicycles or inline skates permitted.

• After your shift, please enjoy the Festival!

InformationThe PIF web site is your best source for up-to-the minute Festival information. We also will be using Facebook and Twitter throughout the weekend. Follow us on both Facebook and Twitter! www.PghIrishFest.org

Dress Code Your volunteer shirt and nametag indicate that you are on-duty as a volunteer. Dress for the weather (a jacket may be handy to have, especially for evening shifts) and for your own comfort, but keep common sense and safety in mind. Wear comfortable shoes, (such as athletic shoes) and bring any sun protection you may need (hat, sunscreen, etc.) Closed toed shoes are recommended.

Alcohol ConsumptionYou may not drink alcohol during your scheduled shift. If you plan to drink alcohol at the Festival, make sure you bring your photo ID to get a wristband. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, please purchase your beverage tokens at one of the conveniently located token booths on Festival grounds. Customer service is at the forefront of our mission. Any volunteer that is intoxicated will not be allowed to start their shift. Any volunteer that exhibits inappropriate behavior may be asked to step away from their duties. If at any time after your shift you feel you require assistance getting home safely, please check in with the Volunteer Center and we’ll be glad to make transportation arrangements.

Weather Conditions Rain or shine, please report to the Volunteer Center for your assignment. The need for volunteer help sometimes increases during inclement weather. If conditions become threatening, the Security Team will determine if and when the Emergency Evacuation Plan should be activated.

Scheduling, Cancellations, Changes, General Questions About Service All communication regarding scheduling, cancellations, shift change requests or general questions about volunteering should be directed to: Mary Ging, Volunteer Coordinator at maryging@msn.com

While on Duty The Pittsburgh Irish Festival Staff, identifiable by shirts and identification, are on-site throughout the festival and can assist you as needed.

Tell Us About It We value volunteer feedback and make many changes and enhancements based on it. Go to PghIrishFest.org to complete a volunteer survey when your experience is over. Paper copies will be in Volunteer Center as well.

No Show Volunteers A volunteer who does not report for their assigned shift and does not call or make an effort to notify the Volunteer Coordinator of the extenuating circumstance can be asked to not return for the following year’s festival. The volunteer should notify the Volunteer Coordinator at (412) 913-8446 or e-mail at pghirishfestival@gmail.com which will be checked repeatedly throughout the festival.

Excusing Volunteers The Pittsburgh Irish Festival has the right to terminate a volunteer at any time “at-will” for several reasons, including but not limited to: excessive no-show absences, not wearing appropriate identification, not passing a background check that is required to complete the assigned position, excessive drinking, violent behavior, poor customer service, discrimination of patrons/guests/team members, inappropriate dress code, or theft. Volunteers can be excused immediately or asked to not return to their position on-site or off-site.

Youth Volunteers The Pittsburgh Irish Festival welcomes the assistance of youth volunteers in specific areas: Children’s Area, Gate (ticket taking only), Ticket Counting, Green Team, and Site. All teens must be supervised by an adult Team Leader or work alongside their parent or legal guardian. All parents must sign and give permission for their teen to volunteer at the festival.

Cash Handling The Chairperson with the Festival Director (s), specifically for the Cash Office, Ticket Office, and Beverage Tickets positions should select volunteers handling cash at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. These volunteers should clear a background check with the State Police and County’s Sheriff’s Office which shall be kept on file. All other volunteers on-site that handle cash need to be carefully supervised by the Chairperson at all times. Anyone caught stealing from the festival will be dismissed immediately and face criminal charges.

Off-Duty Volunteers Your volunteer T-shirt provides you entry ONLY on the day(s) you are scheduled. Volunteers attending the Festival on a day when they are not scheduled to work are encouraged use a $2 discount coupon.

First Aid and Safety The UPMC First Aid booth is located near the center of the Festival grounds near the Celtic Spirit Stage inside the Festival grounds. Lost Children (or parents) should be directed to the Volunteer Center for family reunion time. For everyone’s safety, all bags and purses will be checked upon entry to Festival grounds.

Reporting an Injury In case of any injury while you are on duty, please get assistance from a staff member to take you to the UPMC First Aid booth. A staff member or volunteer can notify the Volunteer Center if you need further assistance or if you cannot complete your assignment.

If an injury of a patron is reported to you, or you witness a patron in need of medical attention, please notify Security immediately. They will take the proper channels to assist the patron by notifying the UPMC First Aid booth staff. SECURITY (412) 389-3498

Lost Child Procedure Many times in a “Lost Child” scenario, we have two potential causes: 1) Lost Parent and/or a 2) Lost Child. Both situations require immediate action, but an actual Lost Child scenario will be handled slightly different. When a child reports to a volunteer that they lost their parents, please retain the child by your side and ask another volunteer to contact Security immediately. Security, along with a Staff member, will take the child to the Volunteer Center to be reunited with their family. Scenario #2: A parent reports a lost child. Please follow the same procedure by retaining the parent who reported the missing child. Security will be instructed to CLOSE the Main Gate and all other secured entrances/exits until the child is found. No patrons, vendors, or volunteers will be allowed to leave or enter the Main Gate during the search of the child. Security along with the PIF Staff will handle the situation further as deemed necessary.SECURITY (412) 389-3498

Security (412) 389-3498Volunteers are asked to remain vigilant at all times about situations that may be a cause for concern. Security will be located at all entrances, exits and roaming the festival site. They will be identified in PEAK uniforms.

In The Event of an Emergency Tell a uniformed security guard or someone with a radio (PIF staff) about your emergency. They can reach the proper authorities. If you cannot see any person to tell, please all the Security Command Center at (412) 389-3498. This includes all public safety related issues.

Key contact names and phone numbers for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival staff:

Maura Krushinski (412) 310-5737Nan Krushinski (412) 654-9000Mairin Petrone (412) 848-4828SECURITY (412) 389-3498

**Administrative Volunteers will be able sit down for the majority of the shift and may be asked take on administrative duties such as counting used admission tickets, processing PIF surveys, etc.

Artist Merchandise You’ll be selling the merchandise (cd’s, t-shirts and other band stuff) from this year’s entertainment lineup and great festival gear, how cool is that? Cash handling skills required.

Irish Rover (Roving) These volunteers fill time periods or areas that may otherwise go understaffed. We are looking for flexible volunteers willing to be placed where the need is greatest.

Beverage Servers These volunteers will be serving alcoholic beverages to thousands of thirsty PIF patrons at one of our many service areas. This is a non-stop fast paced service area. This is one of the most popular positions at PIF, shifts fill quickly. When shifts are full, volunteers may be asked to accept a re-assignment to another location. Volunteers must be 21 to serve alcohol.

Beverage Token Sellers Outgoing personalities with great cash handling skills are needed to sell the PIF token to our patrons. Beverage tokens are used to purchase all beverages during the festival. Positions are available in token booths and roving the PIF grounds.

**Children’s Area The kids at PIF have the most fun, and that’s because of the great volunteers that help with these activities. Volunteers will lead kids crafts and assist with games in the Children’s Area. This is a perfect match for youth volunteers (12 yrs. and up) who want to volunteer at PIF by leading kids crafts and assisting with games in the Children’s Area. High school students needing to fulfill community service hours often sign up for this job!

**Courtesy Shuttle Carts Driver Help our PIF patrons get from the front gate to the festival grounds by providing transportation. You’ll be the first contact for all who enter... so put on a cheery smile! Providing minimal assistance to guests into and out of the shuttle may be required. This position might involve helping patrons to and from their cars. This position begins 15 minutes prior to the opening of the festival and finishes 30 minutes after close. Must have a valid driver’s license.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONSDESCRIPTIONS

Inclement Weather In the case of inclement weather in which the Festival grounds need to be evacuated, all patrons and volunteers will be alerted via announcements from the Stage on the proper emergency procedures. We ask that all volunteers help by listening and following the Festival leadership team’s directions. Evacuation points are divided into Quadrants A (Costco Gate near Celtic Spirit Stage), Quadrant B (Main Entrance Gate), and Quadrant C (behind Amphitheatre Stage into Sandcastle) SECURITY (412) 389-3498

Entertainment Hospitality This area is reserved for a special crew working with PIF staff. You must receive clearance to serve in this area.

Entertainment Transportation This is a reserved crew of volunteers who work closely with our Stage Coordinator to provide transportation for our entertainment. You must receive clearance to select this area and have a valid driver’s license.

Festival Merchandise Help sell festival logo apparel and fun items that promote PIF to patrons. Volunteers assist patrons with their purchases with sales skills, tracking inventory and sales. Supervised money handling is required of some volunteers.

Food Vendor Support Setup includes helping set up tables and chairs, install signs, hang lights, other tent details etc. Assistant helps deliver ice and water to food vendors, keep the food area clean, and provide customer service to Irish Fest patrons. Teardown includes taking down tables and chairs, signs, lights and ensuring that the Food Vendor area is clean and better than we found it.

Friday Early-In Sign-up here to help check IDs, wrist-band and sell Beverage Tokens to the line of waiting patrons for the PIF Happy Hour Early-In. One shift only, reserved positions. Cash handling skills required.

Gate This is a great job! You get to meet everyone that comes to the festival. This is a fast paced position and volunteers will be on their feet for several hours. Taking tickets, checking ID’s, wrist banding (RAMP) and welcoming patrons are your main functions.

Green Team Help the Pittsburgh Irish Festival Live Green! You’ll help maintain our many recycling containers and educate our patrons as to what can and can’t be recycled. Work with others as you recycle plastic bottles, cardboard from vendors and aluminum cans. Lifting and walking are required.

Market Vendor Setup Includes measuring and marking off spaces on ground inside tent, marking off aisles, assigning space numbers, moving tables to spaces, assigning electrical boxes to spaces, installing signs, positioning trash containers, opening and closing tents sides, other tent details etc. Assistants opens vendors tents and secures with bungees daily, checks with vendors to see if they need anything, delivers food and water that vendors pay for so they do not have to leave their booth, keep the market vendor tent interior and exterior clean, pick up trash, answers questions for vendors, close vendor tent sides at night. Provide exceptional customer service to Irish Fest market vendors and patrons. Teardown includes taking down tables and stacking them in one central location in each tent, removing signs, and ensuring that the Market Vendor area is clean and better than we found it.

Powder Room Technicians If you were at the festival last year, you know the buzz was all about our powder rooms! Be part of this fun team. Put on a friendly face, restock toiletry items as needed, empty the garbage, and fun bantering with the patrons. We promise we won’t make you clean the actual toilets.

Site You’ll be part of the team that “builds” PIF from the bottom up. This physically demanding job begins on Tuesday of festival week through Monday the following week for both set-up and tear-down. Involves lifting, walking and other physical tasks. Development and tear-down of site infrastructure including tables, chairs, limited construction skills, and use of tools are required. Work throughout the weekend handling issues as they pertain to the festival venue. Lifting and walking involved.

Stage Crew This is a reserved crew of volunteers who work closely with our stage manager. Come “set the stage” for our patrons.

Survey Team We want to know who is coming to PIF! Help us capture the demographics of our festival, how they found out about us, where they came from, and their experience. You will have the freedom to move throughout the Fest or be stationed at the gate and catch people as they enter or leave. Computer entry volunteers needed as well!

Tara Tea Booth The Festival will feature a classic Irish Tea Room that will be both yummy and educational. Volunteers are needed to help serve and educate patrons about tea.

Volunteer Check-In This special crew of volunteers takes care of YOU! Small team to help check-in volunteers and assign help in needed areas on-site. Help maintain the NEW Volunteer Appreciation Area with seating to watch the Amphitheatre Stage, beverages and snacks. Maintain the area, keeping it clean and well-stocked for your volunteer team! Talk to Mary Ging if you are interested.

Welcome Center Customer Service is #1 at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. Volunteers distribute Will Call tickets, handle lost & found items and answer general questions about both the festival and community. Volunteers need to be energetic, friendly and helpful. This is a busy job with constant activity that requires standing and great customer service skills.

Wristband/Check IDs This hand-select group of volunteers keeps our patrons happy and safe during the festival, and helps ensure that the Pittsburgh Irish Festival maintain all state liquor control board laws.

All positions require constant walking and or standing with the exception of the areas noted with an **.

Please note this when signing up for your position.

Reminder: You can sign-up on-line at www.PghIrishFest.org which will also send email reminders and notifications. You will not receive these notifications if you file a paper application, only a mailed confirmation of your schedule.

NOTES

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