Vounteering at FAR-West 2012

The 2012 FAR-West conference will be Thursday, October 18th through Sunday, October 21st.  It will be in Southern California and accessible by airport, rail and major freeway.  We are still negotiating with the hotel and hope to sign a contract and announce an exact location in the next couple of weeks.

FAR-West is an all volunteer organization.  By definition, a "volunteer" is a person who performs a service without compensation. Nobody is financially compensated for their time in making the annual conference come together.  Even the conference coordinator and Board members are expected to pay full price for the conference.  The lone exception to this is that in consideration for those who have financial hardship in attending the conference, some limited compensation is
available for on-site volunteer hours to help offset a portion of the registration fees. This past year, that amount -- when requested in advance -- was: $25 for 4 hours and $50 for 8 hours.  There is also a scholarship fund for artists available to help with registration fees.

So, what do the volunteers who put in time over the 12 months of planning and organizing the conference "get out of it?"  They get the rewards that come from being a part of something special.  Don't like the way something has been done?  Think you have better ideas?  This is your chance to have input into the planning of next year's conference.  This is also a great way to make contacts and connections that will enhance your experience at the conference.  All of the main organizers for the conference have their names on the FAR-West website, and in the program book.  You are recognized as a volunteer and get exposure you wouldn't get otherwise.  People will get to know who you are.  This is part of networking.

FAR-West is one of those organizations where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.  Here's your chance to get involved.

Go to the 2012 Conference link on our website and click on the "Volunteering at FAR-West 2012" link for details.  To volunteer for any open position, please contact me at julie@jrp-graphics.com.

Julie Paris
Russ & Julie's House Concerts