VOLUNTEERS

Are you ready to dive into the world of anime and make a difference? Volunteering at KISUUCON is the perfect way to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and contribute to the vibrant anime community. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge new friendships, and gain insight into the inner workings of our event.

Our volunteers help in so many different ways. Below are a few examples of roles you could sign-up for.

1. Registration Staff: Volunteers in this role help attendees check-in, pick up badges, and provide event information.
2. Safety Team/Peace-Bonding: These volunteers ensure the safety and security of attendees, enforce cosplay weapon policies, and help maintain order.
3. Panels and Programming: Assist in organizing and managing panels, workshops, and events. This may involve coordinating schedules, assisting panelists, and ensuring rooms are set up properly.
4. Exhibit Hall/Dealer's Room: Volunteers help with managing vendor and artist booths, assisting vendors, and maintaining the exhibit hall's order.
5. Autograph Lines: Manage lines for guest autograph sessions, ensuring attendees have a smooth experience meeting their favorite guests.
6. Access Control: Ensure only authorized individuals enter restricted areas, such as backstage or VIP sections.

We appreciate the dedication of our volunteers and offer some fantastic benefits:

• A volunteer badge, granting full event access for the entire weekend.
• Priority seating and access to most events and programming, allowing you to skip lines and secure prime seats.
• Special access to VIP and add-on events; we set aside extra spots for volunteers to purchase tickets. If an event is sold out, check with your staff      coordinator, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
• Limited autograph priority to ensure you can get that special autograph without      long waits.

Here's how the volunteer process works at KISUUCON: 

1. Fill out the volunteer application. 
2. We will review your application, conduct background checks, and decide whether to approve or decline your volunteer request.
3. If approved and you used a staff code, you'll be assigned to the corresponding staff. If you didn't provide a staff code, you'll be placed in the general volunteer pool for assignment to staff with open spots.
4. Once you're assigned to a staff, you'll receive an email confirming your staff assignment and providing contact details for your coordinator. Feel free to reach out to your staff coordinator for any volunteer-related needs.
5. Your staff coordinator will contact you before the event with your schedule, and instructions for badge collection, on-site check-in, and other essentials for the weekend.

Every journey comes with rules, and we want you to be well-prepared:

1. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, with a birthday on or before the Thursday preceding KISUUCON. Those 16-18 years old could volunteer with parental consent. 
2. Adhere to all event rules, procedures, and policies related to behavior, attire, weapons, drugs, and alcohol.
3. Consent to a criminal background check, with information shared as necessary.
4. Always carry a valid picture ID (Driver’s License, State ID Card, or Passport) during your shift.
5. Check in with your staff coordinator as required.
6. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your assigned shift; notify your coordinator if you'll be late.
7. Wear suitable clothing during your shift, maintain proper hygiene, and adhere to staff guidelines.

At KISUUCON, we prioritize a harassment-free and safe event for all participants, regardless of their background. Our strict anti-harassment policy ensures a respectful environment.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, including verbal comments reinforcing social hierarchies and discrimination related to various factors. Harassment encompasses deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwelcome contact, and disruptive behavior at events.

Harassment also includes abuse of power, which involves using one's position to manipulate or take advantage of others. All participants, including exhibitors, artists, guests, panelists, staff, and event attendees, are expected to follow these rules at all venues and social events.

Our organizers may take appropriate action against violators, including warnings, expulsion from the event, or law enforcement involvement. If you experience harassment or have concerns, contact a coordinator, first responders, a director, or executive operations immediately. Your safety is our utmost priority.