The Importance of Volunteers

Jan Bonhomme
Executive Director
St. Lawrence 1812 Bicentennial Alliance

By now, you may be aware how I myself realize and appreciate the importance of VOLUNTEERS! For many festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers! I like to ask our leaders in this industry how many volunteers they require for their events and if they have a system in place to “keep them happy?” Jan replies… “ We truly understand the importance of volunteers especially re-enactors who give up just about every weekend, work their butts off all weekend long, sleep outside on the ground, etc. Our Flight of the Royal George signature event on the July 1st long weekend in 2012 expects to have more than 1000 re-enactors involved. Our plan is to treat them like kings not servants providing good meals, good supplies, constant support and appreciation gifts. For the IPM, we created a Volunteer headquarters for our 1500 volunteers (the Sunshine Team) where they could go to relax, get fresh food and drink, share their stories and re-group. We made sure to train, identify, cloth, feed, and thank each and everyone in a special way!” Jan is very much like-minded with me on this issue! Fortunately, for many other wonderful festivals and events, they too have the realized the importance of volunteers, and in part, how their success is based on the dedicated, hardworking, committed volunteers efforts!
(To Be Continued)