Volunteering

>>>Click here to sign up to volunteer at Katsucon 17!<<<

Katsucon is run by volunteers just like you, and every year it needs lots of volunteers to make the convention happen! Whether you have 2 or 20 hours to spare, please consider volunteering some time to help keep Katsucon running smoothly throughout the weekend.

Why Volunteer?

There are many reasons to volunteer; here are some of the bigger ones:

1. Meet the people.

   Ask anyone who has volunteered: you meet people, make friends, and find out how the convention works behind the scenes.

2. Help the anime community.

   All staff who work at Katsucon are volunteers; no one gets paid a cent and some are not only paying for their badge, but their hotel rooms as well. They love anime and the anime community; without them, the convention would be nothing but utter chaos.

3. You may get a unique Katsucon souvenir.
   
   Volunteers who contribute 5 hours of time to helping at the convention will receive a item you won’t be able to find anywhere else. We won’t tell you what it is right away–it’s a surprise.
   
   
4. You may get a nifty-keen t-shirt.

   With 10 hours or more of volunteering, you will receive a limited edition t-shirt. These are not sold anywhere and they show for years to come that you were a valuable person in keeping the convention running.

5. You may get admission to the next Katsucon.

   For those who astound us with 20 or more hours of work, we appreciate you and will give you a free pre-registration to the next convention. Some people have gone convention to convention this way and never paid us a cent. However, this isn’t for everybody; it can be grueling to do that much time. For those of you who enjoy working behind the scenes, this is our way of saying ‘thank you’.

Common Fallacies About Volunteering

1. It’s too hard.

   Stuff and nonsense! You will never be given a job that is too hard for you; anything requiring a skill you don’t already have will be taught to you.

2. I have to be part of the "inner circle".

   No way! Katsucon is always looking for new talent. Many of the people in higher-up positions have been with the convention less than three years. There is no ‘inner circle’; it’s all anime fandom.

3. I will be stuck with a job I hate or can’t handle.

   While there’s always a need for someone to fill the thankless and tiring jobs of badge checking and room guarding, Katsucon will never force you to do something you absolutely don’t want to do.

4. I have no detectable molecule of skill or knowledge that could help anyone.

   If you can walk and talk at the same time, Katsucon has a position for you. You’d be surprised at what you know.

5. I won’t meet anyone or see anything at the convention.

   Just because you volunteer doesn’t mean that you have to miss the convention. Even two hours of work can make a huge difference! Also, you can choose the times and places you work. If you’re looking to meet a lot of people, volunteer at the Information Booth.

6. You’re really not an anime fan or you are just starting out in the genre.

   Perfect! This is how you can find out from the inside where to start. Some of the previous volunteers have been parents, siblings, roommates, significant others, and even driving buddies of attendees. Being dragged along for the weekend? The staff can help you fill your time and even explain what the big deal is.

7. I will be treated rudely and ignored by staff.

   Katsucon tries its best to give sincere thanks where thanks are due, even to someone who can only do a few hours during the con. If you feel you have been ignored, speak up! Sometimes things get hectic and you might be passed over, but this is unintentional.

8. I will be an anime god and have actual powers over others.

   They will bow before your mightiness and worship your shadow like the groveling slaves they are. Um… no. Anyone who thinks that should stay home or change the dosage on their psychotropic drugs. We don’t think abusing our attendees is a good idea. Those volunteers who show signs of delusions of grandeur will be escorted away and assigned to guard a blank wall in another hotel.

9. I have to be a guy.

   That is an outright lie. Come on, animegrrls; we can do it!

Volunteer Rules

1. All volunteers must sign in at the volunteer table before they begin their shift.
2. Volunteer work times and positions are available on first-come, first-served basis at sign-up on Thursday night of the convention.
3. All volunteers must exchange their attendees’ badge for volunteer badges before they begin work and vice versa after they are done working their shifts.
4. All volunteers must pick up their time cards before they leave to work and return them after they are done with their shift.
5. Volunteer crash space is available on a first-come, first-served system starting on Thursday night of the convention.
6. Non-volunteers are not allowed in crash space.
7. Volunteer crash space is not co-ed.
8. Only 6 volunteers are allowed in each room.
9. Alcohol is not allowed in volunteer crash space.
10. Volunteers are not allowed to have parties in volunteer crash space.
11. Volunteer room doors are not to be left open at any time.
12. Katsucon and its staff are not liable for any misplaced, lost, or stolen personal items.

Volunteering Interest Form

To express your interest in volunteering, please fill out and submit the following form and you’ll be contacted by our Volunteering Coordinator shortly.

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