The Gopher Army Wants You!
Like the grease on the tracks or the mortar between the bricks it is the selfless, dedicated volunteer that holds a convention together. Did you ever wanted to be a part of something special or contribute to something bigger than yourself what better place than the Gopher Army? A vital and often overlooked department of many anime conventions is the Volunteer Department. Gophers cross an organizational crossroads that supports every function of an anime convention with the supplement of eager, untrained individuals to aid the convention staff in every way possible.
From the swiftest breakdown of a dance hall to the tireless individuals who stuff goodies into baggies at registration there are simply not enough staff to get it all done alone. We depend upon generous convention members who choose to volunteer their time and energies to make a convention successful. These volunteers, also known as "gophers" are a vital component of anime convention operations.
Through volunteering, even if it is only for a single hour, you will be given the opportunity to meet new people and experience a taste of the 'inner workings' of Nekocon. In fact, many of our staff started out as a Gopher before committing to a full-fledged staffing position. It is a wonderful way for those who wish to become a staffer to try a variety of departments and get a better understanding of the convention. Though even if you have no interest in becoming a part of staff your volunteering is a marvellous way of helping Nekocon be great and work to earn exclusive "perks" only available to Nekocon volunteers.
Volunteer Incentives
Although it can be said that volunteering for an anime convention is its own rewardÑmeeting people, making friends, and find out the inner workings of a convention the following are additional ways for Nekocon to thank you for your hard work and dedication.
- At eight (8) hours of work each day, access and use of the gopher crash space is granted. Crash space is limited to a first come first serve basis
- At ten (10) hours of work, an exclusive volunteerÕs T-Shirt is granted.
- At twenty (20) hours of work, a free (1) one year membership to Nekocon is granted. (Special restrictions may apply, see the Volunteer Department for details)
Gopher Requirements
Age
A gopher must be at least (16) sixteen years of age to volunteer. If volunteers are for AMS (Attendee Management Services), they must be (18) eighteen years of age. Younger volunteers will be considered with written and signed permission from oneÕs parents.
Convention Registration / Pre-Registration
A gopher must be a registered Nekocon member in order to volunteer. Gophers may submit information for gopher pre-registration; however without a membership, one may not be added until registered.
Documentation
A gopher must have a gopher registration form on file in order to volunteer. This can be done before or during a convention. These forms must be completed before assigning a task to a gopher. These forms would have your name, address, phone number, e-mail, and other notes. All information will be kept confidential.
Responsibility
A gopher must accept responsibility over their actions and accept that assigned staff members reserve the right to withdraw their privileges at any time. When a gopher signs out, any special privileges one has while volunteers are also withdrawn. A gopher agrees when they sign up for a shift to appear in a timely manner and does not leave their post until their shift is done. They must also agree to follow the rules of a gopher, the department they are stationed, and the convention rules as well.
Orientation
A gopher must attend a gopher orientation prior to serving as a gopher. This can either be done prior to serving as a gopher. This can either be done prior to the convention or at the convention itself. This is to inform a gopher of the rules, our expectations, any perks, as well as familiarize them with the staff and thank them for their participation. Orientation may be waived if the gopher attended Orientation and no significant rule change have taken place.
