TOPIC: Seriously Considering Volunteering - Q's

Tried to search for these answers but didn't see anything definitive or the best place to put them.

So, I think I'd really enjoy Volunteering at a Con for TD -- it's offered me so much enjoyment, I'd like to give back.

That said, I just had some concerns before diving in the deep end:

1. Can Vols do runs? I'd still like to run with my group if possible.
2. Would I be able to enjoy the con or would I be in TD-land the whole time?

Thanks!
-T

I'm also curious about volunteering but GF won't let me do it if I have to stay in a separate room. I understand volunteer housing is gender-segregated. Is there a housing voucher option instead?

TD is currently at 5 cons and I will volunteer at 2 of them this year and play at 2 others. If you are local to any of them you can volunteer as local install and play to your heart's (or wallet's) content. If not then it probably depends on the con. Some of the cons have 2 shifts so you only work half of the time and you can play during the other half. You can also be a part-time volunteer at some cons and get a chance to play. Go to TDVols.com, set-up a profile and check-out the different opportunities.

PS: if you piss everyone off, I had nothing to do with your volunteering...

If you don't want the room then consider part time volunteering to start since it doesn't give you a room anyways. Then you have time to play TD and other games.

Tyler Jakes wrote: Tried to search for these answers but didn't see anything definitive or the best place to put them.

So, I think I'd really enjoy Volunteering at a Con for TD -- it's offered me so much enjoyment, I'd like to give back.

That said, I just had some concerns before diving in the deep end:

1. Can Vols do runs? I'd still like to run with my group if possible.
2. Would I be able to enjoy the con or would I be in TD-land the whole time?

Thanks!
-T

Howdy there! I've only volunteered a couple times, but I can give you some perspectives regarding it.

1) You certainly can still do runs. You will have your schedule ahead of time (usually decently ahead of event registration so you should already know your availability). I ended up going two runs at gencon but some of the other people I volunteered with did as many as four runs I believe. It does mean your group might have to be willing to be flexible around your volunteer schedule. Additionally, if you volunteer as a group, TD does seem to go out of their way to try and group your shifts together so you can have similar windows of time where you are all free.

2) I spent most of my time in TD land, but that was mostly by choice. I did have plenty of time to do other events. In addition to my runs I had also signed up for an escape room and a crafting workshop, among other things- with plenty of time left over to check out the vendor hall and have a couple night nights out with friends at local restaurants.

If you can manage it, volunteer for Gamehole con. It's a low key con that is small enough that you can still see everything in your off shift time.

The majority of your time would be TD affiliated, but you shouldn't feel like you are missing everything like you would at GC or Origins. Dungeon times are staggered so you will still get to do two runs as well.

Daniel, why not just convince her to volunteer as well? Kinda like a paid vacation then.

Daniel White wrote: I'm also curious about volunteering but GF won't let me do it if I have to stay in a separate room. I understand volunteer housing is gender-segregated. Is there a housing voucher option instead?

I don't know if there is any sort of voucher- as far as I know they just have blocks of rooms at certain hotels reserved for volunteers, though you could always send them an email about it.

As far as rooms go, I don't believe they are necessarily gender-segregated. When you apply as a volunteer you are able to request roommates from other people also volunteering. My wife and I were both in the same room, along with another couple we know who volunteered with us. That being said, your GF would also need to be a full-time volunteer as well to be able to room with you.

I also would suggest checking out the site: tdvols.com/

Tyler Jakes wrote: Tried to search for these answers but didn't see anything definitive or the best place to put them.

So, I think I'd really enjoy Volunteering at a Con for TD -- it's offered me so much enjoyment, I'd like to give back.

That said, I just had some concerns before diving in the deep end:

1. Can Vols do runs? I'd still like to run with my group if possible.
Most conventions, with the exception of GenCon, have staggered schedules so volunteers can get runs in. These runs also become available to volunteers before going public.
2. Would I be able to enjoy the con or would I be in TD-land the whole time?
There is always time to do other things... wether or not you WANT to do anything but TD... well, thats up to you...

Thanks!
-T

Yancey wrote:

Tyler Jakes wrote: Tried to search for these answers but didn't see anything definitive or the best place to put them.

So, I think I'd really enjoy Volunteering at a Con for TD -- it's offered me so much enjoyment, I'd like to give back.

That said, I just had some concerns before diving in the deep end:

1. Can Vols do runs? I'd still like to run with my group if possible.
Most conventions, with the exception of GenCon, have staggered schedules so volunteers can get runs in. These runs also become available to volunteers before going public.
2. Would I be able to enjoy the con or would I be in TD-land the whole time?
There is always time to do other things... wether or not you WANT to do anything but TD... well, thats up to you...

Thanks!
-T

Running at GHC is a challenge for full time volunteers.

Though sometime another really awesome volunteer will pitch in to make it work. (Thank you Yancey)

what positions were you maybe interested in?
Enjoying the con / td land will depend on the con.

Tyler Jakes wrote: Tried to search for these answers but didn't see anything definitive or the best place to put them.

So, I think I'd really enjoy Volunteering at a Con for TD -- it's offered me so much enjoyment, I'd like to give back.

That said, I just had some concerns before diving in the deep end:

1. Can Vols do runs? I'd still like to run with my group if possible.
2. Would I be able to enjoy the con or would I be in TD-land the whole time?

Thanks!
-T

Daniel White wrote: I'm
also curious about volunteering but GF won't let me do it if I have to stay in a separate room. I understand volunteer housing is gender-segregated. Is there a housing voucher option instead?

you can request your roommates . As long as everyone is ok with it there could be 3 guys and one girl in room etc. happened a few years ago with nick, Ruth , Elias and I.

Thanks for considering volunteering.
It looks like most of your questions have been answered so I’ll add that I have been volunteering for 6 years (I think) and I love it. It is Fun and fulfilling. I hope to see you in the volunteers group.