The convention organizers are still discussing volunteer issues for the upcoming state convention, so aspects of the following document may be subject to revision, but I would like to get the ball rolling. Please circulate this to Libertarians and supporters in your county chapters, or anyone else who might be interested in attending the convention. If you'd like to volunteer, respond to this email or give us a call!
Love & liberty,
<<< starchild >>>
2007 LPC Convention Volunteer Coordinator
VOLUNTEERING AT
THE CONVENTION
2007 Libertarian Party of California State Convention
Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 22, 2007
San Ramon Valley Conference Center
http://www.sanramonvalleyconferencecenter.com
Thank you for your interest in volunteering! With the exception of the LPC’s executive director/office manager who is helping out to some extent, all of the 2007 convention organizers are volunteers.
So when you volunteer, you are considered an integral part of the team, and not – as in some organizations – simply someone whose work is not deemed important enough to be paid.
Our goal is to make volunteering an enjoyable and rewarding experience in itself, as well as to accomplish what needs to happen to make the convention a success. Because we are volunteers too, and we want to have fun while getting things done!
The work that needs to be done falls into two general categories – advance work, and on-site work. While much advance work has already been done in the process of planning the event, much remains to be done. And of course the on-site work will not begin until shortly before the convention actually happens.
Here is a basic list of tasks for each category. Following these lists is a brief description of each task, along with the name and contact info of the person you should contact to volunteer your services in this area. If you have an idea for helping that is not listed below, please contact us.
ADVANCE TASKS
• Calling LPC members to invite them to convention
• Writing press releases for the convention
• Inviting members of the media to the convention
• Designing fliers to promote convention events to the public
• Distributing the fliers
• Coordinating rides and homestays for Libertarians from other parts of the state
ON-SITE TASKS
• Decorating the facility
• Driving people to and from the Dublin BART station
• Staffing the registration and credentialing tables
• Screening films/leading discussions
• Writing, videotaping, photographing and blogging about the convention
• Speaker & vendor liaisons
• Speaker & meal room access control
ADVANCE
Calling LPC members to invite them to convention
This is a very important task! The more people we can personally call and invite to our convention, the more people are likely to come.
What’s fun about it: This is a chance for you to get to know some of your fellow California Libertarians. They’ll be happy to know you’re not calling them to ask for money. You don’t have to follow a script, and are free to chat with the LP members you call about local or state politics, find out what the LP is up to in their area, etc.
Contact: Starchild – (415) 621-7932 / sfdreamer@...
Writing press releases for the convention
Have a way with words? Write a press release letting the media know about our event. Even if they don’t show up, reporters, editors and producers at media outlets will be reading what you’ve written. You can be part of a committee to decide what goes into an official press release, and/or write unofficial press releases on your own.
What’s fun about it: What you’ve written goes up on the convention website and probably the state party website too. And you’ll sound important later when you tell people you wrote press releases for the convention.
Contact: TBA
Inviting members of the media to the convention
This can be done via phone, email, and/or fax. We’ll provide you with the press releases and some talking points, so all you have to do is run with what you’re given.
What’s fun about it: If you can get members of the media to show up and cover our event, you’re guaranteed the admiration and respect of your fellow Libertarians!
Contact: TBA
Designing fliers to promote convention events to the public
These will be unofficial communications to the general public, so there’s no set rules about how they have to look -- we just want to get the message out there! Your job is to make decisions about what parts of the convention will appeal to the public, and make them look and sound appealing.
What’s fun about it: Another chance to let your artistic talents shine! As long as you don’t misrepresent the facts, how you choose to turn people on to what we’re doing is up to you! You’re welcome to make a flier that focuses on promoting your favorite speaker, film, or event.
Contact: TBA
Distributing convention event fliers
Let the public where you live know the Libertarian Party is active and give them a chance to find out more about us directly! Leave fliers on local bulletin boards, phone poles, in cafes and Laundromats, in your neighborhood or downtown, wherever you think people will see them.
What’s fun about it: Aren’t you tired of only seeing statist materials in the public places you frequent? There’s a real joy in seeing a stranger reading a Libertarian flier that you posted. And you never know who might be turned on to the freedom movement as a result of your action!
Contact: TBA
Coordinating rides and homestays for Libertarians from other parts of the state
At most LPC conventions, the organizers have been under the financial constraint of needing to fill a certain number of hotel rooms in order not to lose money. Thankfully, since we are not holding our convention at a traditional hotel this year, we are not under that constraint.
What’s fun about it: You get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re directly keeping dollars in the libertarian movement instead of seeing them spent on hotel rooms, rental cars, and the like. People will appreciate your help in finding them a free place to stay or a free lift, and they may thank you later for helping them make new friends.
Contact: TBA
ON-SITE
Decorating the facility
Thanks to not having our convention at a traditional hotel this year, we’ll have a freer hand in decorating the spaces we’ll be using. Help us hang streamers, post signs, put up balloons, post inspirational quotes from great libertarian thinkers… your imagination is the limit! Help us make this event a visual as well as an intellectual feast.
What’s fun about it: This is your opportunity to show off your latent artistic talents! Be creative – you could surprise yourself as well as others!
Contact: TBA
Driving people to and from the BART station
Are you a good driver? Got insurance? Have a vehicle that can accommodate several people and their luggage, or can get your hands on one? You can play the chief role in our DIY shuttle service.
What’s fun about it: People waiting for a ride will be glad to see you! If you have a car stereo, you can entertain your passengers by turning them on to some of your favorite tunes or audio material on the way to and from the facility. Not to mention another chance to meet and chat with new (or old) Libertarian friends from other parts of the state!
Contact: TBA
Staffing the registration & credentialing tables
When people arrive at the convention, they’ll need to be given registration materials, name badges, delegate badges if applicable, and passes for the days and events they’ve paid for, or decide to buy on-site.
What’s fun about it: You get to sit behind an official table, take people’s money, dispense important information, and look like somebody large and in charge!
Contact: TBA
Screening films/leading discussions
One of the activities we want to provide on-site is a chance for people to view some of the terrific libertarian films and video clips out there, and engage in brief discussions about them afterward with other convention-goers.
What’s fun about it: You get to be in charge of playing cool pro-freedom movies and videos, and moderate conversations about them afterward! Sign up early for best choice of times and segments to be in charge of.
Contact: TBA
Writing, videotaping, photographing and blogging the convention
One of the lessons we’ve learned from past Libertarian conventions is that we can’t count on the media for coverage. But to the extent we ourselves can become the media, we can alleviate this problem. Libertarians who can’t attend the event will want to know what happened. Your county LP’s newsletter and website could almost certainly use a good write-up and some eye-catching photos, and even the state newsletter and website might need a little help! Got a blog? Share your convention experience with your readers!
What’s fun about it: Long after the convention is over, and peoples’ memories of the event are fading, your words and images will remain part of the historical record of this chapter in the history of the freedom movement.
Contact: TBA
Speaker & vendor liaisons
We need two people on site to act as liaisons to the speakers and to the vendors during the convention. The primary responsibilities will be to make sure they know where they are supposed to be and give set-up assistance as needed, but these individuals would also act as point persons for any other speaker or vendor needs or issues that may arise.
What’s fun about it: Rub elbows with the stars and official guests of the convention!
Contact: TBA
Speaker & meal room access control
Check convention attendee passes at the door to meal and speaker events. An easy but important function!
What’s fun about it: Think of it as working “door” at the dance club. You are free to dress the part, greet people effusively, and have fun with the role. Plus, during the speech you can feel free to stand up and stretch your legs and pace around at the back of the room while most of the audience will feel bound by the rules of conformity to remain seated.
Contact: TBA