Annual Conference Volunteers
About Volunteering at NICWA’s Annual Conference
NICWA depends on the support of volunteers’ time and energy to help ensure the success of our Annual Protecting Our Children Conference. As a small staff, we could not do it without you! If you have any questions regarding volunteering, need to make changes to a volunteer shift, or require any assistance prior to the conference, please contact Allie Brady, training manager, at (503) 222-4044, or by email at Allie@nicwa.org.
Volunteer Benefits
To thank our volunteers for their time, volunteers who complete at least 8 hours of volunteering will be given free general admission to the conference.
What do Volunteers do?
Volunteers will sign up for multiple four-hour shifts. They will check-in for their shift about 15 minutes before the start time and will be assigned a task at that time. There are a variety of tasks they might be assigned including workshop monitors, registration assistants, and helping participants find their way. Below you will find the descriptions of some tasks you may be asked to do. Volunteers will have the opportunity to do multiple kinds of assignments and will be assigned tasks based on need and ability.
How to Sign up:
Volunteer registration is now open! Please review the types of volunteer roles and then select at least four 2-hour shifts. You will need to watch live or recorded our online volunteer orientation on Wednesday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. PT.
- Conference Setup and Clean Up
- Registration Desk, Store, and Membership
- General Session Usher
- Workshop Monitors
- Banquet Set-Up
Conference Setup and Clean up:
Volunteers will help unpack boxes and prepare before and after the conference. This activity will be somewhat physical and will involve lifting boxes. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Registration Desk, Store, and Membership:
Volunteers will greet attendees, register and check-in conference participants, hand out name badges and participant tote bags, provide support to participants as needed, and/or direct them to NICWA staff. Volunteers will also support the NICWA Store and membership booth in this area. This position may also serve as a floater as needed.
General session usher:
Volunteers will greet conference guests at the door, guide them to available seats, and be of general assistance to participants during general sessions. Help participants navigate to the overflow general session room as needed.
Workshop Monitors
Volunteers assist workshop presenters in specific learning tracks of children’s mental health; judicial and legal affairs; youth and family involvement; and child welfare, foster care, and adoption services. Volunteers will help with audio/visual set-up, greet attendees, introduce the presenter(s), record workshop attendees for CEU credits, circulate presenters’ handouts, and support the presenter.
Banquet Set-Up
Volunteers will help set up a banquet dinner. Place flyers and handouts at each seat in the banquet hall. This volunteer shift will involve a fair amount of walking and standing. They will also find attendees find their seats once the banquet begins.