Volunteer Guidelines and Expectations

• A commitment of 12 hours is required
• Independent responsibility for table and lodging.
• Participation in pre-festival training and requested documentation.

Thanks in advance for your observance of the following:

1. Please be on time, observing prerequisite training or orientation requirements. Be prepared to hand off your location to the next volunteer scheduled. No volunteer is authorized to change the volunteer schedule. Any and all changes must be made by the Volunteer Coordinator.
2. Check in and check out with your area manager before and after your shift, managers will sign off on your time card at the end of each shift. Please try and accommodate staff requests, but do not leave your position  unless directed by your Lead Volunteer or department head.
3. You will receive a volunteer ID Badge and T-shirt which must be worn when you are on shift. Special Events volunteers will wear black pants/skirt with a white button down shirt (which must be pressed/ironed) and an SFF tie that will be handed out and collected after the event. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. When attending the Festival as a patron and not as a volunteer, we ask that you do not wear any t-shirts or badges that identify you as a volunteer. This relieves you of any responsibility, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities as you like. In addition, it also lets us know you’re off the clock.
5. Even though you are not considered any an employee of the Festival, we do count on you just the same. If conflicts arise and you are unable to make your scheduled shift it is important that you contact your manager as soon as possible, (24 hours in advance notice preferred) allowing them enough time to find a suitable replacement. If you’re running late, inform us 15 minutes before your shift begins. Two missed shifts with no calls will result in your dismissal.
6. The Sarasota Film Festival asks that all contact with media is limited to designated PR, Publicity and SFF Staff members. Please direct all questions or requests from the press to your area manager.
7. Please report an emergency or accident to your area manager immediately.
8. Although the Festival hosts many parties where food and alcoholic beverages may be available, volunteers must not consume food or alcoholic beverages while on duty. If you observe an instance of suspected underage consumption of alcohol, please report the situation to an SFF Staff member immediately. Volunteering while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is grounds for immediate expulsion.
9. Please smoke in designated areas only. If you are a driver or providing other direct services to patrons and guests of the Festival, there is no smoking in their presence or in the SFF provided vehicles.
10. SFF welcomes youth volunteers; however they must complete an application and work in an established position. The Festival does not supply childcare and requests that parents not bring children to the Festival.
11. Please observe our firm, yet friendly request that you engage in your assigned task while on shift. You are more than welcome to enjoy the screenings and activities of the Festival when your shift is over. This applies to all volunteers. NO EXCEPTIONS!
12. SFF is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items. Please leave all valuables either at home or locked in your vehicle.