A Sacred Place, Canaan, NH

I know it’s the middle of winter, but the time has come to begin planning this year’s Turning the Wheel: Beltaine 2010 celebration!

This year, I’m taking on the task of the Event Coordinator and it’s looking to be a wild ride.

The plan so far is to incorporate many ancient traditions and invite a slew of special guests.

At this point, I’m looking for volunteers to help make this event truly awesome for everyone.  Specifically, I need people to fill the following positions:

• Advertising Coordinator: This role is entirely pre-event, so may be held with another role.  Responsible for getting all pertinent details out to the general public.  This includes email-list posts, fliers, invitations, web notices, and any paid advertising.  Reports to the Event Coordinator.
• Merchants Coordinator: Notifies merchants about the event.  Handles merchant reservations.  Assigns & manages booth/stall locations.  Responsible for any raffles (and donations to them).  Communicates with the merchants regarding ASP rules and finally, handles all concerns regarding merchanting during the event.  Reports directly to the Event Coordinator.  Also works closely with Facilities Coordinator. [EDIT: Tchipakkan has volunteered!]
• Activities Coordinator: Responsible for scheduling adult and children’s activities, workshops, classes, and rituals and making sure they happen on time and efficiently.  Contacts and communicates with the person or people in charge with each activity.  Shall keep the event staff (and visitors) abreast on major changes.  Makes sure the proper facilities are available for each activity. [EDIT: Deb Jarvis took on this role!]
• Registration Coordinator: Responsible for pre-registration and at the gate registration.  Collects registration fees and presents them to the Event Coordinator.  Maintains a current list of all those fully registered.  Issues receipts for registration fees.  Operates the “gate” where people just arriving can check in or register as well as where basic information can be obtained.  Works closely with Activities Coordinator and Merchants Coordinator.  Reports to the Event Coordinator.

When you volunteer for one of these you’ll have full control of your area of responsibilities and full authority to do the job.  I’m really big on delegation, so you get the power you need to really make things happen!  In exchange, of course, you’ll be expected to take charge and run with your position.  The tasks are broken up so no one should feel over-burdened this year.  You’ll also have full authority to hire added minions so you won’t have to do everything yourself.

At the event, we will be issuing colored sashes to identify what jobs volunteers are doing and we’ll be asking anyone who can loan us the use of FRS/GMRS “Family Radio Service” walkie-talkies and rechargeable batteries for them to please help us out.  I’ll be setting up an information point where people can ask questions, get help, and make announcements.  This is where the battery chargers, spare radios, extra stuff, a first-aid kit, and master schedule will be located.

I’ve set up a newsletter list for people who want more information and I’ll be sending out announcements and tidbits of Beltaine traditions periodically.  It’ll be fun and informative, so if you have any interest in coming to Beltaine at ASP, you should definitely sign up.  There’s a sign-up form on the info page at http://www.aspcanaan.org/wp/?page_id=209

So start thinking about the event and if you would like to volunteer for one of the major positions above, please email me at brian@aspcanaan.org for more info.