Code of Conduct | njfvolunteers

VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

A “Volunteer”, by definition, is anyone who, without compensation or expectation of compensation beyond pre-agreed reimbursement, performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of the Niagara Jazz Festival. A NJF Volunteer is “accepted” in their role by NJF and agrees to the Niagara Jazz Festival Volunteer Code of Conduct.

“Staff” are year-round Core Team members, some of whom are volunteers. “Lead Volunteers” are volunteers with hands-on experience at the Festival in previous years, pre-Festival events and/or other festivals and events in roles related to the team they will manage. Your team may be led by either a Staff Member or a Lead Volunteer.

During the Festival weekend a Lead Volunteer will be assigned for each shift. We will notify you of the name and contact info of your Lead before your shift. Staff will be present at lead-up events.

As a NJF Volunteer you represent the Festival during ALL Festival Events. As such you are expected to remain respectful and professional while at Festival Events:

It is expected that all Volunteers will adhere to the expectations of the Niagara Jazz Festival Volunteer Code of Conduct to create a safe, respectful, fair environment for the entire experience. This document is a detailed outline of the expectations you have agreed to abide by in becoming a volunteer.

***Please feel free to reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator, the Executive Liaison or your Lead if you have any needs, questions or concerns at any time before, during or after your shift. Rigidity is not an option where health and safety are involved. ***

GENERAL RULES

Check in with the Volunteer Coordinator or your assigned Lead Volunteer at the beginning and check out at the end of your shift.
Notify the Volunteer Coordinator (or your Lead) by email, text (include your name) or phone if you will be late or cannot attend your shift. Multiple no-shows with no notification (or notification after the fact) may lead to removal from our list and loss of volunteer privilege for the remainder of the Festival.
Never leave cash or merchandise unattended. If you are assigned a float, your shift schedule includes time for picking it up at the beginning and cashing out at the end.
Remain standing at your post unless chairs are provided.
Work with your team to take short washroom breaks fairly and evenly. If your shift is 5 hours or longer you should get a 30-minute meal break. (See “Food & Beverages” for more information.)
If you are scheduled for the first or last shift of an event, your scheduled shift time includes setting up or tearing down a booth / table / display.
Smoking by-laws must be observed. For example, there is no smoking on the grounds of Simcoe Park. Be discreet and remember that you are representing the NJF – bringing a light jacket to cover up your volunteer T-shirt is a good idea.
You may not allow unauthorized access to any Festival events. See staff for support if someone is persistent or you are unsure.

ATTITUDE

In many NJF Volunteer positions you will be in a customer service role. In ALL roles you are expected to maintain a positive attitude; SMILE, be friendly and courteous, and be considerate to guests, team members and artists.
Use appropriate language at all times.
Save any problems or complaints for later rather than discussing them in public. Unless it is urgent, please email the Volunteer Coordinator afterwards and explain the situation.

CELL PHONE USE

Avoid personal texting/phone calls unless it is urgent (after making sure guests are attended to), and set your phone to silent (vibrate only) mode. You are free to use your phone in the following circumstances:

using Square to process ticket or merchandise sales
taking photos/videos of the event, guests, artists and your fellow volunteers (please send us your photos or share ASAP

on social media* – but attend to guests first)

checking information for a guest
trying to reach a Staff member or your Lead

*If you have photos or clips you can also send them to our Social Media Lead Maureen for posting.

DRESS CODE

There are 3 main versions of the volunteer dress code:

Volunteer T-shirt over black bottoms
All black, with optional green accents (“TD” green preferred)
Upscale black, with optional green accents (“TD” green preferred)

Observe the Dress Code as outlined on SignUp Genius when you register for a shift.
The specific dress code for each event will be noted on the signups.
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you need a volunteer T-shirt and do not have one.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

No eating at your post during your shift. Eat before or after scheduled shifts, especially if shifts are around meal times. You should be on duty the whole time during a 4 hour shift except for washroom breaks. If your shift is longer you should get a break – you can bring a snack or buy something onsite.
Only Artists, Staff and Volunteer Staff will have access to the musician and staff dining area.
Our water sponsor, Water Superstore, will provide free refills for volunteers during the festival. Please bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated!

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY

If you observe anything that you think presents a danger to the health and/or safety of yourself or others, do not attempt to handle the situation. Notify management or security (look for someone with a 2-way radio) immediately and then follow instructions. Volunteers are not expected or permitted to take on the role of security or policing.

PARKING

Parking near venues may be limited. Niagara Jazz Festival does not provide parking for volunteers. Please consider carpooling, public transit where available, getting dropped off/picked up, walking, or riding your bike. If shuttle services are available, volunteers will be advised.
Post on the Forum or let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you need a ride or can offer one. We will do our best to help volunteers without cars get to their shifts.

PERSONAL EFFECTS

Limit what you bring with you to your shift. There will be no storage space. Keep your wallet, cell phone and keys on your person or wear a small shoulder/waist bag
Avoid bringing valuables. Niagara Jazz Festival accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

** Niagara Jazz Festival reserves the right to release a Volunteer relationship with NJF at any time. Volunteer release will NOT be discussed on site or during an event. Staff will address the issue in a respectful way within a reasonable time frame upon request by a Volunteer.

**Should a Volunteer wish to sever the relationship with NJF it is requested that communications in the matter be made to a NJF Staff Member as soon as possible in order to accommodate future shifts.