What you need to know about volunteering at Modernism Week

Thank you for volunteering at Modernism Week! Volunteers are an important part of the event's success. As valued representatives, our volunteers are the face of Modernism Week and serve as a liaison between the homeowner or presenter and event attendees. Below are a few tips to help make your experience a positive and rewarding one.

Be prepared by reviewing your shift requirements ahead of time.

Volunteers and guests enjoy the best experiences while comfortable and ready for the day. There may be standing for long periods of time (4-5 hours) and positions may be located inside and/or outside. Dress accordingly and wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, sun glasses, hat, water, umbrella, jacket, etc. We want all volunteers to have a comfortable and enjoyable time at Modernism Week.

Bathroom facilities will be provided for volunteers but you may consider not drinking too much coffee or water prior to a long shift.

Please be on time and prepared to stay for the duration of your shift.

No-shows, late arrivals, and leaving early can cause difficulties for other volunteers, captains, and leads. If you must cancel, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator with as much notice as possible.

Keep personal items locked in your car or secured in pockets.

Keep personal items safe and protect from misplacement or loss by securing them in your car or on your person. Volunteers are welcome to use cross body purses when needed.

Wear Modernism Week attire and colors.

Wearing appropriate attire helps guests and other volunteers know who they can look to for assistance and information. Please wear your Modernism Week shirt along with black, navy, or khaki pants, shorts or skirt. For evening assignments please wear a white top and black bottom.

Park your vehicle in designated or appropriate locations

Keep parking spaces closest to your event available to guests by parking away from the entrance or location. Allow guests to park in closer spaces to ensure they have an easier time finding their destination. This also assists visitors who may be less familiar with the area find your event more easily.

Respect the requests of homeowners at private home tours and ensure that guests do too.

Homeowners have generously provided their personal space for Modernism Week guests and entrust them to our staff and volunteers. We must follow the rules and guidelines they have set out and act as an example. Your captain will review these with you beforehand. They may include directions on photography, eating, drinking, sitting on furniture, etc.

Remain at your assigned location. As a volunteer, you are strategically located to ensure visitors are not in out-of-bounds areas and are following the rules.

Always be polite to visitors when reminding them about the house rules, which they will already have been made aware of. If someone chooses not to comply, please refer them to the captain. You are not expected to engage in conflict resolution.

It is not required to be knowledgeable about the house, garden, or venue you are volunteering at.

The role of volunteers is to provide a smooth and easy experience for attendees. This includes helping with traffic flow, providing directions, and monitoring guest activity to ensure that house rules are being followed. If you are asked a question that you cannot provide an answer to, that is okay! Refer the individual to a house captain, vendor, or representative at your location who can provide assistance.

Be aware of traffic flow when sharing information with patrons.

Be mindful of the flow of visitors to provide the best experience for everyone. When giving assistance, ensure that other visitors can continue to navigate the event. Your familiarity with the layout and location will help make everyone's visit a positive one.

Your flexibility is invaluable.

We ask that volunteers be flexible where changes must be made due to unforeseen circumstances. Modernism Week is a large event that relies on many many individuals in situations that may not always go according to plan. Being flexible and open to change where needed is greatly appreciated by a team of coordinators, captains, leads, and other volunteers who make Modernism Week possible.

The team is always available to help.

Whether this is your first event, or you're a seasoned Modernism Week volunteer, your captain or lead is always happy to answer questions or provide assistance. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance or more information whenever needed!

We want every volunteer to enjoy the time they spend at the event and with visitors. Thank you for making every year memorable and the best event yet!