Who are the GIV Squad? Our helpers at Farpoint are part of an elite force known as the GIV (Great Individuals Volunteering) Squad. These individuals are the con-goers who generously give some of their time during the convention to keep Farpoint running as smoothly as possible. Our convention would not be possible without the GIV Squad! If you’ve ever wondered what goes into staging a convention and how things work, being a helper is a good way to start learning the ropes. Many of our committee and staff members started out as helpers and worked their way up over the years.
Helpers normally serve anywhere from 6-8 hours during the weekend in various areas of the convention – from Thursday’s set-up to Sunday’s teardown and all times in between. You DON’T end up working the entire weekend and not seeing anything – that’s what Committee and Staff are for! Departments that normally use GIV Squad helpers include Registration, Art Show, Programming, Security, Masquerade and Con Suite. If you would like more information on being a member of the GIV Squad, please contact us at FPLetMeHelp@aol.com.
Q: If I am a Helper, do I get in for free?
A: Sorry, no. To be honest, NOBODY gets in free at Farpoint except the guests. While Farpoint committee and staff do not pay the convention membership fee, we pay annual dues to help cover overhead connected with producing badges, program books and other items we use.
While we can’t reimburse helpers monetarily, it is important to recognize the valuable work you perform. As our thanks for giving of your time, we have put together a package of benefits exclusively for the GIV Squad:
1. Reserved seating at the front of the ballroom, which is available throughout the weekend.
2. Autographs from our actor guests without waiting in line.
3. A free Brunch on Sunday morning, attended by many of our guests as well.
4. A special drawing with one lucky helper receiving a valuable gift certificate.
Q: Do I have to pre-register to be a member of the GIV Squad?
A: No, although if you pre-register and let us know you want to volunteer it helps our departments plan work schedules. Whether you are pre-registered or not, after you arrive at Farpoint and get your membership materials, stop by the GIV Squad table directly opposite Registration. Our GIV Squad Coordinator, Nancy Kippax, will have information on departments looking for help, including time slots that need to be filled. The coordinator and the Farpoint staff will assist you in selecting a work schedule that works for you and will tell you where and to whom to report at the start of your shift.
Q: What if there’s a problem or an emergency while I’m on duty? How do I handle it?
A: Your department contact will brief you on your duties before your shift starts, and should include information on “typical” problems you may encounter and how to handle them. You should also be told where your contact can be located during your shift. If something happens that you feel requires the attention of your department head and they are not available, either ask a committee or staff member for help or escort the person with the problem to the main registration desk at the bottom of the escalators for assistance. We do not leave our helpers stranded while they are on duty.
