Volunteering

Festival Volunteer Application

Volunteers are essential to the success of the Festival of Nations. Anticipating an attendance of more than 80,000 this year, Festival of Nations needs more than 300 volunteers to help make the event run smoothly. On Festival of Nations weekend, volunteers from around the world will help sell drinks, greet visitors, help with children's activities and more!

Each person who volunteers on-site during Festival of Nations weekend will receive a complimentary Festival of Nations T-shirt at the start of his or her work shift. There even more perks to volunteering with the Festival of Nations:

Get an inside look at the production of the event.
Meet others from around the world - network - make new friends.
Learn new crafts and sports as you help with demonstrations

JOIN US! You'll have the satisfaction of helping area ethnic groups and non-profits bring St. Louisans a whopping big show...great education...and really good fun!

Click here to complete the Festival of Nations Volunteer Application form. Volunteer assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis -- so sign up today! All we ask is for each volunteer to make a firm commitment to be present at the Festival of Nations during assigned time(s). Volunteers are covered under the International Institute's insurance policy. And, feel free to tell your friends -- the more the merrier!

Volunteer Position Descriptions

Pre-Festival Marketing Blitz (2-3 weeks before event)

Distribute flyers to area organizations and businesses. Must have your own car and be able to find your way around St. Louis City/County.
Assist with the creation of signs for the event. Will take place in the International Institute's administration office - must have basic computer skills.*

Pre-Festival Production Crew (August 22)

On-site Set-up Crew: Help Institute staff with the set up of the Festival site. Requires lifting and work outside. Location: Tower Grove Park
Office Helper: Assist in the Admin office of the I.I. with miscellaneous clerical tasks. Must be willing to work independently. Basic computer skills required.*
Porter: Run errands for staff. Includes picking up signs, delivering items to the festival site, etc. Must have a vehicle and be able to find your way around St. Louis City.

Post-Festival Production Crew (August 24-25)

On-site Take-down: help I.I. staff with the take down of the Festival site. Requires lifting and work outside. Location: Tower Grove Park.

Festival Job Descriptions (August 23-24)

Job Most Needed: Your job will be decided upon your arrival at Volunteer Check-In. You will report to any area that is in need of assistance
Ambassador/Greeter: Be a friendly face for festival-goers at the various entrances. Hand out programs, give directions, and welcome guests to the event.
Citizen's Square Assistant
Demonstrating Artist Assistant: Encourage crowd participation and assist performers.
Drink Sales Booth Assistant: Sell beverages to festival-goers. Only volunteers over age 21 are allowed to sell beer. $
Drink Sales Booth Assistant: Sell water and soda to festival-goers. (ages 18 and over) $
Drink Sales Booth Shift Leader (ages 21 and over) $
Family Arts & Crafts Assistant: Help children make various arts and crafts projects.
Gift Booth Liaison: Fill in for gift booth vendors who need a break (no longer than 30 minutes per booth).
Ice & Water Sales: Sell bags of ice and cases of water to vendors. Must be able to lift 25 lb. bags of ice. $
Market Research Assistant: Collect demographic information from a broad sample of visitors to Festival of Nations.
Recycling/Clean Up Crew: Keep festival grounds neat and orderly.
Sports Artist Assistant: Encourage crowd participation and assist performers.
Stage Assistant: You will help artists and performers set up and break down their sets. You will also need to maintain the water and cups that are provided for the artists.
Volunteer Registration Assistant: Register volunteers as they arrive to work their assigned shift.

* - Air Conditioned Location
$ - Position requires handling money

For other volunteering opportunities with the International Institute, click here.