Volunteer

Volunteers play a really important role at the Chicago Stationery Fest! We work hard to ensure volunteers have a positive experience performing their volunteer duties and connecting with other volunteers, event staff, festival participants, and vendors. 

Our first Chicago Stationery Fest will be successful in part because of all of our wonderful volunteers! Volunteer activities range from supporting vendors, workshop facilitators, meetup space facilitators, creative lounge management, and overall event logistics. It is a great experience to connect with other passionate stationery fans while also gaining professional skills. 

What Does Volunteering at CSF Look Like? 

To be a volunteer, you must be able to make the following time commitment requirements: 

• January 2025: Complete volunteer onboarding paperwork and review materials

• Week of January 27, 2025 (Evening): Attend a virtual Welcome and Introduction meeting 

• Week of February 17, 2025 (Evening) : Attend a virtual team-specific training 

• Week of February 24, 2025 (Early Evening): Attend an in-person event prep walk-through and final training at Artifact Events in Chicago 

• Week of March 17, 2025 (Early Evening): Attend the final virtual CSF Team preparation meeting

• Week of March 17, 2025: Review all final volunteer assignment and details 

• Volunteers are asked to complete at least one 6-hour shift during the festival’s event, but you may also volunteer for additional shifts if you have interest!

  Volunteer opportunities will be available before the event begins on Friday, March 21 and on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025

As a volunteer, you must be committed to: 

• Loving stationery and how it brings all of us together! 

• Working with others to create an excellent event space for fellow stationery fans.

• Understanding that flexibility is key with CSF volunteering, as volunteers may support a range of different event needs. As the weekend progresses, we may have different needs that need to be met. 

As a volunteer, you must: 

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be able to stand for much of this 6-hour volunteer shift. The majority of volunteer opportunities involve being able to stand for long periods of time and walk around the venue. 

• If this is not possible for you, please apply and let us know, as there will be some seated volunteer opportunities. 

• Be able to and prepared to lift at least 20 pounds. 

• If this is not possible for you, please apply and just let us know if you cannot.

As a volunteer, you will receive:

• With volunteering for at least one 6-hour shift, you receive Weekend Pass Admission to the Chicago Stationery Festival as part of our appreciation to you. 

• Time connecting with the CSF volunteer and staff community as we work together to build the first CSF! 

• A CSF shirt to wear during your volunteer shift

• Professional skillbuilding

How to Apply to Be a Volunteer with Us: 

• Please complete this CSF VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM by 11:59 pm Central Time on Saturday, October 12, 2024! If you have any questions, please email hello@chicagostationeryfest.com 

• You must complete this form to be eligible to be considered to be a CSF volunteer. 

• CSF will notify you by 11:59 pm Central Time on October 14, 2024 if you are confirmed as a CSF volunteer for CSF 2025! 

• You will be provided more guidance with your specific volunteer assignment in January 2025. 

• If you are not given and provided a confirmation of a volunteer spot at CSF, we hope you will still join us at the festival as a participant! 

• Will there be later opportunities to join as a volunteer? We would recommend completing the CSF Volunteer Interest Form now to make sure you are considered for an open opportunity! 

Questions You May Have: 

Will CSF reimburse me for my parking or transit to CSF venue? 

No, we will not be doing reimbursements, but we do encourage volunteers to use public transportation to arrive on-site! 

Is there a space to lock up my personal belongings? 

There is a very small space in the venue for staff and volunteers; however, space will be limited and this space will not be regularly monitored. Therefore, it is not recommended to bring valuables to volunteer. 

Are there snacks and beverages available to volunteers? 

CSF will have a small kitchen and refrigerator available for CSF staff and volunteers to keep food in; however, space is limited. CSF will provide light snacks, coffee, and water throughout the event to volunteers. 

Is there a dress code for me to volunteer? 

Please wear your CSF shirt during your volunteer shift! Other than that, please be comfortable during your shift! We recommend wearing comfortable walking/running shoes that also have traction and grip that you can use to move quickly around the venue or outside of the venue during the winter as needed.

Am I allowed to enjoy alcoholic beverages at CSF while volunteering? 

No. We ask all volunteers and staff to abstain from drinking while completing their work. You’re welcome to enjoy alcohol after your shift!