One of the best ways to get to know people in the Ottawa contra dance community is to volunteer!
All our dances depend on our wonderful volunteers. Help make our events a success by donating your time. It’s easy and we offer training and as little as half an hour can help.
Why volunteer?
- Meet new people and get to know your fellow dancers better
- Feel part of an active, energetic community
- Contribute your talents, knowledge, and skills
- Participate in decisions about our dance community
- Have fun!
What can I do?
- Volunteer for a scheduled role at any dance/workshop: It takes at least 10-14 volunteers to run every dance – everything from providing refreshments to hall set up and take down to taking admissions at the door (see the list below).
- Support special events: Special events like our Hey Fever! dance weekend, double dances, and putting on a Ball take a little more work – organizing, decorating, special refreshments etc. Let us know if you want to be involved.
- Promote and grow our community: We need skills in creative promotion, community outreach, and social media. We want to ensure that our dance community stays vibrant and keeps growing, so let us know if you can help!
- Participate on the Ottawa Contra Dance Committee: Are you willing to help with organizing? Join our friendly Dance Committee. We meet roughly monthly to discuss program planning, outreach, finances and sub-committee projects.
How do I get started?
If you have any questions, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ottawacontra.ca for more information.
Sign up for the volunteer email list here to receive our regular email requests for volunteers:
Make sure you are also subscribed to the main newsletter too!
Then, when you get a call for volunteers, respond with your preferred role if you’re available!
Volunteers Regularly Needed for Dances
Floor Manager: Responsible for the whole evening from start to finish; coordinates and supports volunteers at the dance. (Requires training.) Free admission to the dance.
Set-up Assistant: Helps set up the hall before the dance. Training is not required since you’re working directly with the Floor Manager. Free admission to the dance.
Sound Assistant: Helps Sound technician set up and take down the sound system. (Requires training). Free admission to the dance.
Door Welcomers (3-4 shifts): Welcome dancers and take admission payment.
Greeter: Directs new lost dancers to the admission table and ensures that those arriving have clean shoes before entering the hall.
Refreshments: Buys and sets out the refreshments. Ensures the refreshment station is organized, replenished, and cleaned.
Tear-down: Several volunteers to help the Floor Manager put everything away and clean up the hall and kitchen.
