How do I volunteer or participate in the work exchange program at the Bioneers conference?

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for Bioneers 2009 will be available in late June.  You may not apply early.  If you'd like to get on the list to receive the application as soon as it becomes available, please email  workexchange@bioneers.org with your full contact information.

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all the folks who worked on the Cool Crew at Bioneers 2008.  Without you, we could not produce a successful conference.  You are deeply appreciated!

Below is the detailed information about the work exchange program from 2008, in case you'd like to get an idea of what you'll be agreeing to, should you apply.  This information will be updated for the 2009 Conference, and please be aware that some things may change: 

Dear Potential Bioneers Work Exchange Recipient,

Work exchange members play a key role in creating an organized and pleasant environment for all Bioneers attendees. There are many benefits to work exchange, including free admission to the conference, experience working with a large group of committed people, and taking part in creating a positive experience for the presenters and participants.

COMMITMENT
To be considered for work exchange and receive free admission to the conference, you must be available to work an eight-hour or nine-hour shift during the conference. In addition, all work exchange recipients will be required to attend a Pre-Conference Orientation & Training on Thursday October 16th from 7-9pm at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall. We cannot guarantee particular days for your work exchange assignment, so you must be available for any one of the following time frames*:

• Thursday the 16th: 9am – 6pm for set up (includes a one hour lunch break) AND Sunday the 19th: 6pm – 10pm for break down. This extended shift will allow attendance to all three days of the conference.
• Thursday the 16th: 9am – 5pm working for a Pre-Conference Intensive AND Monday the 20th:9pm – 5pm for for a Post-Conference Intensive. This extended shift will allow attendance to all three days of the conference.
• Friday the 17th: 7am – 3pm; 10am – 6pm; 11:30am – 7:30pm; 1:30pm – 9:30pm; 2pm – 10pm
• Saturday the 18th: 8am – 4pm; 10am – 6pm; 11:30am – 7:30pm; 1:30pm – 9:30pm; 2pm – 10pm
• Sunday the 19th: 8am – 4pm; 10am – 6pm; 11:30am – 7:30pm; 1:30pm – 9:30pm; 2pm – 10pm

*Note: All shifts of at least 8 hours include a one hour lunch break. There may be other shifts for which we will ask you to be available, e.g. Fri 17th from 8am - 4pm, or split shifts of 3 hours each day on Fri, Sat and Sun.

Please note:

• A limited number of work exchange positions are available and they fill up very quickly, so you should return your completed application along with the processing fee as soon as possible to be considered
• Assignment preferences are considered based on skills, and then on a first-come first-serve basis
• Incomplete or incorrect forms will be returned to you
• You must be able to lift 25 lbs *
• You will not be attending the conference while working
• Thursday/Sunday Set up/Tear Down shift is very physically demanding, and you MUST be able to lift at least 35 lbs. If you are unable to meet these requirements, please do not request this shift.

We do our best to accommodate your assignment requests, however, because conference needs must be considered first, the fit may not be exact.

* If you have a physical disability, please indicate that on your application. We will have a limited number of assignments available to those with disabilities.

Processing fees for Work Exchange Application

• In return for your contribution of work exchange, we are happy to waive your conference registration fee. Housing and meals are not included in the Work Exchange Program. We require a $35 non-refundable processing fee from all work exchange applicants to help defray the cost of administrating the Work Exchange Program.
• If you would like to have a lunch or dinner buffet reserved for any of the days of the conference, please add $12.00 per lunch and $18.00 per dinner to your processing fee and indicate your preference on the application form.
• Membership Special for Work Exchange – Be Part of the Solution – Join Bioneers!

A Bioneers membership is regularly $50, but we are offering a discount that is only good when you apply for work exchange. You can join and support our work for only $35.00! That is a considerable savings off our annual membership! We need your support.

Please be sure to fill out the application form completely. All fees must be remitted with your application form. If not received in full, your application will be returned.

Please read all materials carefully and then:

• Complete the application form
• FAX your completed application (with credit card payment only) to 831.536.1624 OR
• MAIL it with your processing fee to our Portland, OR office:

Kelli Webster
Bioneers
1133 NE 64th Ave
Portland, OR 97213

Make all checks payable to: Bioneers

In the event that all work exchange needs are filled before we receive your completed forms, we will put you on a waiting list. If we do not receive enough cancellations to offer you a spot, your $35 payment will be returned to you.

If you find you are unable to honor your commitment please contact us as early as possible. We will be depending on you to fill a specific position. There will be a gap if at the last minute your smiling face is nowhere to be seen.

If you are a recipient of a 2008 work exchange position, you will receive a confirmation letter or email. Then, approximately two weeks prior to the conference you will receive your work exchange day along with basic instructions. Please review this information carefully and call immediately if there is a problem. You will get your assignment and shift at the orientation meeting on Thursday, October 16. Remember, the meeting is mandatory.

Thank you again for your interest. We look forward to working with you as a part of our conference team!

In partnership,

Kelli Webster
Project Manager
workexchange@bioneers.org
1133 NE 64th Ave, Portland, OR 97213