Volunteer FAQs

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Events & Festival Info

All events with HeadCount are free to attend. However, when applying to work at large events such as festivals, volunteers must put a credit card on file. Festivals require a very dedicated team of volunteers, and providing payment information helps guarantee you are committed to working the event. Once you are confirmed for such an event, you have within 2 weeks of the event to cancel. You must let your Team Leader know ASAP to avoid having your card on file be charged the full price of the ticket. Your card may also be charged if you are a no show or fail to adhere to the established volunteer policies at the event (TL;DR: If you ghost us, you will pay).
Generally it’s six hours each day (in shifts of two or three hours). In addition, you need to participate in training, setup and takedown. When not working, you must still abide by HeadCount’s festival policies, which your Team Leader will detail (nothing surprising, but you must refrain from certain illegal activities and represent HeadCount well at all times).
You can sign up for a festival just like any other event. But there are several differences between festivals and regular shows. For one thing, at multi-day festivals you usually need to arrive at a festival the day before the music starts, and it can last for several days. You also will need to provide a credit card as a deposit. If your plans change and you need to cancel, you will need to do so at least three weeks in advance of the festival, or your card will be charged the price of a general admission ticket.
You are free to leave the show early as long as you stay until the HeadCount table shuts down. If you have a reason you expect you’ll need to leave early, make sure that you communicate that with the Team Leader when they’re confirming volunteers for the show.
You must be 100% sober when volunteering for HeadCount. 100%. That means no alcohol or drugs can be consumed before or during the time you volunteer.

General Info

Just visit www.HeadCount.org/volunteer and sign up again. You also can stay in touch directly with your Team Leader and let them know what shows you want to work, but you must also sign up through our website.
We’re pretty confident that if you try your best and pay attention to the training, you’ll register a few people. Plan for success!
Check our “Jobs & Internships” page to learn more about all volunteer and paid positions within HeadCount. We're growing fast, so check back from time to time and see what openings we have. In addition to full-time jobs and paid gigs, HeadCount is often seeking new Team Leaders and Regional Coordinators, who are eligible for stipends of up to $1,500 per year. Being a Team Leader is a great way to get started with HeadCount. You're the one in charge of our voter registration tables at concerts and events!
Volunteers, or as we sometimes call them “Field Volunteers,” register voters at concerts but have no responsibility beyond the events they sign up for and work. Being a regular volunteer is a great way to get started with HeadCount. You can sign up for any shows or create a volunteer profile by visiting www.HeadCount.org/volunteer. Team Leaders and Regional Coordinators have larger responsibilities that involve overseeing and organizing other volunteers on an ongoing basis. Click on each position to get a better description and learn how to apply for these roles.

Volunteer Info

HeadCount welcomes folks of all ages to volunteer. Minors ages 13 to 15 should only be at an event when their parent or legal guardian also volunteer. We also recommend checking the age restrictions on a given event or venue. Any minor that volunteers at an event must have their parent or guardian sign a Minor Waiver. The adult should email this waiver to [email protected] for our record prior to the minor’s participation in any HeadCount events.
More often than not, you will get confirmed for any show you sign up for. But for very popular shows, you may find yourself on the waitlist instead. We encourage you to sign up for any show that interests you, but be prepared to get started with some weekday shows or shows by smaller bands.
It can. For volunteers in good standing, HeadCount is happy to provide any documentation you need.
No. HeadCount is a great way to get started. No experience is required to volunteer at a show.
Then volunteering for HeadCount is a great way to still participate in democracy and encourage others to make their voices heard.

What our friends are saying

HeadCount has connected me with a community of people working to make the world a better place at both a national and local level. From slinging scoops of Phish Food on tour with the eponymous band, to gathering with friends new and old on LOCKN’ Participation Row, to voter registration drives, some of the best…

Brodie O’Brien • Ben & Jerry’s US Marketing Manager

Having worked in the children’s publishing space for over twenty years, I’ve always thought that the most important part of my job was to prepare kids to become great citizens of the world through reading and books. Partnering with HeadCount has made that connection even stronger.

Jed Bennett • Executive Director of Marketing, Penguin Young Readers

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working hundreds of events with thousands of people, and the one thing that continues to inspire me is the quality of people drawn to this organization. I’ve had several titles with the organization, but the one I’m most proud of is simply being “JR with HeadCount”.

JR Wotring •Team Leader, Ohio

HeadCount truly brings in the most diverse crowd of like minded individuals that have one common goal; we want you to vote! Becoming a team leader for HeadCount has given me so much purpose & sincerely makes me feel like I’m making an impact in this huge world.

Lindi Smith • Team Leader, Virginia

Volunteering with Headcount has been one of the great joys of my life. We’re providing a service that many people have never even considered. Headcount is a great vehicle to do some good in the community I am proud to be a Headcount Team Leader.

Chris McDonald • Dallas, TX

My best memory of HeadCount is when Bob Weir and Michael Franti gave shout-outs during their performances. I literally got chills and was so proud to be part of an organization that is making a positive change. Sarah Duffany • Salt Lake City, UT

Sarah Duffany • Salt Lake City, UT

The HeadCount mission has fostered within me a true desire to promote positive change. The HeadCount community has provided me with the opportunity not only to meet but to forge strong and lasting friendships with some of the most interesting and genuine people I’ve ever known.

Brigid Tatlow • New York, NY

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