Refer here for a complete set of regulations regarding volunteers for Realms Con.

Volunteer Permission Form for Realms Con

Realms Con is committed to providing all convention attendees, staff, and the general public with a family-friendly and safe environment. To that end, Realms Con abides by all Texas Statutes found in the Texas Penal Code.

That being said, here is the volunteer policy for Realms Con.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: By volunteering at Realms Con you agree to abide by all conditions and terms defined within this volunteer policy.

Realms Con Volunteer Policy

• What are the benefits of being a volunteer at Realms Con?

First and foremost, the primary benefit of being a volunteer at Realms Con is the pride and satisfaction a volunteer feels at having accomplished something beneficial to others. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives in your community. You can use your skills and experience to help and enrich the local community. Volunteering is also fun and fulfilling, allowing you to experience many diverse opportunities not always available to you elsewhere. Myself, I look at Realms Con as a big amusement park that allows folks to take a break from the daily grind we call life and participate in a fun-filled weekend of joy and laughter. It sounds a little cheesey, even to my ears, but it really does feel good to know that people had a good time at Realms Con and I helped to make it happen.

• Volunteers are able to attend Realms Con free-of-charge when not on-duty.
• Volunteers receive an exclusive Realms Con badge not available to the general public.
• Volunteers have access to a Volunteer Green Room where they can relax and grab a snack while off-duty.
• What conditions must I meet to be a volunteer at Realms Con?

You have to be slightly crazy (j/k =p). Seriously though, it takes a special person to give a good chunk of time he or she could be using to enjoy a fun event and instead use that time to serve others. In order to volunteer you have to be super nice and on your best behavior. We appreciate anyone willing to help us out, but you have got to remember that your sole purpose is to make sure convention attendees enjoy themselves and that everyone has fun in a safe environment. You have got to keep a level head and an even temper when dealing with anyone and everyone. Just because your doing it for free doesn't mean you won't be held accountable for a poor attitude.

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age and be able to prove this with a valid state drivers' license or ID card, military ID, or passport.
• Volunteers must be able to work a minimum of 3 two-hour shifts each day for a total of 6 hrs per day. Volunteers are able to work longer shifts and more than 6 hrs per day if he or she desires.
• A volunteer is responsible for his or her own meals and sleeping accomodations. There are serious health risks associated with lack of food and sleep up to and including death. Please keep in mind that you are only human and require food and sleep; BE RESPONSIBLE.
• What is acceptable behavior for volunteers at Realms Con?

Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous manner prior to, during, and after the convention due to the possibility that volunteers may be construed as representatives of Realms Con. This includes participation in any online forums, chat rooms, or blogs. Even if the volunteer is not acting in an official capacity, others may view him or her as a representative of Realms Con(Especially if a volunteer position at Realms Con is indicated in some manner such as a volunteer t-shirt or forum signature).

• It is Realms Con's policy to treat all convention attendees, artists, dealers, guests, hotel staff, Realms Con Staff, and volunteers with courtesy and respect. All volunteers are expected to follow this policy.

Realms Con is firmly committed to the health and safety of its volunteers, and has a responsibility to provide a safe environment to its volunteers, convention attendees, guests, and the general public. Volunteers under the influence of alcohol or drugs at Realms Con are a hazard to themselves and to the health and well-being of others. The effects of certain drugs linger in the body and, therefore, recent use is as significant a problem as continuing use.

• Volunteers are not allowed to consume or be under the influence of alcohol as defined in the Texas Penal Code while attending Realms Con.

Click HERE to read the Texas Penal Code regarding "Intoxication and Alcoholic Beverage Offenses".

• Volunteers are not allowed to consume or be under the influence of illegal drugs or substances as defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code while attending Realms Con.

Click HERE to read the Texas Health and Safety Code regarding "Substance Abuse Regulation and Crimes".

• What are some expectations of Realms Con in regards to volunteers?

• Volunteers are expected to report for their shift on time and remain there for the entire duration. If a volunteer needs to be absent for any reason, they are expected to notify the volunteer coordinator or convention director or assistant convention director promptly so that the shift can be arranged to be covered. In order to arrange for proper convention coverage, volunteers should notify the volunteer coordinator at least two (2) hours prior to the start of their scheduled shift.
• Volunteers are expected to wear their volunteer vest at all times while on-duty. Volunteer vests will be issued by Realms Con to each volunteer at the beginning of their shift by the volunteer coordinator. Volunteers must return the volunteer vest to the volunteer coordinator at the end of their shift. All volunteer vests are the property of Realms Con.
• Volunteers are expected to respect Realms Con's, artists', dealers', and guests' property.

• What are the rules for the Volunteer Green Room?

• Volunteers are not permitted to allow non-volunteers entry into the Volunteer Green Room.
• Alcohol and illegal drugs or substances are not permitted in the Volunteer Green Room.
• Parties are not permitted in the Volunteer Green Room.
• The Volunteer Green Room door must not be left open or propped open.

• What happens if I lose personal belongings or someone breaks into my vehicle while I'm volunteering at Realms Con?

• Realms Con is not responsible for the theft or damage of volunteers' personal property. You can help prevent theft if you consciously protect your belongings by taking some simple precautions. For example, do not bring valuables into the convention, do not leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle, and make sure your vehicle is locked and secure.

• If I violate this volunteer policy what type of disciplanary action will Realms Con take against me?

Any volunteers that violate this volunteer policy will be subject to disciplanary action up to and including ejection from Realms Con and the convention grounds and possibly being banned from all future Realms Cons. Most offenses can probably be resolved with a lecture from the convention director and a warning not to let it happen again.