Volunteer Guide

Review position descriptions, register and manage shifts, and familiarize yourself with key event details and resources to prepare yourself for the Festival.

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If you have any questions and can’t find answers on our Volunteer pages, please reach out to volunteers@sfinternationallitfest.org

Volunteer Roles

Role Requirements Key

Icons highlight physical and operational demands of each position. We trust volunteers to choose roles that align with their abilities and comfort level, helping ensure a smooth and positive experience for all.

Standing for all or most of a shift

Walking throughout the venue

Lifting boxes, books, or other materials

High-volume guest care and contact

Tablet, phone app, or computer use

Keeping Festival activities on time

Being in and managing crowds

Directing, giving instructions

Upholding policies and rules (badge or ticket access)

Volunteer roles are organized into three team types—Event Preparation and Logistics, Guest-Facing Teams, and Session Support—each working together to ensure a smooth and welcoming Festival experience.

Before selecting your shifts, please take a few minutes to review the role descriptions below. Each role supports a different part of the Festival experience, and understanding the expectations will help you choose the best fit.


Role Types

Event Preparations and Logistics

Event Preparation and Logistics volunteers support the operational backbone of the Festival, assisting with setup, materials, and real-time event needs. These hands-on roles help keep spaces organized and transitions running smoothly throughout the weekend.

Guest-Facing Roles

Guest-facing volunteers welcome guests, provide direction, and help create a smooth, organized Festival experience. These roles require strong communication and comfort in active, guest-facing environments.

Session Support Roles

Session Support volunteers ensure sessions run smoothly by managing lines, entry, and transitions, requiring focus, coordination, and adherence to timing and procedures.

General Guidelines

Check-in and Shift Responsibilities

Please plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before your shift to check in at the Volunteer Lounge. Be sure to sign in and out before and after each shift.

  • Please do not leave your shift early. If you have a ticketed session, schedule your shift accordingly so you can be present for its full duration.

  • If your area is quiet, check in with your Team Leader to see where help is needed.

  • If you are released early, stop by the Volunteer Lounge to see if another team needs support.

  • If coverage allows, you may be able to attend a session—but please minimize entering/exiting once a talk has begun.

Important

  • Keep hallways quiet during author sessions.

  • Minimize entry and exit once sessions begin.

  • No alcohol consumption during your volunteer shift.

  • If attending an evening reception and choosing to drink, please remove your volunteer shirt and badge.

  • Please do not park in the Convention Center loading dock—unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

PARKING

SFILF is unable to cover parking costs for volunteers or Festival attendees, except Team Leaders and Room Managers.

Please plan your parking or shift transportation so you can arrive in a timely manner.

WHAT TO WEAR

  • We provide SFILF volunteer shirts so guests can identify those who offer assistance. Please wear your volunteer shirt. We appreciate a unified, identifiable volunteer team. 

  • You are welcome to wear volunteer shirts from past years.

  • Volunteer shirts and badges will be available for pickup:

    • At the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

    • In the Kearney Room at the Convention Center during the Festival weekend,

      • Thursday, May 14, 3:00–5:00 p.m., and

      • Friday, May 15, 12:00 noon–9:00 p.m.

      • Saturday and Sunday, May 16 & 17, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    • Immediately before your shift, when you check in at the Volunteer Lounge.

  • In general, dress comfortably, with comfortable walking shoes. If you are registered to volunteer for an evening event, you may want to dress up a bit.

WHAT TO BRING 

We can’t guarantee secure storage for personal belongings. You can put personal items in the Volunteer Lounge and the Book Storage Room, but because people move in and out of those rooms, we can’t guarantee the security of personal items. 

We recommend you bring only light, basic items you can carry with you, such as:

  • A water bottle, identified with your name

  • Cash or credit card, if you plan to buy books or purchase food from the food trucks. There is an ATM located in the Convention Center office area. 

VOLUNTEER LOUNGE  

Located in the Kearny Room of the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, the Volunteer Lounge is your home base during the Festival—a place to check in, recharge, and connect with fellow volunteers.

Snacks and Beverages

Beverages and light snacks will be available throughout the day.

You’re also welcome to bring your own food. A refrigerator will be available in the lounge, although space can’t be guaranteed.

To help us keep Festival spaces clean and comfortable for everyone, please enjoy all food and beverages in the Volunteer Lounge only.

Meal Vouchers for Consecutive Shifts

As a thank-you for your time and energy, volunteers who work two consecutive shifts of 3 hours or more on Saturday or Sunday will receive a meal voucher that may be used for either lunch or dinner from one of the on-site food vendors and are available from the Volunteer Lounge Manager.

Volunteer Portal

Visit the Volunteer Portal for registration, scheduling, updates, and communication settings.

Profile and Communication Settings

Please take a moment to review your profile and communication settings:

  • Go to your name (upper right) → Profile to update contact details

  • Make sure you’re opted into “Volunteer Info & Updates”

  • To receive urgent Festival updates by text, go to your name → Account and follow the prompts

Shifts and Schedule Changes

Signing up for volunteer shifts is a self-service function. To learn or refresh your memory about how to use the system, watch this brief video: Volunteer Registration and Scheduling Guide

  • The system will not allow overlapping shifts

  • For shift conflicts, email sandy@sfinternationallitfest.org for assistance

Additional shifts may become available as schedules change. To add more time, log into your portal and select Open Shifts.

Schedule changes and cancellations close Tuesday, May 13. After that date, please email for any adjustments.