Volunteering FAQ

Being Staff vs. being a Volunteer.

Everyone that works for ANCEA/Sakura-Con is a volunteer. No one gets paid for their contribution, even board members (they are elected by staffer volunteers). At Sakura-Con, there are two ways to be involved behind the scenes. You can be a Volunteer at Sakura-Con, and put in a few hours, Or you can be a Staffer before, after and during Sakura-Con and put in a minimum of 16 hours, participate in general meetings and be involved year round.

How to be a Volunteer, Short Version:

You must be at least 16 and be a registered member of ANCEA/Sakura-Con 2009. Contact volunteers@sakuracon.org or just go to the Volunteer Office during Sakura-Con and let them know you want to volunteer. The volunteer office runs all kind of giveaways as a thank you to volunteers. It's just that simple. Visit the Volunteer Page for more detailed information.

How to be Staff/Voting Member:

To become a staff member, you have to first apply and be hired by the Director of the department to which you apply. Again, this is a volunteer position. This happens long before Sakura-Con. Staff/Voting Members have to have their hire approved by a Director, donate at least 16 hours of time at Sakura-Con, and honor all Sakura-Con policies to be eligible for staff benefits.

Staff Benefits:

• Free Voting Membership to ANCEA/Sakura-Con Only staff can vote on Policies, Bylaws, candidates, and how to run Sakura-Con. This is how we are truly "For the Fans, by the Fans".
• Free Staff Shirt (Only staff get the cool black shirt)
• Staff Parties (Several times a year, staff are invited to staff only social events)
• Staff Discounts (as available from local businesses and sponsors)
• Hotel Reimbursements/credits* (*Some manager and coordinator level positions require 24 hour attendance to the convention and thus receive assistance with the cost as available)
• Valuable Job/Resume enhancing experience You will learn new skills and perhaps hone your existing talents. Some staff have even been able to turn their Sakura-Con staffing experience into a new career path.
• The undying thanks of fellow anime fans and the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with a job well done!

Want to be a staffer?

First figure out where you'd like to go. Sakura-Con is separated into 6 departments:

• Operations - tech and equipment, and attendee services
• Programming - contests, main events, theaters, panels and performances
• Relations - exhibits hall, artists alley, the guests and corporate support
• Publicity - information services, publications, public relations, merchandising and promotions
• Membership - registration and volunteering
• Operations/Logistics -which is not a full department but runs convention set up and tear down.

Visit the Job Openings Page for a listing of open positions.

Still unsure? Come to a General Meeting and inquire directly to the Board of Directors.