Volunteer FAQs
Volunteer FAQs
Registration and Volunteer Portal
How do I register to volunteer at WE Day?
Once registration is open for the season, please visit we.org/volunteer. Click “Register now” and you will be directed to create an account within our WE Day Volunteer Portal for all your WE Day volunteer experiences. Within the Portal, you will be able to sign up for the event(s) and team of your choice. Volunteer spots fill on a first-come-first-served basis for each event, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible. The events and teams listed within the registration page are the ones open for registration. Once all roles have been filled, you will be directed to a wait list for that event.
How do I create a portal account?
You must create your own unique Portal account in order to register for WE Day events. You will only be able to sign up for each event one time using your account. Any family members or friends looking to volunteer must also create their own Portal account in order to register themselves. 1. Go to we.org/volunteerportal. 2. Click “Create an account”. 3. Enter your email address and create a password. Click “Create account”. 4. An activation email should be sent to your email address. Click on the link in the email to activate your Portal account.
I forgot my password for my portal account—what do I do?
1. Go to WE.org/volunteerportal. 2. Click “Forgot password?” 3. Enter your email address and click “Reset password”. 4. A password reset email will be sent to your email address. Click on the link in the email to reset your password and create a new one you will remember.
Where do I find my Volunteer Code?
You do not need to enter a Volunteer Code in order to register to volunteer at WE Day. If you have been given a code, please enter it on the first page of registration. If you have not been given a code, simply click “Continue”.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
In order to ensure the health and safety of all our volunteers as well as all those in attendance at WE Day, all volunteers must be at least 16 years old by the date of the WE Day event they are attending. Please note that there is no direct supervision for volunteers on the day of the event and volunteers are required to have a certain level of physical and emotional maturity. If you are interested in participating as a family and one of your family members is under the minimum age of 16, please refer to the question below, “Can my children volunteer too?”
Can I be a volunteer if I can’t be there the entire day?
In order to put on a successful event, it is important that our volunteers commit to the full volunteering times that WE Day requires. This includes both training and event day execution. If you are unable to fulfill these time commitments, we ask that you please leave the volunteer spots open for others to sign up. We encourage you to find other ways to get involved with with the WE movement. Our unique family of organizations empowers people at home, around the world and with our social enterprise. To find out more about how you can get involved and join the WE movement, please visit WE.org.
Can I change teams once I’ve registered?
Due to the large number of volunteers that we work with, we are unable to accommodate requests to change teams after you have registered. It is important that you register for the team you want to volunteer with and that you are able to attend the training and event times required for that team. If you wish to change your team, you can opt out of your current registration and re-register, however, we are unable to guarantee that there will still be spots open once you opt out, and you may lose your current spot and end up on the waitlist.
Can I volunteer with a friend?
We would love for you and your friend(s) to volunteer together for WE Day! The best way to do this is to register for the same event and team. Please keep in mind that volunteer spots fill on a first-come-first-served basis and teams can fill up quickly, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible in order to ensure you both end up on your preferred team. Each volunteer must also register through their own Volunteer Portal account using a unique email address.
Can my children volunteer too?
We welcome and encourage family members to volunteer together at WE Day! Provided that your child is 16 years of age by the day of the event and that there are still positions available, they are able to sign up independently through their own Volunteer Portal account (a reminder that each volunteer must register separately using a unique email address). If a family member is under the minimum age of 16, please email the WE Day Volunteer Team at wedayvolunteers@we.org for more information and we will help your family get involved. Please keep in mind that volunteer spots fill on a first-come-first-served basis and teams can fill up quickly, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.
What happens after I sign up?
Once you have completed the online registration process through the Portal, you will receive a confirmation email securing your volunteer position. In the month prior to the event, details on training and the event, exciting announcements, reminders of training, and other pertinent information will be posted within the Portal. An email will also notify you whenever new information is available within the Portal. Please be sure to add wedayvolunteers@we.org to your safe senders list so you don’t miss out on these emails!
I signed up to volunteer but can no longer come. What should I do?
Sorry to hear that you are no longer able to volunteer! In order to open up your volunteer spot to allow someone else the opportunity to volunteer, please click on the opt-out link found at the bottom of your confirmation email, or go to the registration page of your Portal and click “Opt Out” beside the event, then click “Yes”.
How do I know I am registered as a volunteer?
You should have received a confirmation message in your portal, as well as a confirmation email after you registered. These both confirm your spot as a volunteer. You can also see the details of your registration on the registration page of your portal, and your training and event details will be showing on your dashboard if you have successfully been registered.
How do I access my volunteer portal?
There are multiple ways you are able to gain access to the portal: 1. Go to we.org/volunteerportal. 2. Visit WE.org/volunteer. Click “Register now”. 3. Click a link to the portal from your confirmation email or any subsequent email communications post-registration from The WE Day volunteer team.
When does registration open/close?
Volunteer registration opens in the months leading up to each WE Day event, and closes prior to volunteer training for that event. Anyone not registered through the Volunteer Portal prior to training will not be permitted to volunteer. We do not accept additional registrations at training or on the day of the event.
Volunteer experience
What types of volunteer roles are available?
As a WE Day volunteer, we have a variety of positions available that cater to different skills sets, personality types and interests. Please take a look at our volunteer positions below.
Crowd pumping and seating team
The impacts you will make - Greet the youth and educators in your assigned section as they arrive. - Facilitate a fast and efficient seating process within your section to ensure guests have the best possible experience. - Seat groups in an efficient manner, beginning at the front of your section and filling to the back, ensuring no gaps are left between groups or individuals. - Help lead audience members through dancing, cheering and other audience interactions during musical performances and speeches. - Ensure guests are welcomed, informed, engaged and having an overall positive experience. Who you are - Positive role model - Engaging brand ambassador for WE - Comfortable interacting directly with youth and educators - Enthusiastic and energetic - Comfortable giving directions to large groups - Comfortable in an environment with potential for loud noises, dim lighting and stairs The skills you will gain - Leadership - Engaging brand ambassador for WE - Customer service - Adaptability - Communication - Teamwork
Youth greeting team
The impacts you will make - Welcome schools and groups as they arrive and see them off after the event, thanking them on their way out. - Safely direct guests to and from public transit, private vehicles and school buses, before and after the event. - Ensure groups are moving from the entrances to their seats as quickly as possible. - Provide direction to seats, washrooms, merchandise booths and other points of interest within the venue. - Support the ME to WE merchandise representative team during the show lunch by facilitating guest engagement with our merchandise booths. - Ensure guests have an overall positive, welcoming and efficient entry and exit process. - Other responsibilities can include: escorting groups with reserved seating, guiding groups through wheelchair accessible routes, assisting with ticket pick-up and/or guiding groups to their sections from outside the entrances. Who you are - Positive role model - Engaging brand ambassador for WE - Comfortable interacting directly with youth and educators - Professional and friendly - Comfortable giving directions to large groups The skills you will gain - Customer service - Adaptability - Organization - Leadership - Teamwork
Concourse experience Team
The impacts you will make - Sell our ME to WE products at a merchandise booth alongside staff and other volunteers. - Answer questions about ME to WE products. - Handle cash and use a debit/credit machine. - Ensure all guests feel honored for making an impact in a community overseas. - Support with end of day tasks, which can include: taking down merchandise booths, completing a final count of inventory and/or packing and organizing leftover merchandise. - Assist in answering general inquiries and ensuring guests have an overall positive experience. Who you are - Positive role model - Engaging brand ambassador for WE - Comfortable handling cash and debit/credit machines (you will receive training) - Friendly and approachable - Ability to communicate effectively and work with staff and other volunteers The skills you will gain - Customer service and retail - Organization - Communication - Leadership - Teamwork
Honored guest hosting team
*Please note that while we will, of course, consider your preference for this team, it is possible that you may be switched to another honored guest volunteer team in-venue should the need arise. The impacts you will make - Host honored guests (sponsors, educational partners, and individual youth or families) in their suite and attend to any issues that may arise. - Interact with honored guests and answer any questions related to their experience. - Be available to assist staff with various interactions with the honored guests, including bringing guests to their special experiences and supporting the sale of merchandise. - Ensure all guests are complying with general audience etiquette for the show. - Support the honored guest team in ensuring an overall seamless and enjoyable experience for all honored guests. Who you are - Positive role model - Engaging brand ambassador for WE - Professional and friendly - Personable and approachable - Comfortable initiating conversations and interacting with VIP stakeholders The skills you will gain - Communication - Leadership - Customer service - Adaptability - Networking
Public relations team
The impacts you will make - Work closely with the WE Day public relations team to support the execution of media activities. - Ensure media have a positive and seamless experience. - Specific roles may include: - Supporting with media registration - Overseeing different press stations within the venue - Assisting with additional media activities, which may include Q&A sessions, one-on-one interviews, red carpets, among other activities - Please note that your specific role will be assigned to you at training. Some roles may require you to be on a walkie-talkie. If applicable, you will receive walkie-talkie training. - Overall support for the WE Day public relations team. Who you are - Positive role model - Engaging brand ambassador for WE - Professional and friendly - Mature and responsible - Strong problem-solving skills The skills you will gain - Experience in a fast-paced, live event environment - Professionalism - Leadership - Media engagement - Communication
What do volunteers receive the day of the event?
Volunteers will receive a volunteer T-shirt at training, food will be provided at training as well as on the day of the event, and volunteers will be part of a pep rally that includes a special guest speaker. Aside from this, you are an invaluable part of helping our staff put on a one-of-a-kind, stadium-sized event. You will get to see world-renowned speakers and award-winning performers, give back to your community in a fun and meaningful way and support millions of young people and families coming together to create impact locally and globally.
Can I volunteer backstage?
We are unable to offer any volunteer positions backstage, however we do our best to provide a variety of other unique opportunities for our volunteers. As a volunteer you still have the opportunity to be part of the behind-the-scenes action by providing support for our staff in preparation for the event at training as well as in executing the event itself, both of which we are truly appreciative!
If I am traveling from out of town, can my travel costs be covered?
As this is a voluntary experience, it is solely the responsibility of volunteers to source and pay for any transportation or accommodation related to the WE Day volunteer experience. WE Day does not provide special considerations, monetary or otherwise, for travel related to the volunteer experience.
Can I be excused from school/work?
It is solely the responsibility of volunteers to obtain permission from their school or work as necessary in order to volunteer at WE Day. If you need to show proof of registration to your school or work prior to the event in order to obtain permission, you can share the confirmation email that you received upon registering, as this confirms that you are a WE Day volunteer and have committed to the dates and times listed. All volunteers will also receive an official certificate after the event confirming their participation, including the total number of hours volunteered and a signature from our team.
Training
When does volunteer training take place?
Training dates and times are outlined in the online registration form and will be re-communicated to you after you have signed up to volunteer. Please ensure you can attend the in-venue training session before registering, as it is highly important that all volunteers are confident and comfortable in their roles. If you have already registered but have forgotten when your training will take place, please refer to your volunteer confirmation email or the Volunteer Portal for this information.
Can I volunteer if I can’t attend the training?
In order to put on a successful event, it is important that our volunteers commit to the volunteering times that WE Day requires. This includes all training times. The training session allows volunteers to become familiar with their role and the venue, and feel confident prior to event day. Additionally, during the training session volunteers will assist with final WE Day event preparations and event execution tasks which include, but are not limited to: helping with final set-up of event spaces, placing items in gift bags, and placing gift bags on each seat for attendees. We need all hands on deck to assist with these tasks and we really appreciate your cooperation. If you are unable to attend training, we ask that you please leave the volunteer spots open for others to sign up. We encourage you to find other ways to get involved with the WE movement. Our unique family of organizations empowers people at home, around the world and with our social enterprise. To find out more about how you can get involved and join the WE movement, please visit WE.org.
Do I have to come to training if I have volunteered at WE Day before?
Yes, we require all volunteers to come to training even if you have volunteered in previous years. There are elements of WE Day and the volunteer roles that change from year to year, so it is important that you come to training in order to feel confident and well-prepared for your role. Additionally, past volunteers serve as ambassadors that new volunteers can turn to for questions, advice and first-hand knowledge of what it is like to volunteer at WE Day. We also require the assistance of all our volunteers in helping with final event preparations and set-up on the evening of training – many hands make light work!
What should I bring to training? Will there be a place to store my belongings?
- Valid photo identification to show at registration - Pen and paper - Your friendly demeanor and willingness to learn - Spending money if you would like to purchase ME to WE products Please note that at training there will not be a secure area to store your belongings and all items you bring will remain with you for the duration of that time. Please leave valuables at home. WE Day is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
What should I wear during training?
We encourage all volunteers to wear comfortable shoes and clothing during volunteer training. You will be on your feet for much of the training and will be assisting with final WE Day event preparations and event execution tasks around the venue so your comfort should be top priority.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, food will be provided for all volunteers during training. We do our best to provide vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options. Please be sure to specify any dietary restrictions when you register to volunteer so that we can take this into account when placing our food orders. We cannot guarantee the availability of these options, so if you have specific dietary needs we encourage you to bring additional food.
Event Day
What should I bring on event day? Will there be a place to store my belongings?
- Valid photo identification - Pen and paper or your notes from training - Watch/cell phone - Small cross-body bag or waist pack to hold your essentials - Lots of energy and a smile Please note that on the day of the event there will be an area where volunteers can leave coats or other belongings. Although security will be present and the area is monitored, we recommend that you leave valuables at home or carry them with you. WE Day is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
What should I wear on event day?
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing, along with the volunteer T-shirt that you will receive at training. You will likely be on your feet for most of the day, so your comfort should be top priority. Some teams will have more specific dress requirements for the day of the event. If this is the case, your team leads will provide you with further direction during your training.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, all of our volunteers will be provided with breakfast snacks and lunch on the day of the event. We do our best to provide vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options. Please be sure to specify any dietary restrictions when you register to volunteer so that we can take this into account when placing our food orders. We cannot guarantee the availability of these options, so if you have specific dietary needs or concerns, we encourage you to bring additional food.
What time should I arrive on event day?
Event day arrival times are outlined when you register online, as well as in your confirmation email, your volunteer logistics package and the portal. Please be aware that these times are subject to change closer to the event and any changes will be communicated to you in advance. Arrival times will also be re-iterated by your team leads at training. The time communicated to you by your team leads, if different from any of the previous times, will be the most accurate time.
What will my day look like on event day?
Upon arrival on the morning of the event, volunteers will be directed to the volunteer space where you can drop off your belongings and grab a snack or coffee. You will then move to your assigned spaces for the duration of the day, with breaks and lunch provided. Volunteers may be asked to stay after the event to support with tear-down tasks in your respective spaces, should you be available.
Will I get to watch the show?
When possible, we try to facilitate this opportunity to our volunteers, but we are looking first and foremost for individuals who are committed to helping us put on a great event for the sake of all the youth and stakeholders in the audience. Please speak with your team lead at training and on event day to confirm whether it is possible for you to watch parts of the show.
Post Event
Will I receive a reference letter for the number of hours I volunteered?
All volunteers will be receiving an official certificate confirming participation in the WE Day volunteer experience, including the number of hours volunteered. This will be available in the Volunteer Portal about 2 weeks after each WE Day event. If it has been more than a month since your event and you have not yet received this certificate, please email wedayvolunteers@we.org confirming your full name, the event you participated in, the date(s) you attended training and the team you were on in order to receive the appropriate certificate.
What happens after WE Day?
After WE Day, you will receive a follow-up email from the WE Day volunteer team informing you about all post-event updates that have been added to the portal (e.g. volunteer certificate). Please keep an eye out for this email, as it will also contain a link to a survey where you can tell us about your volunteer experience and share your feedback so we can continue to improve our volunteer program. Other initiatives, announcements and volunteer opportunities will also be posted in the portal throughout the year, so stay tuned!
How can I continue to be involved?
We encourage you to continue your engagement with the WE Movement beyond WE Day – live WE at school, at home, at work, and live WE for Me. Visit WE.org for ideas on how to stay involved and be part of the WE movement. Stay Connected! Follow @WEmovement on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
If you have any unanswered questions, feel free to email us at wedayvolunteers@we.org. Please include your full name, WE Day event and volunteer role as applicable so we can best respond to your enquiry.