Our two most critical needs right now are judges and technical managers who have experience operating Zoom. If you’re interested in judging a preliminary bout at our 5pm, 7pm, or 9pm EST time slots, please fill out this quick and easy form created by our Tournament Director, Eddie Vega. If you have tech management experience with Zoom, please email info@southernfriedpoetryslam.com with your resume. (Note: Technical managers are expected to commit to training and longer schedules, so these are paid positions.)

Obviously, we are very excited and humbled by such a great response, but also very forthright and realistic about the logistical needs and challenges we will face as a result. The truth is, we need help…GOOD, DEPENDABLE HELP in order to ensure that the competition runs efficiently. We’re counting on YOU to help us make this happen.

A few things that you need to be aware of before the competition starts on Tuesday, June 8th:

Verify Your Attendance and Availability

If you volunteered previously, we’re asking you to complete the volunteer form again here for 2021. If you’ve already completed this year’s volunteer form, simply read on. Besides judges, we also need scorekeepers, timekeepers, bout managers and bout emcees. Prior experience is preferred with the bout managers and bout emcees.

Volunteer Assignments

Once everyone has completed the volunteer form, we’ll share a Volunteer Assignment Spreadsheet. This will help us begin the process of assigning volunteers to various areas of the competition. Ideally, we would be able to staff all of the bouts before the tournament begins. This helps you because it gives you a schedule and overview of what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be needed for the week of the festival. Your time is valuable, and we want to set appropriate expectations so that you can plan accordingly. Obviously, we ask that you please remain flexible with us as there may be some unanticipated needs which may arise.

We’ll slot volunteers based on the following criteria (in order of priority): critical need areas (bout specific), availability, volunteer experience, and volunteer preference.

Volunteer Orientation Meeting

Please make plans to attend the volunteer orientation meeting on Thursday, June 3rd from 6pm- 8pm EST on Zoom (Link will be provided 24 hours before the meeting for security reasons). During the orientation, you’ll be given a copy of the volunteer assignment spreadsheet and briefed in detail on the various roles and responsibilities noted.

Volunteering Has Its Privileges…

Besides helping a great cause, you’ll be meeting and networking with poets from all over the Southeast and beyond. Participating volunteers will gain free access to premium events such as side bouts, workshops, and our Team and Indies Finals. We’d also like to offer complimentary admission to Finals and the after party on Saturday night to volunteers who’ve assisted with at least 2 events/bouts.

Please be sure to let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or issues regarding any aspect of volunteering.

Thank you again for your commitment, and we’re looking forward to partnering with you on the best Southern Fried experience yet!

Shanya “Lady S” Speller

Volunteer Coordinator,
2021 Southern Fried Poetry Slam

Trustee, Board of Directors

shanya_speller@yahoo.com

(757) 550-9946