KITCHEN DUTY – Just like we will all work, we also all work in the kitchen together! (Kitchen shifts do not replace your work co-op duties.) Alternate ROOTS believes that participating in our food preparation and clean-up together builds community, not to mention the fact that it helps to keep the registration fees lower. All full-week attendees are required to assist at least once or twice in kitchen clean-up duty. Attendees who are there for three days or less will do one shift. A kitchen duty sign-up will be available at registration. Our ROOTS Chefs Neil Robinson and Will Merwin, and the rest of the Culinary Team, will show you what to do. This opportunity is often cited as one of the week’s highlights by Annual Meeting participants.
ALL THE REST – As you register, please list your top two choices for a work co-op team assignment, and we’ll do our best to make that happen for you. Please note that there will be a captain of each area who will be helping to make assignments within the team. You don't need to do anything or have advanced training at this time, as you will not know in advance of the meeting what tasks within the team you'll be assigned to until you get there. If you are interested in helping to serve as a captain of one of these areas, a few teams still need captains. Contact Shannon at amcoordinator@alternateroots.org if you're interested.
Culinary Team - meal preparation and clean-up. Some examples of responsibilities within this team include:
Kitchen Crew Leaders: THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB AT THE MEETING! Kitchen crew leaders are the key people who make one of the most critical elements of the Annual Meeting run smoothly. Leaders will serve as a liaison between Chef Neil and ROOTers who sign-up for kitchen duty. Strong leadership and delegation abilities are needed for this. While previous experience in the kitchen is helpful it is not required. A love of food or cleaning is helpful.
Kitchen Clean Up at End of Meeting: These folks will work with Chef Neil to ensure that the Kitchen is spotless. Must commit to working in the kitchen on Sunday August 16th and will do a thorough clean of Dining Hall.
Hospitality Team - assistance with registration, welcoming of new members, and hosting welcoming/mixers - Some examples of responsibilities within this team include:
Airport Shuttle Driver: Must be over 21 and have a valid driver’s license. There will be coordinated and scheduled pick-up times. Registration Assistants: Welcome and register attendees to the Annual Meeting. There are set registration times that you will sign-up to attend the registration table. Hospitality: Provide tours of the camp to newcomers, help with opening night block party and Friday night mixer. Ensure that whole conference stays on top of welcoming new participants and helping their questions get answered. Art Spot Monitor: Check in on the Art Spot Space to make sure that art supplies are orderly. Clean up spilled paint as needed. Clean-up and pack away art supplies on Sunday morning. Coffee Maker and Monitor: The most important job at the ROOTS Annual Meeting is ensuring that there is coffee ready every morning and following meals. We will teach you how to use the industrial size coffee maker. A love of coffee helpful not required.
Green Team - ensuring the Annual Meeting maintains "green practices" wherever possible. Some examples of responsibilities within this team include:
Recycling - Upkeep of recycling bins Compost Grounds Upkeep - daily sweep of camp site for litter General conference awareness of green practices and opportunities
Technology Team - maintenance of the camp's wireless system, tech back-up for performances & studios, orientation of participants to ROOTS' new technology. Some examples of responsibilities within this team include:
Performance Technical Assistant: Working with the technical director the technical assistant serves as support for light, sound, and projection needs for performers. Technical experience preferred but not necessary. Late Night / Open Mic Assistant: This position is for the night owls. Offers technical support to the late night tech director working with sound and light equipment. Will assist in set-up for late night. Visual Art set-up: Assist visual artists in set-up and display of their materials. Must be available to help take things down on Sunday. Will be instrumental in offering visual support for Saturday Evening Activities.
Youth Team - support of the Youth Village's activities (5-17) and Alternate Sprouts (0-5). Some examples of responsibilities within this team include:
Assistant Youth Programming – Daytime: Youth programming is an integral part of the Annual Meeting. Assistants support the Youth Coordinator in planned activities and may design and lead some of their own activities for youth in collaboration with the Youth Coordinator. You may be assigned to either a morning or afternoon slot. Assistant Youth programming – Evenings: Alternative youth activities are planned each evening for youth from 7:30-10:00. This is an opportunity for you to plan a specific workshop or activity if you like! Alternate Sprouts Coordinator and Crew: Coordinate childcare for children ages 0-5. We have a special space for our toddlers. Parents with little ones must sign-up for childcare co-op hours, but others can and will help as well.
Documentation & Evaluation Team - studio reporting, overall AM evaluation, and other opportunities as they arise. Some examples of responsibilities within this team include:
Video Documentation of Performances: Equipment is provided. Camera experience preferred. Studio Reporters: Taking notes and offering a written report of highlights and key points from studio. Will be responsible for collecting evaluation forms from studio participants. Laptops will be available for you to write up your report.
