During a recent catch-up with Sam Jackman from Artatthehouse at Joys Coffee House in Kirkburton, one of the things we talked about was how the event could really benefit from a few more volunteers.
There are lots of different ways people could help.
Artatthehouse would particularly love some support with the admin and scheduling of social media posts, and perhaps a few more people joining the committee to bounce ideas around and help plan and organise an even more amazing event than previous years.
But perhaps the biggest difference could be made by having more helpers over the event weekend itself.
That could mean just a couple of hours on one of the days, helping in the week before with setting up, staying around to help during the weekend, or being there afterwards to take everything down and pack away.
There are always tables to move, people to direct and jobs that need doing.
And one thing Sam would particularly love is help for the artists themselves — unloading vehicles, carrying their “stuff” and helping them set up. Just having an extra pair of hands could make the whole weekend less stressful and much more enjoyable for everyone.
We talked through a few options and I signposted Sam to some potentially useful contacts.
But we also got onto the old chestnut of “what’s in it for me?” and why people choose to give their time to volunteer.
We discussed different ways of showing gratitude and recognising people’s contribution, but also the importance of finding the right people and, I think, giving them the right role.
Many, many years ago, my university dissertation looked at the reasons why people donate — and donating time was part of that research.
My results were inconclusive, because motivation is so multifaceted. Anticipation, reciprocation, fear, guilt, religion… the list goes on.
For some people, recognition and the approval of others can be a major motivator. For others, public recognition can actually be a complete turn-off.
Which is why I think defined volunteer roles are so important.
Someone who enjoys shifting, carrying and getting stuck in might have absolutely no interest in committee meetings or talking to the public.
Someone who is a strategic thinker, organiser or has a particular professional skill might be happy to contribute their expertise, but not fancy physical labour.
And that’s okay.
Volunteering doesn’t have to mean giving up huge amounts of your time or committing to something you don’t enjoy.
Sometimes it’s simply about finding the thing you can do that makes a difference.
So, what do you think?
Do you agree?
Do you volunteer?
And perhaps most importantly…
Would you like to add value, meet some great people and be part of this year’s Artatthehouse event?
If so, let me know and I’ll connect you with Sam. 💚
For more information about Artatthehouse including contact details, please visit their directory listing here –