A Volunteer's Perspective...

Posted Aug 01, 2008 at 07:20 PM in General, Behind The Scenes, Volunteers

This post was written by Britt Festivals Volunteer Rick Cornelius.

Long before I moved to the Rogue Valley in the mid 90's, summer vacations to southern Oregon would invariably include several evening performances at the Britt Festival, in part because the venues were great but also because the people working at the Festival. The ushers to the concessionaires always gave the impression that they really enjoyed being a part of the Britt Festival. Now that my sons have gradulated from high school (which translates to more free summer hours for their father), I decided this past spring to make a committment as a volunteer for this Britt season. Everyone I'd spoken to over the years said they enjoyed their time as a volunteer, not to mention all of the great shows a volunteer gets to see just by giving their time to help others. Now that I am halfway through my first summer as a volunteer, I have certainly enjoyed the experience. Moreover, I've also learned that there is something special with being a Britt volunteer that goes far beyond simply putting in the time to see the shows. I've learned that the "veterans" at the Festival take a great deal of pride in the service and dedication that comes with being a volunteer. The Britt volunteers I've worked with this summer express a genuine affection and pride in their association with the Festival. Many speak of a sense of community within Britt and are usually quick to include with their initial introduction the number of years they've been a volunteer on the "hill." What a great way to spend a summer...an opportunity to work with a fraternity of people who love good music and enjoy giving their service and time to a great organization.

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Comments:

Posted Aug 03, 2008 at 09:53 PM By Britt Patron

Well said Rick,
I feel that now more than ever both management and all volunteers need to re-focus on taking that “pride in the service and dedication” to heart! – CT

Posted Aug 06, 2008 at 03:01 AM By Britt Patron

Dear Rick,

As a long time Britt family member and current VP of the Board, I read your comments with great pride. I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed the experience; I’ve heard through the “student grapevine” that you seem to be having a ball. Maybe like me, you’re now “hooked” and will be talking very soon about how many years you’ve put in and special nights on the hill you’ve experienced. It all comes down to the volunteers who put their heart and soul into it, not just their time.

Thanks and see you on the hill,

Ken Wells