Welcome Wagon

1st Fridays on the Lawn – Welcome Wagon Volunteers

 
The City of Wilson – Human Relations Commission sponsors a city-wide annual concert
series – 1st Fridays on the Lawn. The concerts celebrate family fun and invite a variety of musical talent and local performance groups to entertain. The Human Relations Commission is searching for local community groups, civic organizions and non-profit groups that are willing to serve as community greeters and volunteers during the concerts.  Welcome Wagon Volunteers would assist in a variety of ways, includinig handing out balloons and information, welcoming citizens and aiding children in  the designated childrens play area.
 
Welcome Wagon Volunteers can expect an average of 300-400 citizens in attendance at each concert.  To maximize the group’s time and efforts, we are limiting participation to about four community groups per concert.  We need two groups to volunteer in the children’s area and two groups to meet and greet citizens attending the concert.  Each group is encouraged to sign up approximately 5-10 volunteers.  Groups are encouraged to wear t-shirts, or other clothing, to identify their group and may also display information
regarding the group’s work in the community. 
 
Download and print a 1st Fridays Welcome Wagon application below.

Welcome Wagon Volunteers General Information:

  1. Welcome Wagon volunteers are needed to help create an open, friendly and inviting atmosphere during the concert series.
  2. All types of community groups, including civic organizations, non-profits, commercial and faith based are encouraged to apply. However, only groups that support inclusive membership and support community building will be considered.
  3. Applications will be considered on a rolling bases. Once the Welcome Wagon slots are full, groups will be considered for the next concert date.
  4. Approximately four community groups will be chosen for each concert date.
  5. Welcome Wagon volunteers will serve in one of two area:
  •  Meet and Greet = assisting the Human Relations Commissioners with a variety of tasks, helping concert guests feel comfortable and welcomed during the concerts. The tasks may include passing out balloons, information, carrying chairs, helping people in the food line carry purchases to their family’s seating area, handing out bug spray and attending to a variety of needs.
  • Children’s Play area = assisting the Human Relations Commissioners in overseeing that play is moderate and safe within the designated children’s area.  Entertainment companies will bring in a variety of games and interactive stations. Volunteers will help guide children through the games and ensure children of all ages are having fun and remaining safe.
  1. Welcome Wagon groups will be provided an area to set up a display providing the community with information regarding their group’s commitment to community.
  2. Welcome Wagon groups are encouraged to wear matching t-shirts, or other attire, to help identify their group.
  3. The 1st Fridays on the Lawn concert series will be held rain or shine.  Should it rain, the concerts are moved to the Boykin Center, 108 West Nash Street, in Downtown Wilson.  While we will not have the interactive games for children, we do still expect 200-300 citizens and will still need Welcome Wagon assistance at the Boykin Center.
  4. Welcome Wagon Volunteers are needed for the entire concert performance times. However, groups may volunteer for just the opening concert or the headliner concert:
  • Groups volunteering for the entire concert date, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., would arrive by 4:30 p.m. for assignments and instructions. The group can expect to leave around 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the final concert performance.
  •  Groups volunteering for only the opening concert performance, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. would arrive by 4:30 p.m. for assignments and instructions. The group can expect to leave around 8 p.m. at the conclusion of the Intermission acts.
  • Groups volunteering for only the headliner concert performance, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. would arrive by 7;30 p.m. for assignments and instructions just before the Intermission acts. The groups will assist in closing down the children’s area around 9 p.m. and are welcomed to stay until the conclusion of the final concert performance, around 10 p.m.

Downloads

2008 Welcome Wagon Application 2008 Welcome Wagon Application (43 KB)