This festival is big. And it needs your help.
Unlike ACL, our other claim to fame/pride and joy, SXSW is not confined to music or to the parameters of a park. Rather, Southby completely takes over this gem of a city and spans miles and miles. To attend official parties, concerts, films and take advantage of the entirety of the fest, one must be a badge holder. Which brings us to the point of this article. How does one attain a badge? Well, one way is to volunteer! And here’s how:
photo via sxsw by Judy Won
What’s the advantage of volunteering for SXSW?
To be frank, SXSW badges are rather costly. By volunteering, you’ll receive your badge for free! Volunteers can choose their perk in the form of a SXSW Volunteer Badge (EDU, Music, Film, Interactive, Platinum). Perk recipients receive some free t-shirts, a bag full of SX goodies, and as cheesy as it sounds, priceless experiences.
I'm still not sold. Tell me more about the perks...
Food: Ever heard that there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Well, with SXSW, there is! Some premium ATX staples participate in doling out the free meals. Volunteers get a meal credit from a local favorite with every 6 hour shift. Several crews even host parties weeks after SXSW to thank volunteers with free food, drinks, and apparel giveaways. What more could one want?
Connections: You’ll make an insane amount of new connections, friends, and open yourself to an abundance of networking opportunities. Everyone who chooses to volunteer possesses the same goal and same interests, so the hours you’ll spend will not only be for the greater good of the festival, but the connections you’ll make are invaluable.
Celebrity sightings: During SX, Austin is positively brimming with them. Whether you most revere actors, musicians, reality stars, directors, leaders in the tech industry, or anyone else with a semblance of fame or talent - chances are, they’re making an appearance at SX. The Obamas even stopped by Torchy’s a few years back. Having a badge will significantly up your chances of bumping into anyone with notoriety. And who knows, maybe over a White Claw you’ll become friends. All thanks to your badge!
PHOTO VIA SXSW BY DIEGO DONAMARIA
What kind of volunteering will I do?
All crews are different and there are 20+ to choose from. There are two main categories to choose from: SXSW Volunteer or SXSW Music Festival Volunteer, with dozens of subgroups underneath. For any sort of vague interest you may have, chances are there is a crew for you! SXSW allows you to choose from comedy events, public relations, film, tech, hospitality, music, and dozens more. Find out more about the individual crews here.
How does it work?
First, you pick a crew. The process is completely online! Simply go to volunteer.sxsw.com and click on the Sign Up button.
The time commitment is between 24-64 hours depending on the crew you select and the perk you choose to work toward. Next, you show up for your first shift, show some ID and bam! Your badge is in your hands. And being the trustworthy Austinite that you are, you continue to show up for the remainder of your shifts. (If you don’t, your credentials will promptly be shut off. No one wants to be #thatguy). Plus, chances are that you’ll genuinely enjoy volunteering!
photo via sxsw by Dylan Johnson
Are there restrictions on volunteering?
Most crews will allow volunteers as young as 16 (with parent permission) and an upper age limit does not exist! For those with any type of disability, SX is the place for you. As long as you’re enthusiastic and punctual, all are welcome!
Is it too late to volunteer for the 2022 fest?
Absolutely not! In fact, many crews are still short volunteers and are looking. Both those who reside in Austin and out-of-towners are welcome. No matter If it’s your first or your zillionth Southby, you’re in for a treat. Start hydrating, resting and taking your vitamins now, because right around the corner are two weeks of music, movies, technology, food, and parties. Sleep runs short and the excitement runs high - and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Bring on SXSW 2022!
- Contributed by Ashley Ragan -
For more information and to sign up (seriously, head on over and sign up!) check out SXSW's volunteer page.
