Basic Duties of Parade /Event Volunteers

• Answer questions from spectators. (Don't worry; we'll help you with answers to commonly asked questions.)

• Be friendly and help keep the parade route clear of obstacles. For the safety of everyone, parade Volunteers will help maintain the curb line, preventing spectators from moving into the street.

• Be available from check-in at 9:30 am, until 3:00 pm (After some minor activities to return the streets to normal auto traffic, the volunteer’s post-parade event will begin at the parade Headquarters location to be confirmed with the parade director.

• Be pleasant and helpful.

• Be willing to have fun your job is often not very difficult, meaning you'll have more fun.

 

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Volunteering Details

Parade Volunteers should be present on parade day, a time to be confirmed by the Parade director. 

That morning, volunteers will check-in at the parade Headquarters, location TBD. This is where you'll get your assignment to an area along the parade route. 

 

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Volunteering: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

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Q: On parade day, where should I go first?

A: At 9:30 am on parade day, all volunteers should arrive at the parade Headquarters where you will be checked in, answer any last-minute questions, and assist with getting you to your designated volunteer location.

 

Q: Where should I park, if I am driving?

A: Due to the location of the parade, parking is difficult so the MBTA should be used. Parking will be TBD by Boston Police Dept & Park coordinators. 

 

Q: Which stop should I use, if I am riding on MBTA?

A: If riding on the MBTA, For the Festival event  Forrest Hill's stop on the Orange Line will be closer to the park and a 10/12 min walk to the Park. For the Parade Ruggles on the orange line.

Please visit mbta.com for more information.

 

Q: How long will I be needed on parade day?

A: We ask that all volunteers check-in at the Headquarters TBA- and you will be assigned to a street designated location along the parade route. The parade begins at 12:00 pm. After the parade conclusion passes your volunteer area, Your area's block captain will coordinate where the volunteer’s post-parade event will be held. Your Parade volunteer commitment will end at or about 3:00 pm.

 

Q: Will food or beverage be provided to the parade volunteers?

A: We suggest that you have breakfast on your own, prior to your arrival at the Headquarters. Please bring a snack; water may be delivered to volunteers on the parade route.

 

Q: What is the post-parade event?

A: After the parade, volunteers will be provided with a pass to the volunteer-only post-parade event, which will take place at the PRF Board Headquarters tent TBA. This event is not open to the general public. It is a private event, so that we may express our thanks to you, our valued volunteer. At this event, you'll have the opportunity to get some food, beverage, and a place to sit and relax. You must have your shirt on and your name on the volunteer list to enter. If you grab a shirt and disappear after check-in- in the morning you will not be allowed into the tent.

 

Q: Am I allowed to drink alcoholic beverages while volunteering?

A: Volunteers are NOT allowed to consume alcohol while performing their volunteer duties. We strive to run a family-friendly event, so we cannot have intoxicated volunteers representing our event.  You will be asked to leave the grounds if found intoxicated while wearing a PR Festival volunteer shirt you will also be excluded from future volunteer services.

 

Q: Name three things I'll wish I'd brought with me to volunteer on parade day.

A: This would depend on the weather. For a rainy day, you'll want to bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. For a sunny day, you'll want to bring sunglasses, suntan lotion, and a hat for shade. Remember the parade goes on rain, or shine.

 

Q: Is there a dress code?

A: No, but dress for the weather.  We will give you a parade /Volunteer staff T-shirt on the day of the parade/event to be worn over your own clothing so that you are recognizable as being a parade/event staff and yours to keep at the end of the parade/event.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions That Volunteers Should Know The Answers To

 

Keep this with you or know it by memory. Our goal/meta is to always know why we are having this Festival & Parade. Having answers to the following most common question is good to know and help promote our cultural event.

 

Q: What’s your organization’s name?

A: Festival Puertorriqueño De Massachusetts Inc./ Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts Inc., a non-profit organization.

 

Q: Who is your organizer or president?

A: Edwin Alicea

 

Q: How long is this parade?

A: Almost 2 miles from start to finish.

 

Q: How long has this parade been going on  or existed in Boston?

A: Since 1967 – it started in the South End of Boston.

 

Q: How many spectators or visitors do you think are here?

A: In 1967 we had 2,500 – today averaging about 185,000 or more.

 

Q: Why do you have this festival or Parade?

A: To promote our cultural awareness and understanding of Puerto Rican heritage, including the traditions, folklore, and other contributions of this community to the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

Q: How do we get involved, Volunteer or participate in the parade?

A: Go onto the website at: puertoricanfestivalofma.org