VOLUNTEERING AT UNISON 2026

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Unison 2026, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ choral festival, happening in Vancouver from May 15 to 18, 2026. Volunteers help bring the festival to life, from front-of-house to behind the scenes. As an added perk, volunteers will be entered to win prizes generously donated by local businesses!

Volunteer Hub / Help Desk – Volunteer Captains

This role serves as a central point of information and support for volunteers throughout the festival. Volunteer Captains support volunteer check-in, breaks, and supplies, and help ensure volunteers feel supported and informed during their shifts. This role is a great fit for people who are warm, calm, and people-focused, confident communicators, and comfortable taking on a leadership role in a busy environment.

Key tasks include:

• Supporting volunteer check-in, shift transitions, and general coordination

• Distributing snacks, water, and volunteer supplies, and answering general questions

• Communicating issues or updates, troubleshooting minor concerns, and referring complex issues to staff

Registration & Info Desk

This role registers and greets delegates, provides name badges, delegate bags, schedules, and key event information, and acts as a first point of contact for questions and wayfinding. It’s well suited to volunteers who are friendly and approachable, organized and detail-oriented, and comfortable sharing information.

Key tasks include:

• Checking in delegates and distributing name badges, delegate bags, schedules, and maps

• Answering general questions and supporting wayfinding within the venue

• Flagging issues, special requests, or concerns to staff as needed

Festival Store Volunteer

Festival Store Volunteers support sales and inventory management at the Festival Store. They assist patrons, organize merchandise, and process transactions. This role is a good fit for volunteers with strong customer service skills who are comfortable handling sales and point-of-sale systems, and who are organized and reliable.

Key tasks include:

• Assisting patrons with merchandise selection and purchases

• Processing sales using the point-of-sale system

• Restocking merchandise, supporting inventory tracking, and maintaining a tidy retail space

Delegate Bag Assembly

This role works with a team to assemble delegate bags with materials, resources, and souvenirs in preparation for the festival. It’s a good fit for volunteers who are detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable with repetitive tasks.

Key tasks include:

• Assembling delegate bags with printed materials and swag

• Ensuring accuracy and consistency across all bags

• Replenishing supplies, flagging missing items, and organizing completed bags for distribution

Event Set-Up

Event Set-Up volunteers help prepare event spaces by arranging chairs, tables, signage, décor, and equipment. This role is well suited to people who are comfortable with physical tasks, able to follow instructions closely, and attentive to detail.

Key tasks include:

• Setting up chairs, tables, signage, décor, and equipment

• Assisting with moving and placing equipment as directed

• Supporting venue preparation before events and helping reset or strike spaces as needed

Backstage Support

Backstage Support volunteers provide behind-the-scenes assistance to staff and performers by helping with wayfinding, schedules, and overall event flow. This role is a good fit for volunteers with previous backstage or live-event experience who can adapt quickly and stay calm in high-energy environments.

Key tasks include:

• Preparing and maintaining backstage and dressing room spaces

• Assisting performers and staff with navigation, scheduling, and timelines

• Responding to last-minute needs and relaying updates to staff

Choir Rehearsal Liaison

This role supports choir directors and performers during rehearsals by assisting with wayfinding, timing, and communication to help rehearsals stay on schedule. It’s well suited to volunteers who are highly organized, clear communicators, and comfortable working with performers and production teams.

Key tasks include:

• Keeping choir rehearsals running on schedule

• Directing choirs to and from rehearsal and performance spaces

• Communicating timing updates or needs to staff and production teams

Accessibility Ambassador

Accessibility Ambassadors support accessible navigation and assist attendees with specific access needs, working closely with staff to help ensure an inclusive festival experience. This role is a good fit for volunteers who are patient, respectful, attentive, and committed to creating inclusive spaces.

Key tasks include:

• Assisting attendees with accessible routes, seating, and amenities

• Responding to access-related questions and offering proactive support

• Communicating accessibility needs or concerns and helping keep accessibility features clear and usable

Key of T – Event Ambassador

This role acts as the main point of contact for delegates and attendees at the Key of T music and theatre performance, guiding the overall flow of the event and supporting other ambassadors to ensure guests feel welcomed and informed. It’s a good fit for volunteers who are friendly, confident, and comfortable speaking in front of groups.

Key tasks include:

• Welcoming delegates and attendees as they arrive

• Providing event information and assistance throughout the performance

• Monitoring event flow and escalating issues to staff as needed

Banquet – Event Ambassador

This role supports the banquet portion of the festival by checking in delegates, guiding guests to tables or seating, and assisting with event needs throughout the evening. It’s well suited to volunteers who are friendly, professional, organized, and comfortable assisting guests in a large group setting.

Key tasks include:

• Checking in delegates upon arrival at the banquet

• Guiding attendees to tables or seating areas

• Assisting ambassadors and staff with guest needs

A role for many interests

Some roles are more public-facing, while others focus on logistics or behind-the-scenes support. Many volunteers choose roles that match their interests, experience, and comfort level. Training and guidance are provided.

Stay in the loop

Volunteer sign-ups will open closer to the festival, once schedules are finalized. If you’d like to be notified when you can sign up for particular roles, please add your name to our volunteer contact list.

➤ Add your name and email to our Volunteer contact list