Volunteers
Volunteers are the cornerstone of Nanaimo Dry Grad -
without you, we simply would not exist!
From our dedicated team of coordinators to the hundreds of volunteers who come out the day of the event (and the night before) to help, Nanaimo Dry Grad is an entirely volunteer-run organization.
There are so many different types of volunteer opportunities available within Dry Grad, whether you are a parent of a graduate, a community member, or a student yourself.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click the sign up link below to be added to our monthly newsletter, and once the volunteer positions officially open, you will be the first to know!
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Wellington Presentation Room inside Wellington Secondary School
3135 Mexicana Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2W8
All meetings take place from 6PM to 8PM unless otherwise stated
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
*Additional meeting dates may be added as we get closer to the event
Our volunteer opportunities
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Committee Members
By joining the committee, you are helping make Nanaimo Dry Grad a reality. From coordinating entertainment to decorating to student check in, there are numerous positions available on the committee that have a direct impact on how Nanaimo Dry Grad operates.
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Day Before & Day Of Volunteers
This group is our largest section for volunteers. We need everything from food preparation and picking up supplies to setting up decorations and putting up security fences.
All ages and abilities are welcome, however; for volunteer shifts during the actual event you must be at least 23 years old.
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Minors
Due to the nature of Dry Grad, we do not allow minors to volunteer during the event itself. We also ask that all volunteers are at least 23 years of age (approx. 5 years out of high school) to limit fraternization with students.
That does not mean that there are not jobs for minors! From decorating the venue to kitchen prep and clean up after the event, minors (with parental consent) and those under 23 have plenty of opportunities to volunteer with Nanaimo Dry Grad.
Volunteer Position Descriptions
It is always good to know what the position entails before you sign up for it, so here is a brief description of the various jobs assigned to each category.
Please note additional responsibilities may be required as needed on the day of the event, but Nanaimo Dry Grad will never ask you to do anything outside of your safety and comfort level.
Bag Check
Setting up the bag check area
Putting student bags into their assigned areas
Providing students with their bags throughout the night as needed
Communications And Media
Creating social media content
Creating and updating the website
Being the main communication point for external stakeholders (including vendors, parents, students, schools, etc.)
Entertainment
Monitoring and assisting with inflatable games/bouncy houses
Food and Beverage
prepping food in advance (cutting up fruits and veggies)
refilling food stations throughout the event
making sure coolers are filled up with drinks
Minors are welcome to help out in the food preparation part of this position.
FoodSafe certification is recommended!
Sponsorship and Prizes
collecting and distributing prizes to students at the end of the night
packaging prizes into bundles
cataloging prizes so we can send thank you’s to sponsors after the event
T-Shirts
laying out t-shirts for students to pick up
setting up a t-shirt signing station
Clean Up
Sweeping and tidying the floors
Bringing the event space back to “pre-event” condition
Changing garbages
Taking down decorations
Minors are welcome to help out with this position!
Decorations
decorating the facility
blowing up balloons, hanging signs, putting together archways
Minors are welcome to help out with this position!
Equipment and Delivery
loading and unloading the delivery truck at the storage unit and venue
moving equipment into and out of the event as needed
Safety and Security
monitoring entrances and exits
walking the perimeter of the event to ensure there are no holes in the gates
maintaining the safety of all participants in the event
Student CHeck In
ensuring students are paid and have a completed waiver
checking the students name off and providing them a wristband
directing them to the next stage of the check in process (getting their t-shirt and bag check)
Volunteer Room
checking in volunteers for their assigned roles
communicating with the coordinators when their volunteers have arrived for pre-shift meetings