Volunteer Committees

For information about joining a volunteer committee, please email info@simplyslavic.org and we will put you in contact with the committee chair (listed below after the committee's name).

We currently have a couple of committees in need of a chair; please also contact info@simplyslavic.org if you are interested in filling one of these roles.

Baking Contest - Marta Mazur

Contact venue to reserve space (SMARTS).
Update application and other materials for contestants.
Pass updated materials to the website, press release, and social media folks.
Order prizes - 3 embroidered aprons and 1 embroidered chef's hat.
Secure the following volunteers for day of event:
- 3 or 5 judges (uneven number for tiebreak)
- score talliers (3)
- bake sale workers (2)
- kitchen helpers (4-5)
- announcer (1)

Bar & Beverage Manager - John Klimko

Coordinates with Treasurer to complete and apply for a temporary liquor permit.
Coordinates with Logistics and Operations to order and arrange for delivery of commercial cooler and ice delivery.
Contacts distributors regarding product availability and prices.
Make recommendations and arrangements for pick up/delivery of liquor and other supplies; set up event bars, including stocking coolers trailers with beer, pop, and liquor and supplies like openers, cups, straws, and paper products.
Constantly monitor the refill of bins with ice.
Coordinates with Volunteer Coordinator to secure appropriate staff: including setup/take down, bartenders and bar backs, and bouncers.
Train staff on systems, including safety procedures, as per insurance policy.

Children’s Committee - Sara Daugherty

Develop projects to educate and entertain young guests in the Children’s Area during the festival

Hospitality Committee - Mary Margaret Hovanes

Greet people day of the festival, set up tablecloths the evening before festival.

Entertainment Committee - Catherine Katrenich

Securing all music and arts entertainment for the festival.
Research potential participants;
- contact to determine availability, rates, stage requirements, and needs then initiate follow-up;
- make recommendations to Exec Committee for schedule and investment.
Upon final selection, notify performers, send performance agreement, and follow up until receipt. Organize information.
Ongoing coordination with Logistics and Operations;
Arrange for the Day of Event Greeters, who will meet performing artists, show them to dressing tents, introduce them to the stage manager, and answer questions.
Coordinate a stage manager who will welcome the bands and get them on and off the stage to keep the schedule
Coordinate Rodina Floating Table
Supervises Ceremony Coordinator
Organizes Opening Ceremony - Procession with Flags, Rodina, and Beer Keg for tapping; Coordinates with Brewmaster + Presenting Sponsor to arrange a plan for tapping; Coordinates with Logistics and Operations for the timeline and available sound; Orchestrate any audience participation in the ceremony; Rents costumes and props as needed after approval to spend
Organizes dance lessons on Friday night - Instructs or coordinates volunteer instructors to teach polka and kolo with audience participants.
Coordinates with Logistics and Operations for the timeline and available sound.
Organizes Folk Fashion Show, Character and Mascot Walks on Midway Coordinates volunteer models and actors so that they know a couple of quick facts, who they are, where they are from, if applicable when they lived and why we know them; Compiles facts for actors; Sourcing of costumes; Coordinates on-site direction and timing, so activity is always happening
Organizes Bonfire Lighting Ceremony - Tells the story of the three Slavic Tribes; Coordinates volunteers to carry torches and represent the tribes; Tells/Finds someone to recite the story; Coordinates with musicians for prerecorded or live music; Coordinates with Logistics and Operations for the timeline and available sound equipment; Orchestrate any audience participation in the ceremony; Rents costumes and props as needed

Food Committee - Dave Slanina

Reviews food vendor guidelines for updates as needed.
Recommend prices for booths. Invites past vendors and solicits new participants.
Reviews vendor applications;
Confirms payment is completed and ensures health department rules are followed.
Selects vendor locations.
Supervises vendor check-in and ensures that booths conform to rules.
Checks in with participants throughout the event to provide water and relief in case the vendor needs a bathroom break etc.
Administers follow-up surveys.

Fundraising Committee - Scott Schulick

Engaging corporate sponsors.
Primary responsibilities include:
- reviewing and editing sponsorship levels and benefits based on current trends,
- developing sponsorship prospects, coordinating fundraising mailings and email coordination to past and prospective sponsors;
- follow up with phone calls and meetings to secure sponsors;
Keep track of payments; and oversee the process to ensure the delivery of sponsorship benefits (thank yous, social posts, and other needs).
Take the lead in Sponsor engagement by ensuring tickets are delivered and offering a welcome at the event.
Outside of the festival, committee members apply for grants

Heritage Committee - Open

Coordinate varied cultural groups representing different nationalities to put forth information about their country, language, and culture
Develops strategies to encourage artists to demonstrate and speakers to talk on Saturday.
Contact prospective speakers and gain commitments;
Set time schedules;
Coordinate with Logistics and Operations to have necessary sound and lighting
Coordinate with participants to affirm set-up and take down times and plans

Logistics & Onsite Operations Committee - Dave Terpak

Gather input and design layout for the festival;
Work with city departments to obtain necessary permits;
order fencing;
Coordinate with Vendor Committee to welcome each vendor to the festival and assist in getting them settled in their to locations;
Hire security for the festival and overnight and serve as the point of contact;
Order and distribute 2-way radios on event day;
Coordinate lighting, staging, electrical, & technical needs of the festival.

Marketing Committee - Open

Oversee and manage the marketing, public relations, and advertising for the event. Developing branding and marketing materials, placing advertising, and leading public relations efforts.
Overseas or executes updates to the website;
Overseas or executes updates to all event graphics while maintaining a consistent image throughout all promotional materials;
Evaluate the social media landscape and decide what platforms will be good tools for the event, then develop a content calendar to ensure regular posts. This should include an event
Information, sponsorship solicitation, and acknowledgment, as well as other Slavic-related information that would interest followers.
Writing and updating the series of press releases (1/month) to start building interest amongst media and press. Create new angles to engage reporters' interest to encourage free media coverage;
Meet with various media outlets, create an advertising strategy, and negotiate within budget to implement an advertising plan - traditional and digital - that builds awareness for and attendance at events;
Coordinate getting event posters printed and then put up throughout Youngstown/Warren – community boards, sponsors locations, local restaurants/coffee shops/dollar stores
Arrange for professional event photography of event and archive both on social media and in Google Drive

Slavic Marketplace Committee - Dave Slanina

Review Marketplace guidelines for updates as needed.
Recommend prices for booths. Invites past vendors and solicits new participants.
Reviews vendor applications, confirms payment is completed, and selects vendor locations. Supervises vendor check-in and ensures that booths conform to rules.
Checks in with participants throughout the event to provide water and relief in case the vendor needs a bathroom break etc.
Administers follow-up surveys.

Volunteer Coordination Committee - Tracie Balentine

Coordinating volunteer involvement in the festival
Maintains a volunteer database for all aspects of the organization.
Works with the various committees that have needs for volunteers. Solicits, interviews, and places volunteers based on their interests, qualifications, and abilities.
Creates orientation and event welcome to check in and follow up with volunteers throughout the event.
Arrange for complimentary water for volunteers.
Leads coordination of thank you dinner following festival.
Supervises Information Tent Staff -
Answer questions and distribute the festival program, performance schedule, and visitor survey.
Sell t-shirts and other Festival merchandise.