Thank you for your interest in volunteering with AIA San Francisco. Throughout the year, we have many events and programs where volunteers have the opportunity to interact with local architects and designers and learn more about the field. In exchange for a few hours of your dedicated time, volunteers get a chance to learn about architectural developments in the Bay Area, and you receive free admission to the event at which you volunteer.

For most volunteer opportunities, you do not need a an architectural background - just a willingness and ability to interact with the public. To be placed on our volunteer opportunity e-mail list (low traffic) just send an email to Jaime Wong at [jwong] 'at' [aiasf.org].

There are several large events every year where we look for volunteers; here are some of the general dates:

• AIA San Francisco Design Awards Gala - May
• Small Firms, Great Projects Exhibition & Gala - September
• Architecture + the City Festival / Home Tours - September
• AIA San Francisco Annual Business Meeting & Member Party - November

Details about our largest volunteer event, the annual Home Tours, are below.

Click Here to view images from the 2007 San Francisco Living: Home Tours Weekend.

• Free pass for one day of the San Francisco Living: Home Tours Weekend.
• Free admission to The Architect's Forum, where the architects discuss their process and answer questions on the homes. Date & Location TBA , typically within the week prior to the tours.
• Other benefits and discounts in the past have included complimentary coffee coupons and a free event t-shirt.

Docent Requirements

Head Docents:
Leaders are needed at each home to supervise volunteers assigned to your shift, including ensuring sufficient coverage in the rooms and at the front door, and to answer questions.  You must have access to a car as you will also be responsible for transporting two boxes of bottled water to your assigned home the day of the tour. Most Head Docents have participated with the AIA SF Home Tours for at least one year, and they must be available prior to the tour weekend for a brief leadership and training meeting.

Home Docents:
Be willing to commit to a 3.5-hour shift on Saturday, September 11 and/or Sunday, September 12. Docents must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their shift to check in with the Head Docent: Morning shift times are approximately 9:30am - 1pm, and afternoon shifts will be approximately 1pm - 4:30pm.  Home Tours docents are present inside the homes, making sure visitors are respectful and follow the rules outlined in the Home Tours ticket.

Headquarters Docents:
Headquarters docents assist with registration and general questions at the Home Tours Headquarters. Be willing to commit to a four-hour shift on Saturday, September 11 and/or Sunday, September 12. Morning shift is approximately 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Afternoon shift is approximately 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm.

Mandatory Docent Meeting:
Date TBD
AIA San Francisco, 130 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco

Learn more about each home being shown on the tour and sign up for any remaining shifts. (We encourage every volunteer to sign up online by the end of August in order to receive all the preliminary information.) You will receive brief training, a packet of information and directions to the home(s). It is also an opportunity to meet other volunteers and arrange for group carpools. If you would like to volunteer but cannot attend the docent meeting, you must contact the office in advance to make arrangements.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS WILL GO LIVE ON JULY 1, 2010.

Festival Volunteer Requirements

Volunteers must arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the event, and assist staff with guest registration and distribution of materials. Volunteers receive free admission to the event to which they volunteer, and may receive additional benefits or discounts. Following is a list of popular volunteer events:

• Opening Party
• Architectural Film Series
• Architectural Tours
• Architectural Lectures
• Architectural Gems Bike Tour
• Dining by Design
• Exhibitions
• Family Programs

Questions?
Contact Jaime Wong, Festival Volunteer Coordinator, at [jwong] 'at' [aiasf.org].