VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
One of the keys to a successful program is the volunteers. Volunteers help to keep the contest flowing smoothly and fill a variety of positions.
Ushers will assist in seating the audience and distributing programs before the contest begins. The Contest Chairman will make necessary announcements and request the Ushers close the doors and not allow anyone to enter or leave while a contestant is speaking. The Ushers serve as the Sgt-at-arms for the contest room.
Escorts – As the contestants arrive, they will be directed to the holding room where they will remain during the contest. One or more Escorts may be assigned to the room and must stay with contestants for the duration of the contest. When a student leaves the room, to either go to the contest room, assigned topic room, or even to the restroom an Escort must go with them. They are there for the safety of the student as well as to ensure compliance with contest rules.
Timekeepers – There is a minimum of two Timekeepers in the contest room. These two people watch the clock and notify the student when they have two minutes left, one minute left, and when they have reached the time. Cards are provided to the Timekeeper which they will hold up to notify the student. They will report the “official” time of the oration or assigned topic to the contest chair in the room. The contest chair will announce the time to the judges and if any penalty applies.
Holding Room Monitor – This Monitor is with the students for the entire contest. In the holding room, prior to the presentation of the Prepared Oration, contestants may consult their notes but are not allowed to take any written materials from the room for any reason. These materials will be returned to the contestants after the completion of the contest. Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in the holding room for use by the contestants. If brought into the room, the Monitor will take them for safekeeping. The number of contestants, will dictate the number of holding rooms made available. Upon completion of the assigned topic in the contest room, the student will be escorted back to the Holding Room. The Monitor will ensure students do not share the assigned topic selected with the other contestants.
Assigned Topic Monitor – After the students have made their prepared oration, prior to the last contestant speaking, an assigned topic will be drawn in the contest room. This will be given to the Assigned Topic Monitor. The contestant will be brought into the room. Once the student reads the assigned topic, they will only have five (5) minutes to prepare. The Monitor must keep time. Once the five minutes are up, they will notify the escort. The escort will stand with the student until called into the contest room. The next student will be brought in and have five (5) minutes to prepare.
Volunteer Today
Please reach out to colegionoratorical@gmail.com with availability to be a volunteer
on the day of the contest or with questions that you might have.