Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Breaking down Festivus, any helpers?
Joe, What was discussed was the lack of communication from event runners letting people know ahead of time what responsibilities need to be covered by helpers and volunteers. Many people involved in this org for 10+ years have stepped up, worked hard, and done a lot. We would show up, someone would say “hey can anyone help with setting up tables” and we would. But over the last few years we’ve showed up. Seen people working, ask if we can help, and get confused “I don’t know, you’d have to ask someone in charge.” Etc. The roads aren’t too bad, I agree, but some people have multiple hour drives to airports to catch a plane home. Some people have multiple hour drives home, etc. We used to stay on site and plan to stay longer. But most of us can’t justify $400~ for multiple nights of hotels to show up a night early and stay an extra night after. Also announcements about asking for help the day of or day before or day after while people are driving is not enough heads up. You need to be discussing this when the event is announced. I am looking back now, the original announcement in May for Festivus was just saying it’s December 13th. I had it on my calendar, I had plans to be here one day. Then a few weeks before I see the second announcement in November also saying Saturday only, no overnight stays, only event is 6pm town hall. Then a million links, which now looking closer I do see the volunteer sign up sheet near the bottom which is the only thing mentioning Friday and Sunday. And I see zero people put their name on there, meaning I was probably not the only person who didn’t see it. Either way please speak to the volunteers who owe this org nothing, which includes yourself, with more respect. You and everyone who helps no matter how little they do deserves recognition and respect. -Connor K
On Dec 14, 2025, at 11:01 AM, Joseph Giliberti via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
I know it was discussed at the town hall that people need to step up more often to help out. Why is it that Jeff and I are the only ones cleaning up today? The roads aren't that bad. No one should have needed advance notice that we would need to clean up after the party. Come on, people!
On 12/14/25 13:20, Connor Krukosky via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Many people involved in this org for 10+ years have stepped up, worked hard, and done a lot. We would show up, someone would say “hey can anyone help with setting up tables” and we would. But over the last few years we’ve showed up. Seen people working, ask if we can help, and get confused “I don’t know, you’d have to ask someone in charge.” Etc.
This "passenger mentality" problem has reached epidemic proportions in recent years, in every part of our society. I see it every day. It's like there are no grownups in the room anymore. These days, it seems the only thing more evil than work is taking responsibility for something. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA
I'm sorry, I'm airing a grievance. Isn't that part of the Festivus miracle? Also, I respect people who act, not people who talk about it endlessly without ever actually getting anything done On Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 1:20 PM Connor Krukosky via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Joe,
What was discussed was the lack of communication from event runners letting people know ahead of time what responsibilities need to be covered by helpers and volunteers.
Many people involved in this org for 10+ years have stepped up, worked hard, and done a lot. We would show up, someone would say “hey can anyone help with setting up tables” and we would. But over the last few years we’ve showed up. Seen people working, ask if we can help, and get confused “I don’t know, you’d have to ask someone in charge.” Etc.
The roads aren’t too bad, I agree, but some people have multiple hour drives to airports to catch a plane home. Some people have multiple hour drives home, etc. We used to stay on site and plan to stay longer. But most of us can’t justify $400~ for multiple nights of hotels to show up a night early and stay an extra night after.
Also announcements about asking for help the day of or day before or day after while people are driving is not enough heads up. You need to be discussing this when the event is announced.
I am looking back now, the original announcement in May for Festivus was just saying it’s December 13th. I had it on my calendar, I had plans to be here one day. Then a few weeks before I see the second announcement in November also saying Saturday only, no overnight stays, only event is 6pm town hall. Then a million links, which now looking closer I do see the volunteer sign up sheet near the bottom which is the only thing mentioning Friday and Sunday. And I see zero people put their name on there, meaning I was probably not the only person who didn’t see it.
Either way please speak to the volunteers who owe this org nothing, which includes yourself, with more respect. You and everyone who helps no matter how little they do deserves recognition and respect.
-Connor K
On Dec 14, 2025, at 11:01 AM, Joseph Giliberti via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
I know it was discussed at the town hall that people need to step up more often to help out. Why is it that Jeff and I are the only ones cleaning up today? The roads aren't that bad. No one should have needed advance notice that we would need to clean up after the party. Come on, people!
participants (3)
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Connor Krukosky -
Dave McGuire -
Joseph Giliberti