Volunteer Orientation will be held on Thursday, September 13th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and Sunday, September 16th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.  Both Training sessions will be held at First Baptist Church located at 48 Meeting Street.  All volunteers must attend one training session.

Fall Tour Volunteer Benefits

The many benefits of volunteering for the Fall Tours include:

• FREE TICKETS!!!!! We are very grateful for your assistance with the tours! As a thank you for all your time, you will receive one complimentary ticket to a tour of your choice for each tour you work as a guide and two complimentary tickets for each tour you work as a senior guide.

• GUIDE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM: Our Guide Enrichment Pass gives you (and often a guest!) free access to many local attractions and tours where you will be able to observe professionally trained docents! This is a golden opportunity to learn about Charleston and her history.

• PARTY: Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party is held every spring and is not to be missed!

DESCRIPTION OF FALL TOUR VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

SENIOR GUIDE: The senior guides act as a liaison between the street chairmen and the volunteer guides in their assigned properties.  The senior guide is responsible for all arrangements with the homeowner before the tour.  The senior guide will be stationed at the front door and is responsible for checking the wristband-tickets or guest passes.  In addition, the Senior Guide makes sure that the flow of the house is satisfactory.
Time Commitment:

• 5:00  to 9:00pm for the Thursday tours or 1:00  to 5:00pm for Friday, Saturday  and Sunday tours
• 1 training session
• Approximately one hour of telephone/email  time prior to tour

HOUSE GUIDE: These guides act as a host/hostess for one room in a home.  The guide is provided with a script for the room and shares information on the furniture, artwork etc. found in each assigned room.
Time Commitment:

• 5:00  to 9:00pm for the Thursday tours or 1:00  to 5:00pm for Friday, Saturday  and Sunday tours
• 1 training session

GARDEN GUIDE: These volunteers specifically wish to be in a garden setting only. The guide is provided with plant lists, design descriptions and historical information about the garden.  *Please note that it is possible that the tour you commit to may not feature any gardens. If this is the case you may be asked to change your volunteer role.
Time Commitment:

• 5:00  to 9:00pm for the Thursday tours or 1:00  to 5:00pm for Friday, Saturday  and Sunday tours
• 1 training session

STREET MARSHAL: Street marshals are situated in strategic locations throughout the tour route to assist guests with finding their way during the tour.
Time Commitment:

• 5:00  to 9:00pm for the Thursday tours or 1:00  to 5:00pm for Friday, Saturday  and Sunday tours
• 1 training sessio

The following volunteer positions are not listed on the Commitment Card: 

TICKET ASSISTANT: The ticket assistants work at the Society’s shop located at 147 King Street.  These crucial volunteers are needed for Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the tour season.  On-site training for these positions is held in early September.  If you enjoy talking with guests informally and assisting with general information regarding tourist activities in Charleston, this is the volunteer position for YOU.
Time Commitment:

• Shift information:

Thursday (11:00–3:30, 3:30 – 6:00)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (10:00–2:30, 2:30–5:00)

• 1 training session

To sign up for this position, contact Lisa Estes at lestes@preservationsociety.org or 722-4630.

RESERVATION ASSISTANT:  We also need assistance during regular office hours, Monday through Saturday, taking ticket orders over the telephone.  It’s great fun helping guests plan their trips!
Time Commitment:

• 4 hour shifts Monday through Friday (9:00–1:00 or 1:00–5:00), and  Saturdays (10am – 2pm)*during tours
• 1 training session

To sign up for this position contact Ashton Mullins at amullins@preservationsociety.org or 722-4630.