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--- volunteer [2026/06/22 16:10] – [How to Sign Up] kcolby
+++ volunteer [2026/06/30 22:32] (current) – [Saturday – Public Airshow] kcolby
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-====== Volunteering with the Motorpool ======
+====== Volunteer with the Motorpool ======
-Thinking about joining the Motorpool? Here is what the job involves, what to expect on a show weekend, and how to get started.
+Want a front-row seat to one of Houston's premier aviation events — and a hands-on role in making it happen? The Wings Over Houston Motorpool keeps the entire show moving, and we'd love to have you on the team. No experience required: we'll train you, pair you with seasoned volunteers, and have you up to speed in no time.
-===== What You Would Be Doing =====
+===== What You'd Be Doing =====
-Motorpool volunteers keep the show moving. Depending on where you are needed and what you enjoy, that might mean checking carts in and out and keeping the fleet organized, shuttling staff and volunteers (and the occasional pile of "stuff that needs to be somewhere else right now") around the field, or driving a Courtesy Cart to help guests with mobility needs get to and from the gates. It is hands-on, people-facing work with a front-row seat to the airshow.
+Motorpool volunteers keep the show moving. Depending on where you're needed and what you enjoy, that might mean checking carts in and out and keeping the fleet organized, shuttling staff and volunteers (and the occasional pile of "stuff that needs to be somewhere else right now") around the field, or driving a Courtesy Cart to help guests with mobility needs get to and from the gates. It's hands-on, people-facing work with a front-row seat to the airshow.
+===== New to the Motorpool? Start Here =====
+If this is your first year with us, we recommend signing up for **Thursday or Friday** if your schedule allows.
+**Thursday** is our primary preparation day — the best chance to meet the team, learn how our operations work, get familiar with the equipment, and ask questions before the airshow begins.
+**Friday** is the first operational day of the airshow. It's a real show day, but generally calmer than the weekend, so it's an excellent way to build confidence before our busiest days on Saturday and Sunday.
+Many of our returning volunteers started exactly this way before working full airshow weekends. Whichever day you pick, you'll be paired with experienced volunteers who'll show you the ropes.
+===== What It Takes =====
+  * Be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license (required for most positions, since they involve driving carts).
+  * Be comfortable outdoors for several hours in whatever weather show weekend brings.
+  * Bring a willingness to learn and pitch in.
+That's it. No special experience necessary — we'll get you up to speed on the carts, the radios, and how we run the field.
 ===== Time Commitment =====
-The Motorpool is busiest over show weekend, generally [Thursday through Sunday]. Days start early — carts roll before the gates open, so morning shifts can begin as early as [0530] — and wrap up in the evening once every cart is back and accounted for. We schedule in shifts, so you do not have to sign up for the whole weekend. [Describe how shifts work and any minimum commitment, plus any pre-show setup or training days.]
+The Motorpool is busiest over show weekend, Thursday through Sunday. Days start early — carts roll before the gates open, so morning shifts can begin as early as **0500** — and wrap up in the evening once every cart is back and accounted for.
+**You don't have to commit to the whole weekend.** We schedule in shifts, so you can sign up for just the days that work for you, and we'll place you where you're needed most.
+In the two weeks before the show, we hold two online pre-show briefings. Attend either one — no travel required — and you'll know exactly how things will run on show week.
+====== Show Week Schedule ======
+Motorpool supports Wings Over Houston throughout show week. Whether you can give a single day or the entire event, we'd love to have you. During signup, just tell us which days you're available.
+===== Wednesday – Setup =====
+**Hours (approx.):** 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
+Mostly a staff and experienced-volunteer workday to get Motorpool ready for show week: receiving golf cart deliveries, preparing the Motorpool station, organizing equipment and supplies, and beginning fleet prep.
+===== Thursday – Fleet Preparation =====
+**Hours (approx.):** 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
+Our primary preparation day and one of the best opportunities for first-time volunteers. Typical activities:
+  * Preparing and organizing nearly 200 golf carts
+  * Installing placards and sponsor signs
+  * Learning Motorpool procedures
+  * Assisting with early cart check-out and check-in
+  * Meeting the team before the airshow begins
+===== Friday – Special Show =====
+**Hours (approx.):** 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
+The first operational day, supporting the Wings Over Houston Special Show. Assignments may include:
+  * Station Crew
+  * Staff & Volunteer Shuttle Driver
+  * Dispatch support
+  * Cart check-out and check-in
+  * General logistics support
+===== Saturday – Public Airshow =====
+Our busiest day, requiring the largest volunteer crew.
+  * **Opening Shift** — meet ~4:45 AM, work 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
+  * **Closing Shift** — start 7:30 AM, finish ~8:00 PM
+Assignments may include:
+  * Station Crew
+  * Staff & Volunteer Shuttle Driver
+  * Courtesy Cart Driver
+  * Dispatch
+  * Communications
+===== Sunday – Public Airshow & Tear Down =====
+Operations run through the day, then transition into teardown once the flying concludes.
+  * **Opening Shift** — meet ~4:45 AM, work 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
+  * **Closing Shift** — start 7:30 AM, finish ~8:00 PM
+Sunday wraps up with:
+  * Fleet decommissioning
+  * Equipment packing
+  * Preparing carts for vendor pickup
+  * Closing out another successful Wings Over Houston
-===== What You Need =====
+====== Perks of Volunteering ======
-  * To be at least 18 years old
+  * Official Wings Over Houston Airshow Participant baseball cap.
-  * A valid driver's license
+  * Verified volunteer hours for schools, scholarships, employer volunteer programs, and community service organizations.
-  * Comfort being outdoors for several hours in whatever weather show weekend brings
+  * Behind-the-scenes access to one of Houston's premier aviation events.
-  * A willingness to learn and pitch in
+  * The chance to meet fellow volunteers who share your interest in aviation and community service.
-No special experience necessary — we will get you up to speed on the carts, the radios, and how we run the field.
+===== Good to Know =====
-===== How to Sign Up =====
+  * Lunch is provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
+  * You'll be outdoors much of the day, so dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes.
-Ready to jump in?
+====== How to Sign Up ======
-Sign-ups typically open in June for returning volunteers and July for new volunteers. Returning volunteers should keep an eye out for emails from motorpool (at) wohmotorpool.com. Once new volunteer recruiting opens up, the link will be posted here as well as via the [[https://www.facebook.com/wingsoverhoustonmotorpool|Wings Over Houston Motorpool]] Facebook page.
+Ready to jump in? **The [[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdSqPPCWNIWWEE5t1Dizur9E2JvVRlybKkCiauYsD3AiZ6Ag/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107229554929333636906|Sign-Up Form]] is open** — fill it out and we'll be in touch.
-The [[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdSqPPCWNIWWEE5t1Dizur9E2JvVRlybKkCiauYsD3AiZ6Ag/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107229554929333636906|Signup Form]] is open!
+New-volunteer recruiting typically opens in July, with the latest link posted here and on our [[https://www.facebook.com/wingsoverhoustonmotorpool|Facebook page]].
-On show days you can also find us at the Old Fire Station at the back of the ramp near Gate W-05.
+On show days, you can also find us in person at the **Old Fire Station** at the back of the ramp, near **Gate W-05**.
-For more information or to contact us outside of the normal recruiting period contact [[mailto:kevincolby@outlook.com|Kevin Colby]]
+Questions, or want to reach out before recruiting opens? Email [[kevincolby@outlook.com|Kevin Colby]].

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