Dear Friends and Supporters,

This year's Chicago Arabesque Fest is quickly approaching, and we need your support! The fest organizers (Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs) have great volunteer and community service opportunities available for anyone who wants to be a part of this exciting and historic event.

The success of Chicago Arabesque is dependent on the generous efforts and time of dedicated volunteers. If you would like to help at Daley Plaza at any time between Thursday, June 24th - Saturday, June 26th, 2010, you can e-mail us at volunteer@chicagoarabesque.com or officially register on the website by filling out the form above.

Someone will then be in touch with you to organize schedules, responsibilities, etc. The festival runs runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday to Friday, and from 11:00 AM to 7:00PM on Saturday.

The normal volunteer shifts start each day at 9:30 AM and end at 6:30 PM, Thursday-Friday (but we also need very early morning volunteers on Thursday at 6:00 AM), and from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturday. We are willing to accommodate our volunteers' schedules and appreciate any time you have available to help us.

Last year, we were able to mobilize over 100 volunteers for the fest, and all described it as an experience they will never forget!

Below is a description of the specific needs and responsibilities that the organizing committee has developed:

1) Set Up Team: (Wednesday 6/23, at 7 PM, the evening prior to fest opening)

2) Installation Booth Assistance: mostly at the beginning and end, but also during the fest for vendors who may need help with "breaking down" booths (please note that booths are staying up at all times, but merchandise may shift, be covered, put away, etc.).

3) Adult Activity Booth: we need people here to make sure scheduled activities are running on-time, equipment is available, etc.

4) Children's Activity Booth: same as adult booth.

5) Stagehand Team: we need a stage manager (someone who will organize stage needs for the performances) and 2 crew members/runners. Please note that the times for performances are Noon - 1 PM Wed.-Fri. and during the entire 11 AM to 7 PM program on Sat.

6) Working The Booths: We have a few vendors who need people to step in for them to watch / cover their booths.

7) Disassembling Team: Mostly for Saturday.

Thank you kindly, and we hope to hear from you soon!

--Chicago Arabesque Organizers

Updated 01/06/10