VOLUNTEER CENTER

URVC | SparkPath Young Authors Conference

The SparkPath Young Authors Conference (YAC) program gives 4th- to 8th-grade students the opportunity to learn from professionals with actual writing experience. The University Retirees Volunteer Center is seeking volunteers to assist with several conferences to be held at Bethel University in St. Paul in May.

Students attend a keynote address and three interactive writing sessions led by local fiction and non-fiction writers. Students leave YAC with a passion to write, and a new set of strategies and ideas with which to experiment. 

Dates, Time, and Location 

  • Tuesday, May 26
  • Wednesday, May 27
  • Thursday, May 28

7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112

Volunteer Activities 
Volunteers can participate as a Wayfinding volunteer or Lunch Team member. Volunteers work together to make the day a success for all kids in attendance, and a safe and fun day for all.

Wayfinding Volunteers 

  • Guide students as they navigate across six buildings on the Bethel University campus.
  • Help with morning check-in. 
  • Monitor the lunch, book fair, and/or open mic. 
  • Collate and/or distribute supplies, collect evaluations, and check rooms for lost and found. 
     

Physical Expectations for Wayfinding Volunteers
Talking/speaking, listening, seeing, standing, walking up and down stairs, being able to carry 10 lbs. 

Lunch Team Volunteers 

  • Check in bag lunches. 
  • Move lunches using carts to the lunch location. 
  • Distribute lunches to teachers. 
  • Monitor the space and provide light clean-up. 


Physical Expectations for Lunch Team Volunteers
Talking/speaking, listening, seeing, standing, walking up and down stairs, being able to carry up to 25 lbs. 

Volunteer eligibility and training requirements
All volunteers need to pass a background check before volunteering. All training is given to volunteers at the event. 

Deadline for volunteer application: IMMEDIATE 
Please indicate at registration if you are an UMRA volunteer. 

To register for this activity, go to MyImpactPage / SparkPath and scroll down to find this activity listed under “Young Authors Conference.”

Or, contact the University Retirees Volunteer Center by email (preferred) at [email protected] or by phone at 612-625-8016.


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