As a FIRST® event volunteer, there is a lot to know about how to get started volunteering with FIRST and how to prepare yourself to be an effective FIRST volunteer. We are pleased to offer you this checklist to guide you on your way to joining the community.
Download PDF Version of Event Volunteer Checklist
FIRST Event Volunteer Checklist
Download PDF version of Event Volunteer Checklist
- Create an online profile to apply for and manage your events on the dashboard.
- At FIRST, student safety is always a priority. Every adult must become familiar with our Youth Protection Program. Take the time to watch our videos and read our Youth Protection materials.
- All adult volunteers from the United States and Canada must complete background screening through our Volunteer Registration for the safety of all FIRST team members.
- Event Volunteer Age Requirement
- The minimum age requirement for a FIRST volunteer is 13 years old.
- Select event volunteer roles have age requirements above the age of 13. You will find event volunteer role age requirements in each role description.
- A minor must have a parent or guardian give written permission to volunteer.
- In addition, the FIRST Consent and Release Forms will need to be signed by a parent or guardian in the Volunteer Registration system for any volunteer under age 18.
- Questions? Refer to our FIRST Volunteer Handbook.
Brand new to FIRST? Sign up to the FIRST Dashboard!
- Create an account.
- Apply to events or programs in the ‘Volunteer Registration’ tab.
- Select your availability and choice of roles.
- Complete the free youth protection screening (US & Canada).
- Complete the consent and release forms updated annually.
- Fill out your profile and volunteer information.
- Refer to the Volunteer Registration User Guide to help you on your way.
Already have a FIRST account?
- Log in to your FIRST account.
- Click on the Volunteer Registration tab.
- Sign up for an event or apply to a program.
- Complete the free youth protection screening (US & Canada).
- Complete the consent and release forms, updated annually.
- Refer to the Volunteer Registration User Guide to help you on your way.
Under 18 (ages 13 - 17)? If you are not currently on a team or registered under your parent/guardian's account, you can follow this process to create your own account. Sign up to the FIRST Dashboard!
- Create an account.
- Apply to an event or program in the Volunteer Registration tab.
- Select your availability and choice of volunteer roles.
- Click on the Consent and Release Form and follow instructions to invite your parent or guardian to electronically sign the form on your behalf.
- Fill out profile and volunteer information.
- Refer to the Volunteer Registration User Guide to help you on your way.
Under 18 (ages 13-17)? If you are a student already registered under your parent/guardian’s account, you can use the same email address to log into your own account and volunteer.
- Log in to your FIRST account.
- Apply to an event or program in the Volunteer Registration tab.
- Select your availability and choice of volunteer roles.
- Click on the Consent and Release Form and follow instructions to invite your parent or guardian to electronically sign the form on your behalf (if not already completed).
- Fill out profile and volunteer information.
- Refer to the Volunteer Registration User Guide to help you on your way.
- Your Youth Protection Screening status can be accessed under your profile on the top right of the FIRST Dashboard.
- Once you apply online, you may also want to contact the local FIRST partners in your area after you apply to be proactive, introduce yourself, and let them know of your interest.
- You will receive a volunteer assignment email from your volunteer coordinator when you are assigned to a role.
- If you have not been assigned or received any information about your role, you can message the volunteer coordinator for any event to which you have applied. See the Volunteer Registration User Guide for more information on how to do that.
- Communications will mainly come from event organizers or volunteer coordinators. They will be available to answer all your questions prior to and during the event. Once registered as a volunteer, communications may also be sent from your local Program Delivery Partner and FIRST Headquarters.
- You will receive training specific to your assigned volunteer role either before or on the morning of the event. If your role has online training, you will receive a role volunteer assignment email with these details. You should receive communications from your event organizer about whether training is required and when and how it is administered.
- Subscribe to our Volunteer Newsletter to stay informed.
- Volunteering with FIRST is an introductory learning module that explores what FIRST is and what it means to volunteer with FIRST.
- Inspiring Success Training is for coaches, mentors, volunteers, partners, and other key stakeholders who work directly with students and are committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable teams and are committed to creating a sense of belonging for students. This training is delivered in three modules. We recommend completing each module in one sitting.
- The FIRST Volunteer Customer Service Training will equip you with the tools needed to provide inspiration, safety, support, and a positive experience to our customers. Our customers are anyone who participates in FIRST including teams, parents, coaches/mentors, teachers, sponsors, spectators, and other volunteers.
- Youth Protection Training will enable you to recognize situations that may pose a threat to team member safety and learn the steps to take the actions necessary to prevent and report injuries.
- Subscribe to the FIRST Volunteer Newsletter - Stay up to date on the latest news for FIRST volunteers, including resources and exciting opportunities for volunteering.
- FIRST Volunteer Handbook - This handbook is full of everything you ever wanted to know about volunteering with FIRST!
- Volunteer Registration User Guide - Frequently asked questions regarding the Volunteer Registration system.
- General Volunteer Resources Library Page - These resources cover many aspects of volunteering for FIRST, such as registering to volunteer, completing your Youth Protection screening, and more!
- Volunteer Experience Digital Content - Exclusive digital swag for FIRST volunteers.
- Tips for Interacting with Teams - best practices for mentors and event volunteers for interacting with FIRST teams
- Volunteer Lounge with Food - Generally, at a full-day or multi-day FIRST event, a volunteer lounge with food and refreshments away from the crowd will be supplied to show our appreciation for your time and to help re-energize you.
- Volunteer T-Shirt and Name Badge - Depending on the program and event, you may be given a T-shirt and name badge. These appoint you as a FIRST volunteer for the event. These items will grant you access to the areas you will need to access to complete your volunteer role and are also your ticket to the volunteer lounge for food and refreshments throughout the day if a volunteer lounge is provided.
- Log Your Volunteer Hours - You may want to log your volunteer hours after the event if you are volunteering for school credit, for your employer, or for other reasons. Refer to the Volunteer Registration User Guide on how to record your contribution.
Looking for more information on a specific role within a specific program? Refer to the links below.
Email us with questions, feedback, or your FIRST volunteer story at volunteer@firstinspires.org.