Volunteer Code of Conduct and Operational Policies - EDITED 8/26/26 - HarrisFurg, Inc
Please review the volunteer terms, operational policies and behavioral expectations below. HarrisFurg, Inc. Depends on a collaborative, responsible team to help ensure a safe, inclusive and well-managed event for everyone.
1. Representation & Professionalism -
While on shift, wearing volunteer credentials or identifiers-including lanyards, wristbands, department vests, or volunteer shirts-or working in staff-only areas, you represent HarrisFurg. You are expected to treat attendees, hotel and venue staff, vendors, guests of honor, and fellow volunteers with patience, courtesy, and respect.
- Personal disagreements must be set aside while you are on duty! Any ongoing disputes should be reported as soon as possable to your Department Lead or Human Resources/Convention Operations (“Con Ops”).
2. Attendance, Punctuality and Check-In Procedures -
You must arrive at your assigned department check-in location at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled shift to allow time for briefing and role handoff.
- If an illness, transportation delay or emergency prevents you from reporting as scheduled, notify your Department Lead or ("Con Ops") through the official communications channel as soon as possible.
- Unexcused absences & no-shows, or leaving your assigned post during a shift without approval from your Department Lead, may result in the immediate revocation of volunteer benefits, badge privileges, and eligibility to volunteer at future events.
3. Sobriety, Substance Use and Fitness for Duty -
The possession, distribution or use of alcohol, recreational cannabis or illegal substances is strictly prohibited during scheduled shifts and for at least four hours before reporting for duty.
- Volunteers must be mentally and physically capable of performing their assigned responsibilities safely and effectively while representing the event. Anyone suspected of reporting for duty while impaired, displaying signs of impairment, or using prohibited substances in unauthorized convention areas may be relieved of duty immediately and have their badge revoked, and be removed from the property. See more on disciplinary action as outlined in section 11.
4. Confidentiality, Badging, and Security Access -
Volunteers may receive access to confidential communications, incident reports, attendee information, guest-of-honor schedules, radio frequencies, and secured back-of-house areas.
- All proprietary operational information and attendee information must be kept strictly confidential during and after the convention! Official credentials and equipment-including volunteer badges, radios, master keys, electronic tablets & wristbands-remain the property of the convention. They are non-transferable and must not be loaned, copied or provided to unauthorized individuals.
5. Chain of Command and Incident Reporting -
Clear communication, is essential to safe and effective event operations! Volunteers must follow the established departmental chain of command.
- Direct operational questions and schedule/adjustment(s) should be requested to your designated Department Lead or ("Con Ops").
- In the event of a critical incident-including a medical emergency, physical confrontation, structural damage or serious rules violation do not attempt physical intervention or provide personal statements. Immediately contact ("Con Ops") or Safety Dispatch through the convention radio or emergency channel.
- Do not issue official statements to the press, news media, or public social-media channels on behalf of HarrisFurg regarding convention policies or operational incidents.
6. Anti-Harassment and Inclusive Conduct -
HarrisFurg maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, hate speech, bullying & unwanted physical contact, non-consensual photography and predatory behavior.
- Volunteers must help maintain a welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or background.
- Violations may result in immediate dismissal & removal from the convention also a permanent prohibition on volunteering at future events.
7. Equipment Care and Venue Integrity -
Volunteers entrusted with equipment-including two-way radios, audiovisual equipment, badge scanners, rolling carts, signage, and hotel furnishings. All staff must handle those items responsibly and with care.
- All issued equipment must be returned to your Department Lead or ("Con Ops") at the end of each shift in good working order. Damage from resulting from intentional misuse or gross negligence may lead to the loss of volunteer privileges and personal liability for replacement costs.
8. Fursuiting, Cosplay, and Shift Attire -
While on duty, volunteers must remain readily identifiable, mobile, and able to communicate effectively.
- Except for designated roles that specifically require mascot or suit engagement, such as parade marshaling or designated photo handling. Volunteers may not wear full fursuits, vision-obstructing headwear, bulky masks, or heavy prop armor while working.
- Clothing must be practical, safe, clean, and consistent with applicable public-health and venue requirements. Closed-toe shoes are required for logistics, setup, stage production, and other activities involving elevated safety risks.
9. Hydration, Self-Care and Shift Breaks -
Your health and well-being are important. Volunteers are expected to take appropriate hydration, meal and sensory breaks during extended shifts.
- If you feel dizzy, exhausted, injured, overwhelmed by noise or crowd density or otherwise unable to continue safely. Notify your Department Lead immediately so that a replacement or rest rotation can be arranged. Do not exceed your safe physical limits.
10. Volunteer Status and Non-Employment Relationship -
You acknowledge & agree that all services provided to HarrisFurg are performed voluntarily. Volunteer service does not create an employer/employee relationship, independent-contractor relationship, or joint venture with HarrisFurg.
- Volunteers do not receive monetary compensation or hourly wages and should not expect workers’ compensation coverage, health insurance, or future paid employment. Any approved volunteer benefits-such as crash space, staff lodging, food vouchers, or event merchandise-are non-transferable tokens of appreciation and are not intended to constitute wages.
11. HarrisFurg reserves the right to reassign duties, suspend shifts, or terminate volunteer status immediately at any time if a volunteer fails to comply with event policies, engages in disruptive or unprofessional conduct, violates safety protocols, or otherwise compromises the integrity, safety, or well-being of the event, its attendees, or its staff.
Grounds for Immediate Dismissal Immediate revocation of volunteer status, forfeiture of staff/volunteer badges, and potential ejection from the venue may occur for severe infractions, including but not limited to:
- Substance Use & Impairment: Possession, consumption, or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal substances while on shift or in designated staff-only areas.
- Harassment & Misconduct: Any form of harassment, discrimination, verbal abuse, physical altercations, or unwanted physical contact toward attendees, hotel staff, or other volunteers.
- Safety & Security Breaches: Tampering with venue equipment, unauthorized access to restricted areas, or failure to follow emergency directives from hotel security, HarrisFurg leadership, or local authorities.
- Theft & Property Damage: Theft, intentional damage, or unauthorized removal of HarrisFurg assets, attendee property, or hotel facilities.
- Violations: Sharing, transferring, or counterfeiting staff credentials, badge swapping, or facilitating unpaid entry to the convention.
Progressive Discipline & Corrective Process, leadership will generally follow a progressive approach, though steps may be bypassed depending on the severity of the situation:
- Verbal Warning: Direct feedback and clarification of expectations provided by the Department Lead or Co-Chair.
- Duty Reassignment / Shift Suspension: Reallocation to non-public-facing tasks or removal from scheduled shifts for the remainder of the day.
- Formal Termination of Volunteer Status: Full dismissal from the volunteer program for the remainder of the event weekend.
Appeals & Inquiries All disciplinary decisions made during the convention are final for the duration of the event weekend. Post-event inquiries or appeals regarding volunteer eligibility for future HarrisFurg events must be submitted in writing to the executive board ("board@harrisfurg.net") within 14 days following the convention's conclusion.
12. Staff Housing Rules -
We provide staff housing to make sure everyone has a safe, clean & comfortable place to live for the life of the event. Since rooms are shared, cooperation, consideration & respect for each other are really important.
- Quiet Hours: Please be quiet between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM so everyone can get enough rest.
- Privacy: Always knock before entering someone's room. Respect personal space and never use or borrow personal items without asking first.
- Trash and Cleaning: Throw away trash regularly to keep things hygienic and prevent damage to the room.
- Taking Care of Property: Treat all furniture, appliances and fixtures in the hotel/venue with care. Report any damage or issues you find right away to convention operations ("Con Ops").
- Door Safety: Lock your room door when you leave it. Never share keycards with anyone who isn't staff or hasn't been assigned a room.
- Visitors: Visitors who are not staff and guests staying overnight without authorization are not allowed in staff housing.
- What's Not Allowed: Things like open flames candles/incense/smoking or vaping inside rooms & weapons are strictly forbidden! Breaking these rules can lead to immediate disciplinary action as outlined in section 11. Contact convention operations ("Con Ops") @ ("operations@harrisfurg.net") for more information.
----EDITED 8/26/26 - HarrisFurg, Inc