SAN DIEGO COMIC CONVENTION INC.

LEVEL 3 VOLNTEER ORIENTATION PACKET

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
DAILY VOLUNTEER POLICIES and SAFETY GUIDELINES
Mission Statement: San Diego Comic Convention, Inc. (dba Comic-Con International, WonderCon and APE-Alternative Press Expo) is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. Purpose of Volunteer Policies: The achievement of these goals is best served by the active participation of members of comic fandom and the community at large. To this end, San Diego Comic Convention Inc. (SDCC) accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at all levels and within all appropriate programs and activities. The purpose of these policies is to provide overall guidance and direction to volunteers. SDCC policies set productive standards of conduct, reduce faulty communications, and insure consistency in all aspects of the volunteer experience. Only the Volunteers Dept. coordinators, the Human Resources Coordinator and/or SDCC administration staff and Board of Directors may grant changes or exceptions to these policies and then only in writing. Scope of Volunteer Policies: These policies apply to those individuals who volunteer their time on behalf of SDCC for APE (Alternative Press Expo), WonderCon, and/or Comic-Con International. Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities: Volunteers are viewed as a valuable resource to SDCC and its membership. Volunteers shall be extended the right to be treated with respect, effective supervision, the right to full involvement and participation, and the right to recognition for volunteer assignments performed, however, the receipt of an honorarium or any other form of compensation is not to be expected in any volunteer position. In return, volunteers shall agree to actively perform their assignments to the best of their abilities, to follow the policies and procedures as set out below, and to be punctual and courteous. GENERAL POLICIES Eligibility: Volunteers must be 16 years or older to volunteer for WonderCon and/or ComicCon International, and 18 years or older to volunteer for APE. Volunteers ages 16 -17 must have a signed parental notice of consent (as found in the Volunteer Program form) on file with the Volunteer Department. SDCC is not responsible for volunteers who are minors when they are not actively engaged in volunteer activities.

Company Property: No volunteer will remove company property from the event site without specific instruction from a supervisor responsible for the property in question. Removing or attempting to remove company property without permission may result in dismissal from the volunteer program and legal action. Personal Property: SDCC will not be held responsible for damage to personal property not authorized for convention usage by the Board or Directors. Dress Code: Volunteers are responsible for presenting a good image to everyone they come in contact with. Shirt and shoes are required at all times. Profane or X-rated clothing/costumes are not allowed. Real or facsimile weapons may not be carried at any time while on duty. As a courtesy to all, we ask for volunteers to practice clean personal hygiene. Training: Volunteers will receive specific instructions on-site to provide them with the information necessary to perform their assignment. Personal Conduct: Volunteers may not engage in unprofessional, unethical or disrespectful conduct. Some examples of conduct which is impermissible include the following: 1. Using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during volunteer activities. 2. Physical or verbal abuse of clients (including but not limited to attendees, exhibitors and professionals), their family members/friends, volunteers or staff members. 3. Using profanity in communicating with clients, their family/friends, volunteers or staff members. 4. Unauthorized use of company equipment including telephones, computers or other office equipment. 5. Theft of any property (personal items, food, supplies, money, etc.) belonging to SDCC, any client, volunteer or staff member. 6. Using a volunteer position to gain any personal or financial favors from clients, their family/friends, volunteers, donors or staff members. 7. Fighting is absolutely prohibited, as is roughhousing and horseplay. 8. Gambling of any kind or bookmaking on company premises and/or event premises is prohibited.

In addition, these generally accepted guidelines of conduct apply: 1. While conducting convention business, volunteers must present themselves in a professional manner at all times. 2. Volunteers must not present themselves as officially representing SDCC, or its clients or agents, in disputes, legal matters, media interviews, on the Internet, in e-mail or in any other venue without the express authorization from the Executive Director, President of the Board of Directors or the Director of Marketing/PR. 3. Volunteers must take no action or conduct themselves in any manner that may cause injury to themselves or others. 4. Volunteers must not do anything to interfere with another's ability to participate in the volunteer program. 5. Volunteers must treat others with courtesy and respect. 6. Punctuality and good attendance is an expected condition of the Volunteer Program. Harassment Policy: SDCC is committed to establishing and maintaining a volunteer/work environment free from discrimination, coercion and harassment. In that regard, the organization wishes to affirmatively address the issue of unlawful harassment including, but not limited to, sexual harassment. The company strongly disapproves of and will not tolerate unlawful harassment by managers, supervisors, employees or volunteers. Harassment based upon any protected classification is illegal and against our policy, including harassment based on age, marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, disability or any other basis protected by law. It violates Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act and state fair employment laws because it discriminates on the basis of sex. Unlawful harassment includes, but is not limited to making unwanted advances or unwelcome verbal, physical or physical conduct where: 1. submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term or condition of volunteer participation; or 2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting such individual; or 3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individuals volunteer performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive volunteer/work environment.

Examples of sexual harassment are provided below. However, it is not possible to identify each and every act which constitutes or may constitute sexual harassment. Unwelcome requests for sexual favors; lewd or derogatory comments or jokes, comments regarding sexual behavior or the body of another employee; sexual innuendo and other vocal activity such as cat calls or whistles. Obscene letters, notes, invitations, photographs, cartoons, articles, or other written or pictorial materials of a sexual nature. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed the interest is unwelcome. Retaliating against an volunteer for refusing a sexual advance or reporting an incident of possible sexual harassment to the company or any government agency. Offering or providing factors or benefits such as promotions, favorable evaluations, favorable assigned duties or shifts, etc. in exchange for sexual favors. Any unwanted physical touching or assault or blocking or impeding movements.

If a volunteer believes he/she has been the subject of unlawful harassment or if an employee or volunteer observes the harassment of another individual, the incident should be promptly reported to the volunteer coordinator, a department head or assistant, the Executive Director or to the President of the Board of Directors. A volunteer has the right to report the harassment claim to any person of authority within the organization. All harassment complaints should be documented in writing and submitted within twenty-four (24) hours, or as soon as it is possible. All submitted complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken. The investigation will be as objective and complete as reasonably possible. Upon completion of the investigation, a determination will be made and the results will be communicated to the complainant, the alleged harasser and, as appropriate, to all others directly concerned. If inappropriate conduct is proven, prompt and effective remedial action will be taken. This includes the following steps: 1) appropriate action will be taken against the harasser and communicated to the complainant; 2) steps will be taken to prevent any further harassment; within the reasonable control of the company and as appropriate under the circumstances; and 3) other appropriate remedial action will be taken. With regard to acts of harassment by those outside the company, corrective action within the reasonable control of the company, and as appropriate under the circumstances, will be taken. No volunteer will suffer reprisals or retaliation for making a complaint of unlawful harassment in good faith, or any other unlawful conduct, or for initiating or assisting in any action or proceeding in good faith regarding unlawful harassment or discrimination. Any incidents of further harassment or retaliation should be reported immediately to the volunteer coordinator, a department head or assistant, the Executive Director or to the President of the Board of Directors.

Open Door Policy: If a volunteer has any problems or concerns about any aspect of the Volunteer Program, they should feel free to contact the head of the department for which he/she is volunteering. A daily volunteer may also contact Volunteer Dept. staff. Volunteers may also contact Human Resources or the Board of Directors to discuss problems or concerns. General Safety Guidelines: It is desirable for each volunteer to practice safety awareness by thinking defensively, anticipating unsafe situations and reporting unsafe conditions immediately. For the protection and safety of all, SDCC has established the following guidelines designed to prevent accident and injury. In addition, dept. heads and VPs may establish specific requirements for individual depts. The Human Resources Coordinator is in charge of implementing the safety guidelines for SDCC. 1. All persons shall follow these safe practices, render every possible aid to safe operations, and report all unsafe conditions to their dept. head. 2. Anyone known or reasonably suspected to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics shall not be allowed to volunteer while in that condition. 3. Avoid risk of rupture, internal injury or back injury in attempting to lift or push excessive loads. Observe the correct position for lifting. Stand with feet slightly apart, assume a squatting position with knees bent and chin tucked in. Tilt head forward, grasp the load with both hands and gradually push up with legs, keeping back straight, avoiding any abrupt movement. Do not try to lift an item, which is too heavy or bulky to be handled by one person. ASK FOR HELP. 4. Do not allow wax, oil, water or any other material to remain on the floor where people might slip. Report any spills to the department head, and assistant or the volunteer coordinator immediately. 5. Do not block fire doors, fire extinguishers, gas meters, electrical panels, traffic lanes, aisles, stairways or exits. 6. Never operate any machinery or equipment without obtaining full instructions, and only when specifically told to do so by a supervisor. 7. Do not use defective tools or equipment. Report defects immediately to the Dept Head. 8. Never begin any hazardous job unless completely familiar with the proper techniques and precautions that apply to it. Check with the supervisor if unsure. 9. Never attempt to repair, adjust, or lubricate a machine unless instructed on the proper procedures. Never attempt to repair/adjust electrical equipment unless the power switch is properly turned off/unplugged. 10. If volunteering outside in the sun or in areas of extreme heat, drink lots of water (or Gatorade or similar product), 8 oz. every 20-30 min., to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps. 11. Keep area and all facilities used clean and neat. 12. Understand assignments fully and follow instructions. If unsure of the safe procedure, ask supervisor.

13. Know the location of first aid room/EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and fire fighting equipment. 14. Unnecessary and excessive haste is the cause of many accidents. Exercise caution at all times. WALK, DO NOT RUN. 15. All convention-related injuries and accidents, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately to a department head, assistant or the volunteer coordinator. 16. A violation of a safety precaution is, in itself, an unsafe act. Please follow these guidelines. Convention Specific Safety Guidelines: Volunteers may be assigned to more than one department or area over the course of the convention. In addition to the above listed safety guidelines, we have listed here a few, more specific areas in which to practice caution: 1. Lifting: Volunteers may be asked to lift a wide variety of items (boxes of program guides, film cans, flats of beverages etc.) Countermeasures: Note #3 above for the proper lifting method. REMEMBER! ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED. Or make multiple trips if that is what it takes to avoid injury. If this is not possible, DO NOT lift the item. Find someone to help or leave it. 2. Slips/Trips/Falls: Possible hazards are tripping over electrical wires, drape stands, or over others while carrying boxes etc. Those volunteering in Films, Japanese Animation and the Masquerade have the added challenge of being in the dark, avoiding falling off the back of projection risers, avoiding tripping on backstage cables/stairs, or avoiding falling off the stage. Volunteers are asked to please be careful and not to work in those areas that make them feel uncomfortable or put them at risk of slipping, tripping or falling. Countermeasures: Move slowly and keep eyes moving so hazards will be noticed. Use caution on stairways and escalators. Flashlights will be available to staff in darkened areas as well as catchers and strip lights for the Masquerade stage. 3. Falling Equipment: There are many signs, drapes, booths, lights, and other equipment all over the event site. There is a very slight possibility that this equipment might fall over or off the walls or ceiling. Countermeasures: All of this equipment has been set up by professionals and is properly secured to prevent this type of injury. Please help by not leaning/sitting on ends of tables and hanging/pulling on drape poles or light stands. Also, use caution when sitting in folding chairs as they can easily fold or tip over. 4. Electrical Shock/Burns: Be careful when plugging/unplugging equipment like typewriters, cash registers, projectors, etc. Countermeasures: Do not stick fingers inside a typewriter, working parts of a cash register, or projector. Ask supervisor for help with changing tape rolls, ribbon, film etc. Parts of these machines can get very hot and could cause burns. Do not attempt to change bulbs in a projector. 5. Cut/Puncture/Misc. Injuries: Volunteers may be asked to use various items that could cause these types of injuries (scissors, box cutters, knives, etc.). Countermeasures: Avoiding horseplay and paying attention at all times will help eliminate these types of injuries.

First Aid: Remember, if a volunteer is injured in any way, or if he/she sees someone who is injured and unable to get help by himself or herself, notify a department head, assistant, or anyone with a radio immediately. If no one is available, call building security. A First Aid station/EMT is available on site at all times. Be sure to check out its location before beginning first volunteer assignment. First aid materials will also be available backstage at the Masquerade for Comic-Con. Fire Hazards: If a potential fire hazard is seen, report it to supervisor or to anyone with a radio. Know where the fire extinguishers are in the area. If smoke is seen or smelled, try to locate the source and then notify a department head, assistant, or anyone with a radio, or report it to building security. Keeping areas free of clutter and papers that can potentially fall near a live wire or outlet will help in avoiding fire hazards. Protection of Personal Property: Never leave purses, wallets, items bought in the exhibit hall or anything else of value lying around. Leave unnecessary items at home. If there is a bag check area at the convention site, take advantage of it. Volunteers should wear fanny packs or other types of carriers that will allow them to keep valuables on their persons and yet leave hands free. If any items are missing, notify a department head or an assistant immediately. They will notify security.

SAN DIEGO COMIC CONVENTION, INC. LEVEL 3 VOLUNTEER POLICIES & SAFETY GUIDELINES AGREEMENT FORM (please sign and bring to the Volunteer Desk when you check in) I UNDERSTAND THAT THE POLICIES AND SAFETY GUIDELINES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE CHANGED, MODIFIED OR DELETED AT ANY TIME AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF SDCC. I AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS CONTAINED HEREIN AND WITH ANY REVISIONS SUBSEQUENTLY MADE BY SDCC.

Signature of Volunteer________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Please Print Name____________________________________________________

PARENTAL CONSENT, MEDICAL WAIVER AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT You must be at least 16 years old on the first day you volunteer for Comic-Con International. If you are 16-17 years old, you must bring a signed copy of this parental consent form to the Volunteer Desk to get your first assignment. No exceptions -- no other form is acceptable.

I, ____________________________________ [name], warrant that I am the parent having legal custody of or the legal guardian of ____________________________________________ [name of minor] ("Minor"), who was born on ___________________________. I understand that Minor has the intention of volunteering time for Comic-Con International (CCI). I agree and consent to Minor's participation at COMIC-CON INTERNTIONAL I understand and agree that it is Minor's responsibility to find food, lodging and transportation to and from the location of any volunteer activity he/she agrees to perform. I further understand and agree that CCI, its agents, employees, heirs, successors and assigns are in no way responsible for providing food, lodging and/or transportation to the Minor. In the event of accident or injury to Minor while volunteering, I authorize CCI, its directors, officers, agents, employees, successors and assigns to seek and obtain medical and/or dental treatment and/or care for Minor. The authority granted by this Parental Consent, Medical Waiver and Indemnity Agreement includes the authority to consent to any medical and/or dental treatment and/or care to be rendered to Minor under the general and/or specific supervision of a qualified physician, surgeon or dentist. Furthermore, I agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless CCI, its directors, officers, agents, employees, successors and assigns from any and all damages, losses, claims, liabilities, charges, suits, penalties, costs and/or expenses, including but not limited to court costs, attorneys' fees and expenses, resulting from any act (whether intentional or not), omission or negligence of Minor and/or from any injury occurring to Minor.

Signature of parent/guardian __________________________________________________ Contact Phone (________) ___________________________________

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER 111 WEST HARBOR DRIVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 JULY 21-24, 2011

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
General Information: We suggest that you plan on coming to the Volunteer Desk at the Convention Center on Wednesday July 20th between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM to check in, get a badge, and get your Thursday assignment if you are planning on volunteering Thursday. Also, those volunteers who completed assignments in 2010 can get their Preview Night stickers when they check in. However, if you cant come Wednesday, no problem! Whatever day you get to the convention, come to the Volunteer Desk first. (NOTE: The one exception is if you have already paid for a membership, please go to Attendee Registration FIRST and pick up your badge and badge holder and then come to the Volunteer Desk for an assignment.) The Volunteer Desk will be located in the lobby of the convention center. Watch for signs to point you to the correct door. Please bring your barcode letter and confirmation number, and a photo ID with date of birth, to identify you as a pre-registered volunteer. A school ID with signed parental waiver is also accepted. If you have lost your confirmation do not panic. It speeds up the check in process, but we can check you in without it. We will give you an assignment and a badge so that you can access the area to which you are assigned. When you are not actively volunteering, these badges will allow you into the Exhibit Hall and panels during regular hours.. Only volunteers who completed at least one assignment in 2010 may attend Preview Night, July 20, 2011, 6-9 PM. You must check in first at the Volunteer Desk in the lobby to get a Preview Night sticker. Desk will be open beginning at 10:00 AM on Wednesday. Volunteer Desk Hours (hours subject to change) 10AM 9PM Wednesday 7AM 7PM Thursday thru Saturday 7AM until last assignment is over Sunday You may want to come early to get parking in the Convention Center, BUT unless you are assigned a task in the early morning, you will not be able to enter the Convention Center lobby before 8 AM. Go get some breakfast and come back at 8 am. Badges: Lost badges issued by the Volunteer Department will be replaced at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinators, Jennifer Maturo or Marc Wilson. Lost badges issued through Attendee Registration must be dealt with at Attendee Registration by their staff. All badges are property of Comic-Con International and must be surrendered upon request of the Executive

Director, any member of the Board of Directors, the Volunteer Coordinators, or the Human Resources Coordinator. Please see the Volunteer Coordinators if there are any problems. Volunteer On-Duty Stickers: When you go to the Assignment Check In desk at the designated time, you will get a sticker that is to be worn while you are on an assignment. This sticker identifies you as a volunteer on duty. When you finish your assignment and are no longer on duty, take it off and throw it away. Please do not stick it on any walls, floors, doors, your friend's forehead, etc. You must always have your regular convention badge showing as well. We ask that you volunteer for one assignment each day (an assignment is usually 3 hours). If you are not available for the full assignment, let us know. We will try to reassign you to a time that better fits your schedule. Before 1:30 PM, we only give out assignments for the current day. Starting at 1:30 PM, we begin to schedule assignments for the next day. You may still come for an assignment for the next day even if you have not yet started your volunteer assignment that day as some of you may be scheduled for one of our evening events. Please arrive at the Assignment Check In (ACI) area on time and stay at your assignment the entire time. If you must miss an assignment for some reason (and we understand that things happen), let a Volunteer Dept. staff person know in advance, if possible, so that you can be replaced and reassigned. If you are not at the ACI desk prior to your assignment or if you do not check out with the department to which you are assigned at the end of the assignment, you will not get credit for that assignment. In that case, you will not be able to sign up for any further assignments for the rest of the show. If you are released early from your assignment, be sure to report back to the ACI desk to let us know you were released early. Thank You! To show our appreciation for dedicated volunteers you are eligible for the muchsought-after-not-available-in-any-store Volunteer T-shirt! Check in at the Volunteer Desk after you have completed your first assignment and find out about getting your wearable thank you from all of us at Comic-Con International. We are grateful for your support of our event and we hope that you will enjoy volunteering your time with us and being part of the huge effort it takes to put on a convention like Comic-Con International!