Blissfest Festival Volunteer
Training & Policy Manual
1. Introduction
Welcome to all Volunteers, Area Coordinators, Host Campers and BlissAssist to the Blissfest Festival and thank you for giving your time to help make this weekend’s folk and roots festival one of the premier cultural events of the summer in Northern Michigan. As volunteers, we are all partners on the BlissTeam that provides for smooth operations and a safe and secure community at our 120-acre Blissfest Festival Farm facility. As volunteers we ask you to cultivate a "bliss attitude" and personally invest in a "community spirit of cooperation" as we work together, connected in a common purpose to create a weekend community of musical and personal enrichment. This training and policy manual is set up in two basic components. The first sections and appendices are to give general area volunteers the basic knowledge to do their job and an understanding of general protocols. Additional training and protocols are included in later sections for advanced volunteer positions.
Volunteer Training Mission Statement
To provide skills, promote community awareness and empowerment, provide safety for all that participate, ensure protection for the organization and its surroundings, and foster a positive environment through necessary and effective risk management techniques.
Blissfest Community Volunteer Policy
: All Blissfest volunteers are subject to the policies, procedures & guidelines for their level of participation as embodied in this manual.2.Volunteer categories and description
There are many Blissfest Volunteers who provide a wide array of services and assistance during the festival weekend. Here is a list of volunteers you will find here at Blissfest and a brief description of each category. Adults 18 years and above may apply to volunteer at the Blissfest. Teens may volunteer but require volunteer coordinator approval, adult supervision and appropriate placement.
1. Area Volunteers—The vast majority of volunteers provide 2 shifts of 4 hours each, in the various activity areas of the festival. These folks help staff areas such as: volunteers, first aid, stage, hospitality, kids, folkscool, BlissStore, ice cream, parking, gate, camping, grounds, site, setup, take down and recycling. Area Volunteers are designated by a volunteer lanyard or vest when they are on duty.
2. Area Coordinators—Many long-time volunteers become Area Coordinators and work a minimum of 16 hrs. during the festival. They help to train, coordinate operations and assist the volunteers in their area. They also provide some planning help and advice prior to the festival and often arrive early to help with set-up. Most area coordinators have communication radios and all are identified by a Blissfest name badge lanyard.
3. BlissAssist-—These volunteers are the eyes and ears of the festival assistance and monitoring program. They receive training prior to the festival and help to patrol the festival grounds, especially during the nighttime hours. BlissAssist volunteers are radio trained and wear the BlissAssist shirt.
4. BlissAssist Coordinators—More training is required for volunteers in this classification. Skills in conflict resolution, problem solving, crisis intervention & management and leadership are acquired and conveyed to other volunteers. These individuals are a critical link in the safety program and they are in direct communication with the Blissfest Supervisory Team and our professional security team (Grams Security). BlissAssist coordinators are also radio trained, wear the BlissAssist vest and are also identified by a Blissfest name badge. This position requires a minimum 16 hr. work commitment.
5. Host Posts—These folks camp in designated areas of the festival grounds to assist with making sure campers have all the information and assistance they need for an enjoyable experience in the campground. Host campers come a day early to prepare for the Friday opening, when they help to organize incoming campers. Host posts have communication radios and are also identified by a Blissfest name badge. The Host Posts are identified by a sign & wind sock marker overhead and work directly with BlissAssist
6. First Aid Volunteers—First Aid and Medical Emergency response is handled by medically trained volunteers. They operate from the first aid booth under the direction of first aid coordinators. The coordinate with the local emergency first response team and Allied Health Medical transport during the weekend. They are stationed at the First Aid booth by the barn.
7. Festival Supervisory Team—Festival supervisors handle decisions affecting the broad scope of operations at the festival. They consist of the executive director, staff, board members and long-time Blissfest members & coordinators. This position requires a broad understanding of festival operations and strong commitment to the organization. This team works primarily with the festival director and BlissAssist Coordinators in managing community safety at the festival event. They are also involved planning and evaluation of the festival.
The areas of responsibility for the Blissfest Supervisory Team are overall coordination of : 1) safety 2) programming 3) site 4) finance and 5) human resources.
3. General Responsibilities and Requirements
for all Volunteers
As a member of the BlissTeam, all volunteers have the following general responsibilities:
4. Advanced Volunteer Requirements
Most area volunteers do their jobs adequately by following the general responsibilities listed above and working directly with their area coordinator for job training and direction. Beyond this level of participation, additional knowledge and training is needed for Area Coordinators, BlissAssist, Host Post and Supervisors. These volunteers are often the eyes and ears of the festival monitoring system, and, in addition, act to coordinate operations, communication and respond to emergent problems. They are often needed to problem solve, to recognize and evaluate potential and actual risk situations, and provide additional assistance to event attendees and area volunteers. Roles include monitoring of on-site activities and festival guideline compliance to assure the safety of all in attendance. In choosing to participate in any of these advanced volunteer categories, you will need to have additional skills that allow you to fulfill the job requirements. Training is important and will help you perform your task with minimal confusion. Some of you already are in professions where you are familiar with handling people and difficult situations. This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and skills, get to know your co-workers and increase your skills even further.
Responsibilities and skills recommended for Coordinators, BlissAssist Team, Host Posts, First Aid and Supervisors are as follows.
1) General Responsibilities—Understand general responsibilities for all Blissfest Volunteers as above. See Appendix A & B
2) Protocols—Know Chain of Command and understand Security & Medical Protocols. See Appendix C & D& E
3) Conflict Avoidance Techniques—See Appendix F
4) Communications & Carts—Receive Radio training and understand golf cart policy. See Appendix G
5) Incident Reporting and Grievance procedure—read and understand documentation procedures. See Appendix H6) Alcohol and Smoking policy. See Appendix I
7) Fire and Campground policy. See Appendix J
Additional Requirements: BlissAssist Coordinators and Supervisors
BlissAssist coordinators and supervisors will be required to provide training to volunteers, in addition to knowing all other volunteer requirements.
Blissfest will also offer additional advanced training for BlissAssit coordinators.
Appendix A: Basic Festival Guidelines and Volunteer Response
I. Basic Volunteer Response and Protocols and Dispatch
General volunteers will typically be focused on their job at one of the festival operation areas and receive guidance from their coordinators. At times they may have the occasion to remind folks of the basic festival guidelines or answer questions. If you decide to do this, please do it in a manner that will have a positive impact, and please read and understand the guidelines first. Seek clarification regarding the guidelines as needed. If you are not comfortable in this role, defer to Coordinators, BlissAssist, Host posts or security personnel. In addition, common courtesy guidelines are distinct from serious rules & guideline infractions. These are further defined below. It is your responsibility to know the difference and respond accordingly. Serious violations of the guidelines, dangerous situations or medical emergencies warrant notification of the aforementioned advanced-trained volunteers and security personnel. Know your limits, consult and seek assistance.
B. Basic Protocols: Should any situation arise in which you determine you need assistance follow this procedure:
See Appendix E for full Medical Protocol and Procedure
5. Common Courtesy Guidelines and Basic Admission Requirements:
Many of the guidelines are common courtesy and volunteers are encouraged to simply remind community members to abide by them. The common courtesy guidelines and basic admission requirements are listed below (Appendix B) Repeated disregard for these common sense guidelines may require further action.
6. Serious Guideline Infractions and Safety Issues
property, theft, possession of fireworks, unauthorized amplified music, and repeated excessive noise during quiet time or in quiet areas are to be reported to BlissAssist, security personnel, host posts (day only), dispatch or the security booth. Serious guideline infractions are also listed below.Serious Rule or Guideline infractions and Safety Issues, such as not wearing wrist bands, parking violations, unauthorized ground fires, unregistered campers/cars, trespassing on adjacent
7. Basic Interaction Tips
Stress the community nature of the festival and that the guidelines are minimal standards for a safe and responsible event for all. You can also remind folks that our zoning agreement with the county requires certain performance standards in order for us to continue the event. Stress consideration for other campers, attendees and our neighbors living nearby.
Remember
*Always promote cooperation and a spirit of community when interacting with attendees.
*Remind persons that the Festival Guidelines are minimal standards that are for the common good of the campground community and neighborhood.
*Be calm, respectful, polite, and speak in a relaxed voice
*Remember, if you are aggressive, the other person may become defensive.
*NEVER FORCE OR THREATEN! Frame your responses in a way that offers participants choices but with potential consequences.
*Physical intervention is not an option!
Additional interaction techniques can be found in Appendix F
Appendix B: Basic Guidelines
I. General admission and camping requirements
II. Common courtesy guidelines
III. Important rules and Rule infractions
Understanding and conveying the few simple guidelines and rules at Blissfest is a very important part of making it a fun and safe festival for all participants. Blissfest is a good-sized temporary community, with many people from different backgrounds but with common human needs. All of us desire to be treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and with a level of consistency. Each year, as thousands converge on this small, rural community, we continue working to improve the unique, relaxed and comfortable atmosphere while providing an enriching cultural experience for all. Our goal is to create a Blissfest community that is respectful and responsible for each other, as well as our local year-round community that hosts the annual festival. We strive to be a positive addition to the area during Blissfest weekend with minimal impact. The basic guidelines are divided into three sections included: 1)admission requirements and camp rules; 2)common courtesy and 3) rule infractions
I. Basic Admission Requirements and Camping Rules
See Appendix JI for additional camping protocols/procedures.
II. Common Courtesy Festival Guidelines
III. Important Rules
Appendix C: Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct
Goal
: "To promote and preserve the diversity and heritage of all traditional and ethnic music and crafts. To support creators and innovators of these folk arts. To provide opportunities and resources that educate and encourage community participation."BOARD and GENERAL (0005) - Code of Conduct for Board Members, Staff and Volunteers
Why: Due to the size and complexity of the Blissfest Music Organization (BMO), it is necessary to have an established code of conduct for Board members, Staff and all other volunteers in order for peers and patrons to know what to expect in terms of behavior and give the organization a standard by which to gauge it.
Policy:
1.Fellow Board members, staff, volunteers and patrons shall be treated with respect and courtesy at all times.
2.Board Members, Staff and Coordinators should be aware at all times that they are representatives of the BMO to the general public and should conduct themselves in a manner respectful the BMO.
3.Blissfest security personnel are to be called in for any condition that has the potential for becoming violent or is unsafe. Violations of current protocols, as outlined in the BMO Volunteer Training Manual, are unacceptable. It is important to emphasize here, as well as in the training manual that any incident involving injury, damage to property, accident, verbal or physical confrontation or other threatening behavior is to be documented using the current BMO Incident Report.
4.Volunteers are expected to report for work on time so that others are able to go off duty. If this is impossible, he/she is expected to contact his/her coordinator as soon as possible so that a replacement can be found. If a replacement cannot be found, the volunteer is still responsible to fill the assigned position. Volunteers that do not fulfill their responsibility may be deleted from the volunteer list by their coordinator for the balance of the festival and will not receive credit towards their ticket refund. Appeals may be made using the Grievance Process. While on duty at the Festival, Board meetings or any other public BMO function, Board Members, Staff, Coordinators or Volunteers shall not be intoxicated or operating under any altered state of consciousness that would impair their judgment or ability to work in a safe, efficient and polite manner. Persons unfit for duty may be either temporarily or permanently dismissed by their coordinator, supervisor or Executive Director. Appeals may be made using the Grievance Process.
5. No one is allowed on the property without authorization by the Executive Director, Board of Directors or its authorized committees. Tenants may have access to the property adjacent to their rental units, however, any alterations, gatherings (outside of the allocated space as defined by the lease); hunting on festival property may be done only by permission of the Executive Director or the Board of Directors.
6. No unauthorized alterations to BMO property are allowed. This includes buildings, vegetation or equipment. Authorization for alterations is done only through the BMO Board of Directors, its Executive Director or its authorized committees. Prior to making any alterations in an area, volunteers need to consult with their coordinator, who, in turn, consults with a Supervisor, appropriate committee or Executive Director. If there is immediate disagreement among co-coordinators or between a coordinator and their respective supervisor or committee, they should consult with the Executive Director to work out a compromise.
7.All equipment is to be operated in a safe, responsible manner and returned to the tool crib after use.
8. Conflicts arising from the implementation of this code of conduct shall be dealt with using the Blissfest Grievance Procedure (Board and General Policy #006).
Guidelines: People not willing to abide by these rules or any other Board-approved policy, should not volunteer in any capacity. Violations of these rules or other Board-approved policy or procedure may trigger the BMO Grievance Process and result in censure, suspension or other solution/s proposed by the Board, its authorized representative or authorized committee.
Grievance Procedure: refer to Board and General Policy #006 for steps to take. This information is at the information booth.
A criminal background check may be conducted on staff & volunteers as deemed necessary by festival supervisors and the festival director
Appendix D: Safety Protocols & Policy
Security at the Blissfest Festival Farm is organized into a level system. It begins with a BlissAssist Team of walkers, Host Posts and Area Coordinators who communicate to BlissAssist Coordinators and Dispatch. The BlissAssist Coordinators, in turn, can seek assistance by contacting the BlissAssist Supervisor and Grams Security. The BlissAssist Supervisors, and Grams Security Supervisor will, in turn, communicate and consult with designated Blissfest Festival Supervisors, Board Liaison and/or the Festival Director, if there is a situation that requires assistance from the Emmet Co. Sheriff or Michigan State Police. The BlissAssist team is primarily proactive in their approach whereas Grams Security is somewhat more reactive. As a last resort the police are called in, when other interventions have proved unsuccessful. The Festival Supervisors Team represents the Blissfest Music Organization board of directors and provides consultation as needed for the BlissAssist Team and the Grams Security Team.
BlissAssist are the peacekeepers and the eyes and ears for the festival. They monitor and observe during the weekend and use their skills and provide information to remedy minor issues as they arise. Walkers and coordinators are in contact with dispatch and the BlissAssist Supervisor for consultation and to triage situations that become high risk. Host Posts and area coordinators, as well as festival supervisors, also monitor and observe for problems and have the ability to contact dispatch to get assistance.
The BlissAssist Coordinators will keep their supervisor apprised of field situations and he/she will act to triage appropriate response and resources. The BlissAssist Supervisor will, in turn, inform and consult with the designated Festival Supervisors, Director and Board Liaison in situations that are a very high risk or will result in police response to the site. He/she will appraise them of the situation and response plan, as well as coordinate efforts with Grams Security. This procedure is intended to provide the BlissAssist Supervisor with the means to consult with the festival supervisory team as needed, but not to hamper efficient response to emergent problems.
Grams Security are paid, uniformed officers equipped to assist and coordinate especially in potentially dangerous situations and are contacted through radio dispatch. During the day, Grams Security personnel staff the security booth located next to the volunteer booth. In addition, they monitor the grounds at night in teams of two officers and coordinate their activities with the BlissAssist team. As needed, the Grams Security Supervisor, in consultation with the BlissAssist Supervisor, may contact the Michigan State Police or Emmet County Sheriff via 911 for assistance from community authorities. The police are patrolling the area and are typically able to respond quickly to an emergent situation. Grams Security and the BlissAsist Supervisory Team will coordinate police response to the site once the decision has been made to ask for their assistance.
Documentation: All incidents that are high risk or code one should be documented and reviewed by the BlissAssist Supervisor and Board Security Liaison. In the event of a serious situation that requires significant attention and response, an incident report needs to be filled out by advanced staff who are involved, so we can document and evaluate our response, as well as keep track of potential trouble spots and individuals. The incident report has sections in it for all levels of security including BlissAssist, Grams and police. Incident reports are to be filed at the security booth in a secure file box. Incident reports will be available at the security booth, information booth, host posts and BlissAssist dispatch. See Appendix G.
Community Response Program—The Blissfest strives to maintain a positive image in the community by monitoring and surveying off-site areas in the community and providing communication channels for local folks to inform us if there are Blissfest related problems occurring in the community during the festival. The Community Response Coordinator reports to the Festival Supervisory Team. They are responsible for monitoring and surveying the community during the event and also respond to community calls via phone and pager.
Intervention Protocols for Advanced Volunteers
A) We hope that you will handle as many questions and problems as you can. However, if you find yourself in a situation, which requires additional help, you should seek that help. There are typically other coordinators, host posts, BlissAssist and security personnel available to assist and they have the ability to contact radio dispatch. By reading this training manual and keeping it as a reference, you should be well equipped to answer most questions. If you are presented with a question, which you cannot answer, refer to dispatch, or send the person/people to the information booth. Remember to use common sense and discretion when dealing with all situations. We realize you are taking a lot of responsibility by volunteering. When in doubt, call for assistance!
B) Should any situation arise in which you need assistance:
C) Call for assistance should any of the following occur:
Medical emergencies, abuse, lost children/parents, threatening or physically abusive behaviors to others, risk of bodily injury/harm to self and/or others, minors in possession, property destruction, and/or fire hazards. These are examples of serious incidents and require an immediate call to dispatch.
Coordinators or Security personnel are to be notified if any person is found in violation of festival rules and guidelines, such as not wearing wrist bands, parking violations, unregistered campers/cars, trespassers, theft, possession of fireworks, unauthorized amplified music, and excessive noise in quiet areas. These incidents are to be reported to dispatch. There will be other incidents not listed here that may arise, however, when in doubt, call dispatch.
D) Personal Protection Orders(PPO)
These are legal orders through the court system and are enforced by the police. Parties involved in PPO disputes will be encouraged to contact the proper legal authorities.
E) Physical Management- waiting to hear back from prosecutors office.
Chain of Command
The following chain of command has been put into place to ensure the professional and efficient operation of Blissfest. We expect it to be followed at all times. The chain of command begins as follows:
1) BlissAssist Walkers and General Volunteers
2) Coordinators, Hosts Posts, BlissAssist Coordinators
3) Dispatch
4) BlissAssist Security Supervisor and Gram’s Security Supervisor
5) Blissfest Festival Supervisors, Board Security Liaison and Festival Director *
* Supervisors, Board Security Liaison and Festival Director should be apprised of emergent situations in situations that require police intervention and consulted when there is a conflict regarding response protocol between BlissAssist and Grams Security.
Evacuation Plan
In the unlikely event an evacuation of the site is required, all advanced volunteers will be required to assist with an orderly exit procedure. Emergency exits are designated for all sections of the activity and camping areas on the site map in back panel of this booklet. Coordinators, BlissAssist and Host Posts will implement a site evacuation only after dispatch has notified them to do so, by directing participants to the designated exit for their area either by vehicle or by foot. Depending on the nature of the event, a partial evacuation may be implemented in a particular section of the festival site. The most common event is likely a fire that originated from a camp vehicle or ground fire. Another possible situation that may occur is a wind emergency where there is a tornado or wind sheer affecting the site. Campers are to seek shelter in their vehicle in the event of a wind emergency. Excessive rain and deteriorating roads may require action. A terrorist event or a riot is also remotely possible. Each of these events will require a coordinated response, which may be area specific.
Appendix E: Medical Protocol—Medical Incidents
All medical emergencies require an incident report
I. Unresponsive or unconscious individual
II Lacerations:
A) If profuse bleeding is present, apply direct pressure to the wound or wrap with clean cloth(rubber gloves are available in BlissAssist Kit).
B) Summon the Medical Team.
C) If it is a major wound, lay the person down and elevate the injured site/extremity.
III Behavioral Crisis: Call Dispatch for any Mental Health crisis.
Alcohol and substance abuse can result in behaviors that mimic mental illness. Bizarre behaviors that are potentially injurious to self or others require intervention.
Suggested Response:
IV. PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY. Medical information is confidential and is also considered legally privileged. Do not pass along information to people that do not have a legitimate need to know! An adult is allowed to REFUSE Blissfest. If anyone refuses treatment, that is their choice. Document their refusal and inform them that the Medical Team would still like to evaluate them. However, a child under 18 must accept treatment unless the parent or guardian of the child is present and refuses assistance. BlissAssist should attempt to contact parents in situations involving minors under 18.
V. After Hours Coverage
An EMT Professional, Readmond Township First Responders and or Allied Health Care will provide medical coverage after 12 midnight and until 8 a.m. They are stationed at the First Aid Booth or accessible by radio. The First Aid Booth is normally staffed from 8am-12 midnight.
Appendix F: Conflict Avoidance and Intervention Techniques
Techniques for Assisting in Managing Conflicts
(for Coordinators/BlissAssist & Host Campers
& Public Safety Coordinators
*Always assume a person will be cooperative.
*Be calm, respectful, polite and speak in a relaxed voice
*Remember, if you are aggressive, the other person may become defensive.
*NEVER FORCE OR THREATEN! Frame decision as an option or choice with consequences.
*Physical intervention is not an option!
*Stay with one issue at a time
*Work on resolving conflicts when the anger (if any) has been stilled and both people are calm.
*Make "I" statements instead of "You" statements.
*Make statements instead of questions whenever possible.
*Work out problems as they occur instead of saving them for a giant explosion of temper later.
*Try to find the real issue. Many times people don’t argue about what is really bothering them.
*Remember that you and the other person have the right to think and/or feel. That doesn’t mean you have to act upon it.
*Try to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.
*Give yourself and the other person a chance to ‘blow off’ steam before you try to solve the issue.
*Treat each other with respect and honesty.
*Don’t get into a win-or-lose situation
De-escalating Behaviors of Potentially Violent Persons
Verbal Communication/Persuasion (only 10–15% of any message is communicated verbally). Body language and stance are important.
*Appeal to reason: Thinking, rational approaches such as problem solving, or re-framing the problem or conflict.
*Appeal to emotions: usually the strongest approach, but care must be taken to insure the emotional words chosen are positive and appeal to the person’s strengths and areas of security, not weaknesses and insecurities.
*Appeal to personal ethics: draws on concepts of what is ‘right’ and ‘fair’ and ‘good.’
*Appeal to consequences: pointing out the end results of intended behavior, attempt to structure in positive perspective, i.e. how not doing something or stopping a behavior will benefit them and demonstrate their cooperativeness, etc.
General Tips on Verbal Intervention
*Listen, do not interrupt, and do not make threats.
*Remain calm, avoid over-reactions.
*Remove any onlookers from the situation as soon as possible.
*Be prepared to enforce rules and impose limits.
*Avoid jargon, it only confuses and frustrates
*Ask open ended questions and be open minded
Appendix G: Radio and Cart Protocols and Training
Blissfest uses 2 types of radios. The Maxon VHF style that has 4 channels and used by supervisors and coordinators and the Motorola Talkabout GMRC /FRS Frequency radios that are used by Host Posts and BlissAssist Walkers. The BlissAssist Supervisors and some coordinators will carry both radio styles to facilitate communications and dispatch.
Things To Remember When Using Radios
1) Think about what you want to say before you talk.
2) Speak clearly and concisely.
3) Can others hear you?
4) Use only for Blissfest related business.
5) Do not ‘WALK’ on other transmissions.
6) The push-to-talk button must be released in order to listen.
7) These radios are very expensive, PLEASE TREAT WITH CARE
8) If your shift requires a radio, you will be briefed in its use.
9) Remember that others can monitor these radios, maintain discretion and please use proper language.
10) Say the name of whomever you wish to speak to, and your name. Say "over" after speaking and "over and out" when finished.
VHF Radio Channel Assignments
Channel #1 Walkers & Co-Coordinators/Host Posts
Channel #2 Dispatch
Channel #3 General Workers and movers
Channel #4 Private channel (Grams’, etc.) Be sure to check and make certain that this list is current.
Motorola Talkabout Radio Channel Assignments
The Motorola radios have 22 channels and 99 lockout options. The BlissAssist Team will determine the channel being used at the Thurs.. meeting.
Golf Cart Usage
Your responsibilities may also require the use of a motorized cart prior to or during the course of the event. These vehicles as well as the radios are an integral part of an effective response. They can also present potential dangers to self and others. All persons issued a cart will have to be cleared by Bliss management, instructed in safe operation, and specified usage. All golf carts are expected to be properly and appropriately used. Carts will be labeled and assigned. Report all cart malfunctions and problems to the cart garage. The cart garage is the new pole barn west and north of the main stage.
1) Carts are to be used only for Blissfest business and are the responsibility of the assigned coordinator or supervisor.
2) Generally, children and persons without a driver’s license are not allowed to drive the carts. There may be some, who have been trained. They will be identified with a badge and should be treated with the same respect as any other volunteer.
3) Carts are returned to the cart garage at the end of the day and checked out the following day unless otherwise approved by the Festival Supervisory Team.
4) Carts should not be left unattended, always remove key from cart when it is not being used. Wear the key around your neck for safekeeping.
5) Re-charging of electric carts is to be done by trained persons only.
6) Always use caution when driving carts, drive slowly and remember there are children and inattentive adults out there.
7) Avoid uneven ground and mud holes.
8) Drive at speeds that are acceptable, high speeds result in accidents.
9) Should someone who is mobility impaired need transportation, call dispatch for further instructions. An on-site shuttle system is also being implemented
10) Do not overload the cart. It is only designed for reasonable loads. Overloading a cart is dangerous and will cause injury to self and others.
11) Always use headlights or flashlights during pre-night and pre-dawn hours. It is important for others to see you when you are driving.
Appendix H: Incidence Report/Grievance Procedure
1. Incident report
An incident form is attached to the training manual or readily available from BlissAssist personnel. All serious situations and those that require significant intervention of coordinators and advanced staff should be documented.
2. Grievance Procedures
Persons who have an issue about the festival rules or behavior of Blissfest Volunteers can file a grievance form, which is available at the Information Booth.
Appendix I: Alcohol and Smoking Management Plan
The goal of the alcohol and smoking management plan is to provide for a safe and healthy Blissfest by encouraging and educating participants for responsible use of tobacco and alcohol. The current plan has being adapted to be reasonable and responsible so that the festival continues to provide for a safe and family-friendly atmosphere. It is the intent of the plan to continue to restrict alcohol and smoking in designated areas, to control and restrict alcohol and smoking in some additional areas during specific activities and night-time hours and to continue to enforce minimal behavioral standards from all participants regarding appropriate use. We will also continue an emphasis on educating patrons about the responsible use of alcohol. An AA Friends of Bill Camp is located east of the food concession area for those wishing community involvement that does not involve alcohol. There is also an alcohol free camping area available.
I. Education
a. Printed materials and posters in the public areas
b. Regular educational announcements & signs from all the stages and workshops areas.
c. Back 40 area and woods will be provided with greeters (hosts & BlissAssist) who will educate regarding alcohol use.
II. Current Restricted (Alcohol-free) Areas at all times
a. Children’s Area
b. Drum Kiva
c. Friends of Bill Camping area
III. Additional restricted areas at night or during specific activities.
a. Third Stage during kid & teen activities
b. During the kids’ talent show and family and teen focused performances on second stage.
c. Second Stage Dance Floor during evening shows.
IV. Monitoring:
a. Entrance gate check of ID and searching of vehicles of underage patrons for Alcohol.
b. Requirement that underage patrons have an underage wrist bands.
c. Patrol by BlissAssist and Private Security. Sheriff deputies or state troopers are available via 911 central dispatch to assist as needed.
V. Enforcement:
Minor in Possession offences will be handled primarily by BlissAssist and Grams Security. Other staff and volunteers are encouraged to monitor and observe for adherence as well as appropriate and responsible behavior. Behavior that is so egregious as to create problems and safety risks will be responded to by BlissAssist and Grams Security. Public drunkenness and disorderly conduct will risk expulsion from the festival as determined by the primary safety personnel including BlissAssist coordinators, Grams Security and the Festival Supervisors. If family or friends are willing to remove the individual this is a preferred way to intervene. If the Sheriff becomes involved we try to wait until the next morning to remove those camps with police presence as needed.
VI. Current Restricted Smoking Areas
a. All enclosed areas including tents and buildings
b. All smokers are encouraged to use butt cans provided and to extinguish cigarettes safely.
Appendix J: Fire and Campgrounds Policy & Procedure
I. FIRE Protocols: Summer is often dry and there is often a high danger of fire. We need to insure the safety of participants and preserve our beautiful Festival Farm site. We must all exercise caution in order to preserve the land for future festivals.
a. Make sure that all roads remain un-blocked at all times. These roads are our emergency fire-lanes and provide access for the local fire department
b. No ground fires, wood or charcoal fires or charcoal grills are allowed anywhere in the festival campgrounds. Only bottled or white gas camp stoves are allowed for cooking meals and water must be available at campsites to ensure safety.
c. Smokers are asked to dispose of cigarette butts and ashes in containers and not on the ground.
d. Supervised Fires will be allowed only at the Drum Kiva, Main Fire Pit and the Friends of Bill W. site.
e. Tiki lights and candles are very dangerous especially when unattended. Tiki lights are not acceptable and candles must be attended and contained at all times. The safest light is battery powered.
f. Fire extinguisher locations: Host Camps and Dispatch, Main Stage, Second Stage and third Stage, Workshop Areas, Gate, Blissfest Store, Main Barn and Kitchen in Hospitality area. BlissAssist Golf Carts
II. Campground Protocols
HOST CAMPERS: The festival grounds have been divided into several areas. Each area has a Host Camper, similar in role to a State Forest Host Camper, to provide quicker assistance to those who are present in that area. Walkers will be assigned to each camp area at night with assistance from security. Host Camps are indicated on your festival map and marked by a visible windsock above the host camp.
a. Each campsite is 25 ft by 50 ft. and is flagged. Campsites are limited to 2 vehicles and 2 tents or 1 tent & 1 trailer. We will also encourage Pickers Paradise Campers to limit campsite to one vehicle and keep extra vehicles in the day parking area.
b. All campsites must provide a 5 ft. minimum buffer between camp units and campsite boundary. This means 10 foot buffer from adjacent campsite tents or campers. This is for fire protection and a state temporary campsite rule. Blissfest obtains a D.E.Q. Temporary Camping Permit each year.
c. The hitch on trailers should all face the nearest road. This is in case of the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation.
d. Campground quiet-down time is from 1 AM until. dawn. This means that folks can be active and having fun, but they need to be considerate of neighbors. If neighbors complain, then we will need to respond.
e. General Rule: "If it’s mowed, it’s a road."
f. There is designated parking for those who wish to walk-in and camp in the woods. This parking is under the electrical transmission lines in the Back Forty and Blissville South camp areas.
Other Camping Notes
The Blissfest will be able to use the "Back 40" camping area this year thanks to the Emmet County Planning Commission approving a Special Use Permit for this area. The permission is conditional upon adhering to our consent agreement with the county and will be reviewed after each year's festival. Future use of this area will require that campers exercise care and responsible behavior in all camping areas and especially in the Back 40. Each camping area has a limited number of camp sites available. The density level will be monitored and site density and buffers will be enforced.
See the site map for a representation of the activity and camping areas. All camping areas will require a general quiet down period starting at 1 am. It is important that all festival participants honor this rule since our collective behavior will determine if we can continue camping at all. Quiet-down simply means that we can sing, play music and have fun but we cannot disturb fellow campers or the local neighbors.
NOTES
Contact information and phone numbers
BlissFest Music Organization
325 E. Lake St. Petoskey, MI 49770
231-348-7047 Office phone
231-2421197 Farm office phone
231-242-1198 Farm Security Post and courtesy phone
231-242-1196 Gate phone.
Festival pager #: 231-516-0625
Again we thank you for your dedication and your help. The training you receive will assure that a positive Bliss experience can be had by all attendees and yourself. Give your card to your coordinator and bring this booklet to the festival as a handy reference.