[SusDet Announce] The Great American Meatout is Coming - Here's Your Chance to Volunteer

[VegMichigan]

VegMichigan is once again planning Metro-Detroit's most progressive
vegetarian event,

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*	THE METRO DETROIT 2008 GREAT AMERICAN MEATOUT	  *
*	Sunday, April 13th				                                          *
*	12 Noon - 5pm				                                        	  *
*	Ferndale High School, Ferndale, Michigan                       	  *
*	Contact volunteer at vegmichigan.org		                          *
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ABOUT THE MEATOUT
The Great American Meatout has grown from a grass-roots campaign started in
1985 to a worldwide phenomenon.  Last year Meatouts were held in over 50
cities throughout the United States in 26 countries around the world.

For several years now, VegMichigan has hosted Metro Detroit's own Great
American Meatout by sponsoring local and national lecturers, videos, fun and
educational events, and food demonstrations, along with exceptional vegan
food and products.  By providing rewarding, memorable experiences we hope to
inspire people to change forever the way they think about the food they
eat.

The VegMichigan Meatout has become the largest and most successful event of
its kind in Michigan.   Nearly 1,000 people attended our 2007 Meatout, with
over 100 volunteers working behind the scenes to make it a success!  As the
Meatout grows, as public attendance grows, so must our volunteer community. 
Whatever your interests or skills, we can use your help!  There are so many
ways in which you can help make the next Meatout an enjoyable and successful
event.

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*  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES  *
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JOIN A COMMITTEE

You can join the Meatout committee today, helping behind the scenes,
working with experienced 
planning committee coordinators:

Become a Committee Coordinator or help on a committee for...
*	Audio/Video (arrange for AV equipment for lectures and events)
*	Bake Sales (collect, manage and sell vegan baked goods at the Meatout)
*	Environment & Diet (develop a table display and materials emphasizing the
environmental impact of our food choices)
*	Facility (assist coordinator with arranging events at facility)
*	Fitness & Health (develop a display emphasizing the link between health
and fitness and our diets)
*	National/Chain Restaurants (contact national/chain restaurants to
participate in the Meatout)
*	Sponsorship (help contact potential sponsors)
*	Video Screenings (run videos during the Meatout)

VOLUNTEER FOR THE DAY OF THE MEATOUT (and/or A DAY BEFORE)

You can volunteer for any of the vital one-day jobs to be done on a day
before the event (Friday or Saturday)  or the day of the event (Sunday). 
You can join a team, maybe even lead one!  These jobs are essential to
ensuring the Meatout is a rewarding experience for all participants:

Volunteer to set up on a day (TBD) before the Meatout...
*	Setup Team (set up and organize rooms, furniture and equipment the day
before the Meatout)
*	Display Team (set up posters and event displays)

You can volunteer to work the day before or the day of the Meatout:

Volunteer to work at the Meatout (most jobs are 10 or 11am to 6pm)...
*	Setup Team (finish set up)
*	Display Team (finish displays)
*	Audio/Video (manage AV equipment for lectures and events)
*	Parking Lot Team (manage vehicle and foot traffic, 9:30am to 5pm)
*	Gatekeeper Team (control access to the Meatout site, Ferndale High
School, 10am to 5pm)
*	Handouts Team (hand out samples and snacks to attendees)
*	Registration (Cashiers) Team (VegMichigan members collect funds and
register attendees)
*	VegMichigan Membership Team (VegMichigan members will enroll new
members)
*	Information (Greeters) Team (assist and direct attendees upon paying and
entering the Meatout)
*	Traffic Flow Team (manage traffic flow and direct crowds onsite)
*	Photographers (photograph the Meatout through various lectures and
events)
*	Videographers (record the Meatout through various lectures and events)
*	Video Screenings (run videos)
*	Room Captains (maintain supplies, through Runners, and manage events in
your room)
*	Runners (provide supplies for Room Captains)
*	Food Court Team (clean and maintain food court)
*	Kitchen Prep Team (assist in kitchen with food prep, trays)
*	Door Prize Team (manage and award door prizes)
*	Exit Survey Team (help attendees complete exit surveys as they leave)
*	Cleanup Team (clean up rooms and events)

HOW TO VOLUNTEER 
Just contact volunteer at vegmichigan.org.  Provide your name, address and
phone number, along with the top three jobs you'd prefer.  Jobs will be
assigned on a first-come first served basis so be sure to respond early.  

You may also register to volunteer online through the Metro Detroit Meatout
link in the VegMichigan home page, coming in mid-February.  Choose the
Meatout link from VegMichigan, then choose the tab for the Volunteer Page
and complete the online form.  Either way you register, you will receive a
job assignment within a week.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION MEETINGS
Volunteer Orientation Meetings will be scheduled on three dates before the
Meatout to familiarize  volunteers their jobs as well as the Meatout site,
events and schedule.  Dates will be announced via e-mail.

FLYERS AND CLUB CARDS
Everyone can help the 2008 Meatout by promoting it.  Starting in mid-March
volunteers will distribute flyers  and cards at veg-friendly coffee shops,
restaurants, and health food stores, as well as bookstores, schools,
libraries and community centers in their hometowns.  If you can help
distribute the flyers and cards  in your neighborhood, why not sign up for
the flyer team, along with your committee or event job?  It's a  simple,
personal way to encourage greater public awareness - and attendance!  

INVITE LOCAL OFFICIALS
Another great way to publicize the Meatout is by inviting your local
officials.  We'll provide complimentary  passes for the mayor and city
council of local communities.  Contact chuck at vegmichigan.org for passes. 

DONATIONS WELCOME
If you can't volunteer, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help
fund the Meatout by visiting the  Metro Detroit Meatout website, via the
VegMichigan website.  Also be sure to let your friends and family know about
the Meatout.  Our members are our greatest resource!


However you decide to help, when you volunteer for the Great American
Meatout-Metro Detroit 2008, you  will contribute to an outstanding
vegetarian event that benefits humans, the animals and the planet.  You will
 help change lifestyles - and lives. 

Looking forward to working with you!

Laura Rowlson, Volunteer Coordinator
The Metro Detroit Great American Meatout
Hosted by VegMichigan