United States Eventing Association

Area II Launches New Volunteer Incentive Program, "VIP"

Area II, in conjunction with Waredaca Horse Trials, Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials and the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm, is pleased to announce an exciting new program to promote and recognize the heart and soul of eventing: volunteers.

From volunteer check-in on your smartphone to an online source for organizers to coordinate volunteers, this new pilot program, the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) kicks off with big plans to streamline the volunteer experience. Area II will launch and test this idea before expanding across the country.

The cornerstone of VIP, through the generous contribution of Area II, is the website, eventingvolunteers.com. This site is poised to be the go-to place for volunteers and organizers alike. Participants can sign up for volunteer shifts at participating events directly through the site, and organizers can also use the page as a point of communication with volunteers. Eventually, this site will also feature any resource a volunteer could need including summaries of volunteer jobs, tips on what to bring for the day and information on getting more involved in the sport.

Volunteers receive a custom lanyard and neck wallet similar to those we've used at convention, recognizing them as VIP Program participants. Over time, volunteers can decorate the lanyards with incentive pins and other recognition markers as they complete volunteer time. Once at an event, volunteers will "check in" and “out” to the time-keeping system using their smartphones or manually; organizers can also check volunteers in and out.

The program will track a leaderboard for volunteers, based on the hours volunteers contribute, with bonuses for volunteers who go to events at different locations or hit hourly milestones. Volunteers will be recognized with awards at our area meeting, and nationally as the program is expanded.

You can take the new VIP website for a test drive here.