CERN Accelerating science

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

Meet Luca, the 2019 CERN Open Days Volunteer!

Here is his experience as Info Agent:

During 2 half days, I interacted with visitors who were in need of information. During my first shift, I was at the entrance of the main building during which people recurrently asked me questions about the precise location of an activity/exhibition/tour they could not find on their own, the waiting times of the visits/activities, how to correctly use the mobile app and, quite often, where the bathrooms were located.

During my second shift, I was at the bus stop of LHC Point 4, where an underground visit was taking place. Visitors mostly asked me about future bus departures and which buses they should take to go to their next activity/exhibition/tour.

It was a great experience that allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself and I would definitely volunteer again if possible next time there will be such an event.

The registration form on cern.ch/volunteers included the following questions:

• Languages
• T-shirt size
• Pre-agreement with a Point Manager about the point of assignment?
• Preferred role
• Shifts in different locations or the same location?
• Phone with unlimited 4G (FR+CH)?
• Personal passive dosimeter?
• On call during the weekend?
• Special request / need?
• Availability (1 shift = 1 half day)?
• Transport (means + provenance)?
• Meal choice?

“Crowd marshal”
Manage the visitor flow on visit points and waiting areas.

“Supervised areas crowd marshal”
Manage the visitor flow on visit points and waiting areas located inside supervised areas (thus requiring special safety trainings and equipment).

“OD App updater”
Report regularly visitor flow information on the mobile app and to Core Team.

“Guide”
Guide visitors in a visit circuit.

“Supervised areas guide”
Guide visitors in a visit circuit located inside supervised areas (thus requiring special safety trainings and equipment).

“Activity host”
Interact with visitors: shows, exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on, etc.

“Info agent”
Welcome visitors, provide guidance and information: activities, accessibility, location, waiting time, etc.

“Shop assistant"
Advise visitors on souvenirs at the Open Days shop.

“Traffic security Guide”
Vehicles on designated parking areas, inform visitors about special shuttles and control vehicle movements on the sites.

“Logistics helper”
Help with general organization.

“Work well feel well”
Replace other volunteers during their breaks (help with food and drinks), assist them in case of problems or overflowing situations.

"Gate agent”
Manage queue, scan the wristbands of incoming and outcoming visitors on sites or activities.