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Be a Volunteer

Step 1: Fill out our volunteer contact info form

Step 2: Save & do one of the following:

  • Email completed form to: [email protected]
  • Print completed form and drop off at the SGEC Office prior to your first shift.

Step 3: Enjoy your time spent making an impact and supporting the community.

Important Information to Know Prior to Signing Up

What our Volunteers Receive

  • Meals (only shifts of 4 hours or more, when cafes are open)
  • Free fountain beverages including choice of sodas, iced tea, lemonade, water
  • For Summer outdoor shifts: snacks & water brought to you, plus shade where possible
  • Orientation & training before event (for groups/group leaders) and/or on first shift
  • Certification of volunteer hours or stipend if desired
  • Preferred hiring for year-round SGEC positions upon good performance
  • Satisfaction of making a difference in your community

Age Requirements

  • If you are over 19 years old, note “Adult” when signing up so we can make sure we have you in an appropriate role
  • Only sign up for volunteer shifts consistent with NE State law:
    • 16, 17, and 18-year-olds may work as late as 10:00pm but may not work before 6:00am.
    • We do not allow volunteers under the age of 16 at this time.
  • To bartend & serve alcohol, NE State law requires you to be 19 years or older.

Before Your First Shift
  • What to bring: We need all our Volunteers to please complete a Volunteer Contact Info Form and bring it with you at the start of your shift
  • What to wear: be prepared to be on your feet all day—comfy closed toe, non-slippery shoes, clean/non-holey jeans/khakis & shirt with no logos/graphics. Jacket, hat if might be outside.  If know you’ll be working outside in the summer, you may wear mid-thigh or longer shorts.
    • You’ll receive a volunteer shirt to keep that you will be required to wear during your shifts.
  • Where to park: Park in Lot K, Closest to 84th Street, right next to the Caboose Train
    • We’ll let you know if you need to check in somewhere else after your first day.
    • FOR TRAINING ONLY: Park in Lot A in front of the Lincoln Room/Main Office.
  • Check-in: Come into our office to check in with a SGEC manager to get clocked in correctly and take your info form.

Things You May Do

Note: Tasks will vary between events & often change throughout each shift. All are easy to learn and you’ll be paired with SGEC staff for training.

  • Café Front of House- Cashier, Counter Service, Drinks
  • Café Back of House- Sandwich Wrapping, Cleaning, Dishes
  • Café Prep- Stocking, Food Prep
  • Parking- Direct Traffic, Assist Pedestrians, Guide to Parking Spots & Exits
  • Cleaning- Sweeping, Trash Pick-up, Empty Garbage Cans, Wipe Tables, Vacuum
  • Operations-Tape carpet/cords, Door Monitors, Clean Bleachers, Run stock between cafes, help with misc. setup/teardown duties (light physical work)

Paid Volunteer Fundraiser Opportunities

Info for Youth Organizations

We’re pleased to provide area youth organizations with fundraising opportunities.

Youth organizations with kids between 6th to 12th grade can volunteer as a group with adult supervision and earn a rate of $12.00/hour/youth group member. Adult supervisors’ hours will not count towards funds earned unless actively able to perform a task alongside the youth. We will provide one check made out to your organization after each event on a biweekly basis.

Adults are required to supervise their youth group members based on their age so we can keep everyone safe and productive:

Middle School Youth Groups

  • Require a minimum 3:1 supervisor ratio
    • For every 3 youths an Adult 21+ years old must be present
    • Adult Supervisors must be active with their group of 3 kids for the duration of the volunteer shift
    • Adult Supervisor will be responsible for helping guide the kids through their assigned tasks, as well as for general supervision of the group

High School Youth Groups

  • Require a 6:1 supervisor ratio
    • For every 6 youths an Adult 21+ years old must be present
    • Adult Supervisors must be active with their group of 6 teens for the duration of the volunteer shift
    • Adult Supervisor will be responsible for helping guide the teens through their assigned tasks, as well as for general supervision of the group

Please fill out our Volunteer Contact Info Form and bring it with you at the start of your group’s first shift.

Info for Adult Nonprofit Organizations

We also provide fundraising opportunities to area non-profit adult groups. Gather your group, sign up for volunteer slots with us and make a difference for both your organization and ours.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your group members include a consistent group name in Signup Genius after their name and each turns in a signed Volunteer Contact form before their first shift designating their volunteer pay goes to your group.

We offer 2 great options for your nonprofit group:

Large Groups

  • Requires a minimum 20 shifts filled
    • Your Group can earn $1000 + $5 per volunteer hour worked in FREE space rental and facility services which can include:
      • Food and beverage, room rental, room set-up
    • May be used for a function as your group desires: fundraiser, meeting, banquet, training, etc.
    • Our Event Planning staff will work with you on details for your event

Smaller Groups

  • No minimum shifts required—your new year-round fundraiser!
    • Earn a rate of $12.00/hour/group member
    • We will provide 1 check made out to your organization on a biweekly basis
    • Encourage your group members to get on our “shifts available” weekly emails, showing the departments they are interested in working to grab shifts all year round.
    • If your group prefers to always work together in pairs or larger groupings, let our Recruiting Manager Sue Morrison know and she’ll find the right shifts/departments where this is possible.  Sue can be reached at 402.441.1823 or [email protected]

Please fill out our Volunteer Contact Info Form and bring it with you at the start of your group’s first shift.

Info for Individual Volunteers (no organizational affiliation)

We appreciate the help from all individual volunteers, even if you are not coming out in connection with a youth group or other nonprofit organization. We’re happy to have you join us for volunteer shifts, either with or without receiving a stipend.  Maybe you need certification of hours–we are happy to provide this on your form or ours.

We offer a stipend of $12/hour to all volunteers upon request—let us know your preference on the Volunteer Contact Info Form before you start your first shift, as it’s very important to check in with a manager to track your time. Individuals who work a 4-hour shift on any given day will receive a free meal for use that day along with other benefits listed on this page.

Of course, any individual volunteer may choose to forego the stipend and you’ll quickly become a valued member of the SGEC family, proud to be giving back to our community as a nonprofit fairgrounds. We need help 24/7/365!

If you like volunteering and would like to explore a part-time or full-time position, know that volunteers with experience get preference in hiring.  Just let your SEGC manager know you are interested to start this process. Current openings are available here.

Community Service

  1. Download forms
  2. Fill out & save with your last name in the file name
  3. Email completed forms to [email protected]
Community Service Application