USA International Harp Competition Volunteers

The USA International Harp Competition’s tradition of volunteerism dates back to its founding in 1989.  With the support of Lyon and Healy Harps, Indiana University and the Bloomington community Susann McDonald’s dream of establishing a world-class international harp competition became a reality. Due to the support of countless volunteers, the 1st USA International Harp Competition was a tremendous success. Throughout its existence USAIHC organization has had an impressive record of recognizing emerging talent.  USAIHC is committed to promoting the harp and to fostering the careers of gifted young harpists and composers.

For each triennial competition USAIHC depends heavily on the dedication and commitment of volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering for the 10th USA International Harp Competition to be held June 8-18, 2016, please e-mailharpcomp@indiana.edu.  There are many preparatory activities which occur in the months preceding the Competition which also welcome volunteer help.  USAIHC is sincerely grateful to our volunteers.  We appreciate all of your hard work and Thank You!

USAIHC's Volunteer Information

1.  Volunteer Requirements

• Enthusiastic interest in USAIHC’s mission
• Actively support and adhere to USAIHC Competition Rules & Procedures
• Conveys a positive attitude
• Able to commit necessary time and energy
• Able to adapt to changing circumstances
• Able to sense, understand and react to others’ emotions
• Able to work alone or as a team member
• Must be at least 18 years of age

2. Volunteer Opportunities
In support of the Competition, USAIHC has many committees and functions that benefit greatly from the help of volunteers.

• USAIHC Host Family Committee (Host contestants in their home and/or befriend a contestant who chooses to stay in a hotel)
• USAIHC Transportation Committee (Helps to arrange transportation of contestants and jurists from/to airport and to various venues during the Competition.)
• USAIHC Events Committee (Includes welcoming event attendees, monitoring doors to assure that harpists may perform without being disturbed by guests entering the hall and after event reception support.  Key events include: Opening Ceremony, Laureate Recital, Stars of Tomorrow, Composer’s Forum, Jazz Concert, and Closing Ceremony.)
• USAIHC Student Leadership Committee (Volunteer Coordinators)  

3. Child Protection Policy
USAIHC programs include individuals who are under 18 years of age.  As a result USAIHC has a specific policy (Programs Involving Children: Policy: 0006) which sets forth guidelines to assure that a safe and secure program environment exists.  The policy requires that all adults (employees, contractors, volunteers) who may be in a position to have direct contact with a program participant, or be in care of, or supervise a person less than 18 years of age undergo a standard background check consisting of a criminal history check and a sex and violent offender registry check.  USAIHC uses the consumer reporting agency that IU Bloomington employs to prepare and assemble background reports.  All related information is treated as confidential and protected as such.
The policy also requires USAIHC representatives to adhere to Indiana state child abuse laws.

A. Indiana state law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect has an affirmative duty to make an oral report to Child Protective Services (CPS) 1-800-800-5556 or local law enforcement at 911 or the IU Police Department 812-855-4111.  Failure to report may result in criminal charges.

B. In addition to notifying CPS and/or local law enforcement, state law and the USA International Harp Competition also require that volunteers, staff, students, and other USAIHC representatives report any suspected abuse of minors to the Indiana University Director of Public Safety (812-855-4296; jminger@iu.edu ).

C. Indiana University law enforcement and the Director of Public Safety have the obligation to report any suspected abuse to CPS, which will conduct an investigation.