Volunteers Needed

The Trustees have empowered the core organising group of Weavers, Ritual Elders and Conveners to run the process. Decisions will be taken based on our priorities of i) alignment with the needs of the role, ii) a Balance of skills, ages, and experience, iii) ensuring continuity for future Rites teams. We expect more men to put themselves
forward than places available, so please do not be discouraged if you are asked to fulfil a different role to the one you expressed an interest in. The Core team will make recommendations to the Trustees who will hold the final decisions.

 

Elders make a small contribution of £176 for accommodation at the Bield in order to keep the overall cost of the Rites affordable for the initiates. You will need to obtain a DBS certificate (instructions will follow, if you are invited to be part of the team). Some roles also require a first aid certificate and food handling certificate. There is a small travel budget that can be claimed by each Elder travelling to the Rites.

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You will need to be available to take in a number of preparation meetings over the period of the year - the exact form is currently under discussion so that the commitment is not too great. 

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Role Summaries​

 

Co-convenors: Convenors plan, organise and project manage the Rites. Think of them as the Producers and the Weavers as the Directors.

Convenors are responsible for handling enquiries and processing applications for the Rites, collecting in the fee’s, collecting health and dietary information, liaising with the Bield, authorising expenditure, booking the coach, portaloos and chairs. It is typically a 9 month assignment. As few men are interested in this role it almost guarantees you a place on the team if you decide to undertake it. A 2 year commitment is required, year 1 learn the role, year 2 teach the role.

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Site elder(s): You would have responsibility for the setup and management of the site, collaborating with the team at the Bield, and ensuring smooth running of the different spaces we occupy onsite. You will be responsible for:-

 

• Being the main interface between the Rites team and the Bield staff.

• Seeing that the Rites run to time.

• Setting up the Site, pack down of the Site, Ensuring Male Journey tents are driedbefore putting away.

• Oversee key sites including camping field, dining areas, use of key buildingsincluding for council groups.

• Ensure initiates have key camping equipment.

• Setting clear boundaries and expectations (including areas they can / cannotaccess, health & safety issues.

• Marshalling initiates to bring them to space outside the Barn as required forrituals etc.

• Liaise with team, especially ritual team over requirements.

You will need to obtain a first aid certificate for this role.

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Shadow weaver: A weaver is a man who takes a prominent role in shaping the activities of the Rites overall and has an overview of the ‘curriculum’ which initiates follow. As someone with experience as a Rites elder, you would be working with the weavers with a view to moving into the full weaver role the following year.

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Assistant Ritual Elders: A ritual elder has a very intense role in the elder team, leading and guiding the men through the staged rituals of the Rites themselves. You will be working with the ritual team leader(s).

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Wilderness Team Lead: You will be responsible for the safety and monitoring of the initiates through their wilderness day. You will need to have a first aid certificate for this role. You will ensure that the other members of the wilderness team are briefed and trained. You will ensure that the initiates are returned on time to the Bield in order to complete their initiation rituals. You will ensure that the initiates are clear about the boundaries of the wilderness space and ensure that no one is lost. You will ensure that no one is put at risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration. You will be familiar with the risk register and take the necessary precautions.

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Wilderness Team Member: You will assist the Wilderness team lead to ensure that all initiates are kept safe during their day in the wilderness.

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Teaching elder: You would be asked to talk to the initiates about your own experience in relation to a particular theme on one of the days. There are three talks: Liminal space, The True and False Self, Grief. You will be given guidance on the key content of the talk and encouraged to weave in your own lived experiences.