Work Trade

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Turtle Island Bioregional Congress through our Work Trade Program! Our gathering will thrive through collective care and collaboration. This program offers a way to contribute your skills and time in exchange for a reduced ticket rate or full attendance, and the rich experience of co-creating the Congress.

Work Trade Commitments

Work Traders agree to:

Commit to the full duration of their assigned role. This may include arriving one day early on September 14, and/or departing one day after the Congress ends, on Sunday September 20.
Participate in scheduled shifts as outlined per position.
Attend any mandatory orientations or team check-ins prior to or during the Congress.

Full Work Trade

~20 hours of service, usually over the course of the Congress and pre-event set-up days or post-event cleanup.
Waived ticket cost ($500).
$50 non-refundable deposit.

Half Work Trade

~10 hours of service.
Partial discount on ticket cost ($250)
$50 non-refundable deposit.

Work Trade Positions

Below are some of the key roles for the Work Trade Program. Exact dates and hours will be provided with your placement.

Infrastructure & Operations

The Infrastructure & Ops team supports the physical systems that keep the Congress functioning day to day. They might set up meeting spaces, stretch tents, signage, or general infrastructure before the Congress, or assist with breakdown afterward. Setup helpers must be able to arrive and work on 9/14. Strike crew will stay until 9/20.

During the Congress, they will offer flexible support across teams, moving supplies and responding to emerging needs. Tasks may include maintaining sound, lighting, and basic technical systems for workshops and performance areas.

Art & Decor

Art & Deco crew supports the creative spirit of the Congress by helping build and maintain art spaces and installations, paint signs, and support participation art activations that make the gathering beautiful, welcoming, and alive with expression.

Registration & Welcome

Be one of the first faces attendees see! Assist with parking, check-in, greeting newcomers, and orienting participants. Great for people who love meeting others and helping everyone feel grounded and welcomed. Tasks may include helping participants get gear to their camp site and supporting folks in getting comfortable on the land.

Program

Program team supports the flow and quality of Congress sessions, workshops, performances, and ceremonies. They will assist facilitators with setup, materials, and transitions and time-keeping, as well as tending sacred spaces and supporting ceremonial logistics with care.

Wellness & Safety

Support community care by maintaining first-aid stations, offering first-aid (if qualified) or assisting trained providers, helping maintain wellness spaces, and supporting health protocols. Prior experience or medical credentials are a plus for this role.

Community Care

This teams helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive Congress environment. They assist participants with hospitality, mobility, sensory, or communication needs and help maintain inclusive spaces. Key responsibilities include hospitality for special guests or guests with mobility needs, including driving a golf cart to help them move around the campground. They may be called on to support with conflict resolution or consent violations, security, and disruptive participants. They may provide an overnight safety presence, tend communal fires, and support quiet hours.

Grounds Crew

Assist in caring for the event grounds throughout the Congress — tidying spaces, managing signage, caring for communal areas, collecting garbage or recycling, and helping with tasks that keep our shared spaces beautiful and safe.

Documentation & Media
Documentation Crew helps weave the memory of the Congress by capturing notes for the Proceedings and contributing photography, video, audio, or storytelling that preserves and shares the learning, culture, and spirit of the gathering.

Village School

This team will support the children’s program lead in creating a safe, playful, and nurturing environment where young participants can learn, explore, and be part of the spirit of the Congress. Helpers should have experience in childcare or education, and be willing to undergo a background check. The Village School will be active for 3 days from ~9am - 12pm.

Timeline

Phase 1, ~February to April

Applications open February 19, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed and folks selected for work-trade will be notified by April 15, 2026.

Phase 2, May onwards

If there are still openings, we will announce what we are still looking for and continue to review applications on a rolling basis. Final placements will be made well in advance of the Congress so you can plan travel and logistics.

Work-Trade FAQ

What is the process to register as a work-trader?
Submit your application as soon as you can, by April 1 at the latest. We will review and make selections in early April, and notify selected work-traders by April 15.

If you are selected, we will reach out via email to let you know the areas we’d like your help, and proposed shifts. If it sounds good, you will be invited to register using a special code. At that time you will sign your work-trade agreement to confirm your shifts and pay your deposit. You are only confirmed as a work-trader after you officially register.

Is there an age requirement?
Participants must be 18 years or older to apply; some roles may require additional experience or maturity.

Will I receive meals?
Yes, all Congress participants will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner for the duration of the Congress. Work-traders will also get meals pre- or post-event if they are assigned to come early or stay late for those shifts.

Can children participate with me?
For some roles, it’s probably fine. Younger children could easily join you in the Village School or possibly Arts crew or Grounds crew. Older children could be involved in more of the crews, just let us know in the application what your situation is and we can figure out what’s appropriate.

What if my family members attend but aren’t in Work-Trade?
Each person attending needs a ticket.