Leadership Lessons for Conventions Like BabyFurCon
As an AB/DL and babyfur author and content creator with decades of experience in marketing, copywriting, event organizing, and leadership, I’ve dedicated much of my work to supporting safe, inclusive spaces for our community. Volunteering isn’t just about giving time — it’s about passion, responsibility, and mutual respect between organizations and the dedicated individuals who help bring their visions to life.
BabyFurCon (BFC) remains one of the most transformative experiences in our community. Volunteers invest months crafting a multi-day, judgment-free environment where AB/DL and babyfur attendees can truly be themselves. The addition of a two-day virtual convention extends that welcoming spirit to those who participate from home, making the event even more inclusive. When the volunteer applications opened for BFC 2024, I eagerly applied and was thrilled to serve as co-lead in the Marketing Department. I poured my energy into the role with pride.
However, the post-con period revealed significant room for improvement in how volunteers are managed. After the event, communication abruptly stopped. Conversation histories in Telegram chats were wiped, messages went unanswered, permissions were revoked, and organizers went completely silent. When I followed up, a board member from Partnership for Artists and Creative Individuals (PACI) — the parent organization behind BFC — explained that volunteer numbers are capped each year, and they want to give new people opportunities. This policy makes logical sense on the surface.
The challenge arises in the execution. Rather than engaging past volunteers in thoughtful conversations about alternative ways to contribute — whether through ongoing marketing support, community outreach, nonprofit initiatives, or leveraging specialized skills — there was a cold disengagement. Volunteers were treated as temporary resources rather than passionate partners invested in the convention’s mission of creating safe spaces.
This experience highlights several practical ways conventions like BabyFurCon can better manage and retain their volunteer talent:
1. Implement Structured Post-Event Debriefs and Feedback Loops
- Schedule dedicated one-on-one or small-group conversations with volunteers within 2–4 weeks after the convention ends.
- Ask open questions: “What worked well for you? How would you like to stay involved moving forward? What skills can we better utilize?”
- Document commitments and preferences in a simple volunteer database to avoid losing institutional knowledge.
2. Create Tiered or Ongoing Volunteer Pathways
- Recognize that not every volunteer needs to be “onboarded” for the next full convention cycle. Develop roles for year-round support, such as:
- Marketing and social media ambassadors
- Content creators and storytellers
- Mentorship for new volunteers
- Virtual event support teams
- Community outreach and business partnership coordinators
- This allows passionate individuals with marketing, leadership, or organizational expertise to contribute meaningfully even when physical convention slots are limited.
3. Gauge Commitment and Passion Early
- During the application and onboarding process, include questions that assess not just availability for the current event but long-term alignment with the organization’s values and mission.
- Use this information to build a “volunteer talent pool” that can be activated for different projects throughout the year, preventing the “brick wall” feeling many dedicated volunteers experience.
4. Maintain Respectful, Transparent Communication
- Never leave messages on read or abruptly revoke access without explanation. A simple, empathetic message goes a long way: “Thank you for your service this year. While we won’t need a Marketing co-lead for the next cycle, we’d love to explore other ways you can support our mission.”
- Treat volunteers as valued community members rather than disposable resources.
5. Build Reciprocity and Recognition Systems
- Offer meaningful recognition beyond badges or mentions — perhaps feature volunteer spotlights in newsletters, provide professional development opportunities, or create advisory roles for experienced volunteers.
- Foster a culture where enthusiasm is met with opportunity rather than indifference.
Our community thrives because of the nonprofits, businesses, and dedicated individuals who work to create those safe, affirming spaces. Volunteers like myself aren’t seeking self-aggrandizement; we simply want our passion and skills to be directed where they can do the most good.
By treating volunteers as long-term partners instead of seasonal labor, conventions like BabyFurCon can build stronger, more sustainable organizations. This approach not only retains institutional knowledge and expertise but also deepens community investment. When volunteers feel truly valued and see clear pathways for continued involvement, everyone benefits — the organizers, the volunteers, the businesses that support us, and most importantly, the AB/DL and babyfur attendees who deserve these transformative experiences.
| I’d love to hear from other volunteers, organizers, and community members in the comments. How has your experience been with convention volunteering? What changes would you like to see? |