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WeX ROCKs! LEAF counts on WeXs (Work eXchanges) to help create each of our signature events. Below are the questions (with answers) to the most frequently asked questions we receive. We want to make being part of LEAF’s WeX as meaningful and easy as possible. If you can’t find the answer to what you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Take pride in being part of LEAF WeX by reading all the info.
THANK YOU!
LEAF WeX is the LEAF Festival Work eXchange. It is a program that allows you to work 10, 15, or 20 hours in exchange for LEAF Festival tickets and perks.
How many WeX Members are accepted each year?
Approximately 500 WeXs are accepted for each LEAF Festival and 200 WeXs are accepted for each LEAF Retreat.
What is the deadline to apply to do WeX?
There are NO deadlines! We accept WeXs until all positions have been filled. We will announce on our website when there are no more shifts available.
How old do you have to be to do WeX?
To do WeX you need to be 21 or over. Those that are 18-21 may potentially be accepted as a WeX with a letter of recommendation from a teacher/employer/community leader/etc (not your parent) and two references (not your parent). Supporting documents should be emailed to WeX@theLEAF.org after applying to do WeX. You should send your 2 references with contact information and whomever is writing your letter of recommendation should send it with your name as the subject line of the email.
What do I get for doing WeX?
WeXs receive a ticket and additional perks based on their commitment level.
Tent camping is included in with all WeX tickets.
Vehicle Camping is not included but may be purchased online or by calling the office. Regular Parking ($10 per car at check-in or in advance) is in general parking Gate 6 (The Moon). Pack light & simple.
How do I apply to do a WeX?
When is an application considered complete?
An application is considered complete when we have received it with all information, supporting documents for those 18-21, and deposit information.
What is the difference in the application fee and the deposit? Will my deposit be cashed?
The application fee is what you paid to get the application. It is NON-REFUNDABLE.
The deposit is your ticket plus a no show fee and is not charged in advance. You can opt to use the credit card you used to purchase your LEAF WeX application for your deposit -OR- you can opt to mail a deposit check. Please note that we do NOT place any holds on your credit card you are simply authorizing us to charge it should you not fulfill your WeX commitment. Your deposit check is not cashed but held until your WeX commitment is completed. If you don’t have a checking account, and want to mail a check you can use a friend’s and put your name on the check in the memo line.
Regular WeX Deposit: $200
Plus WeX Deposit: $245
Star WeX Deposit: $290
How do I know that I have been accepted as a WeX?
You will receive an email with your confirmation or a request for additional information within 10 days of us receiving your application. Make sure your email accepts email from WeX@theLEAF.org & Volunteers@theLEAF.org and does not see it as spam (adding us to your address book/contact list is an easy way to ensure you get our emails). If you have not heard from us 10 days prior to the festival please email and let us know.
How are WeXs scheduled?
The WeX Team will review applications and assign WeXs with completed applications to their shifts based on the WeX applicants availability, preferences, qualifications and shift availability. Once you have been assigned to shifts, please try to fulfill your commitment. If something does come up, please email (WeX@theLEAF.org) us as soon as possible so that we can work to fill your shifts!
What is the acceptance process?
We accept and schedule on a first come basis.
Can I cancel my commitment?
If you cannot fulfill your commitment, notify WeX@theLEAF.org ASAP!! Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the festival are without deposit penalty. (It will still be noted in your file.) Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to the festival are considered No-Shows and your deposit will be cashed. ALL cancellations must be done in writing–over the phone is not acceptable notification.
Big Deal Notes:
How early/late do WeXs have to work?
Before and after the Festival you can expect to work starting at 9am and ending at 6pm. During the Festival, shifts begin as early as 7:30am and end as late as 2am.
Can WeXs request certain shifts?
Yes. On the application form you can identify your preference for job areas and tell us what shift times work best for you. We will work as hard as we can to make sure everyone gets a shift they will enjoy. The sooner you send in your application the more likely you will get the shifts that you have requested.
How do I know when to work?
You will be notified whether you are working prior to, during, or following the festival when you receive your confirmation email (the one with your ticket). We also send out a copy (subject to change) of the WeX schedule ahead of time. If you are working prior to -OR- following the festival your confirmation email will also let you know which day and where to go. If you are working during the festival you will receive your final schedule upon checking in with the WeX Team at the Roundhouse (behind Eden Hall) after you arrive at the festival. Please do not try to change your shifts. We work around your availability and do our best to meet your requests. Coordinating nearly 500 WeXs twice a year is a considerable task and sticking with your original shift helps the festival run smoothly. If for some reason you MUST change your shift please notify us as soon as possible at WeX@theLEAF.org and we will do our best to work with you.
When do WeXs get their work schedule?
A copy of your WeX schedule will be emailed to you. When you receive it will depend on when you apply, however, they begin going out in March for May Festival and August for October Festival. Final schedules will be available upon arrival. Typically you receive a copy within 2 weeks of your confirmation once they start being sent out. Please do not call the office with schedule questions; you can email WeX@theLEAF.org.
What are the different jobs?
We need strong people for Set Up, Tear Down and Clean Up; good hosts for VIP and Concessions; safe drivers for our Zoom Team; and all around LEAF lovers to work in all the venues on the Festival grounds. For more detailed information, please review WeX Roles & Opportunities.
Where do I park?
WeXs park in general parking Gate 6 (The Moon) unless they have purchased a Vehicle Camping Permit or are a LEAF Member that receives VIP Parking.
When do I need to be there?
Please plan to be on-site with enough time to check-in with the WeX Team 15 minutes prior to the start time of your first shift. If you need to set up your campsite, cabin, etc. please arrive an hour and a half before your shift begins—Keep in mind that NO camp site can be set up BEFORE 4:00pm on Thursday. Please indicate what time you will be ready to work on your application.
How and where do I check in?
Your check in process is in two parts:
1. First, WeXs will go through Drive Thru Check-In at the Owen Pool (Drive Thru Check-In times are: Thurs: 6:00-10pm, Fri: 9am-11pm, Sat: 9am-11pm. Do not come early–there is no temporary/holding lot. Do not come late–the gates close) *Please Thursday check-in and arrival is ONLY for Plus and Star WeXs. Here you will check in your ticket & get your parking pass. Parking $10 per car at drive-thru and in advance online.
2. Once you are parked, drop off your camping gear, and come to WeX Headquarters to check in with the WeX Team. Here you will get your schedule card and information pertaining to your shifts.
*Please Note:* If you have a shift outside the normal festival hours, you will be told where to go to check-in in your confirmation email.
How do I get my wristband for admission to the Festival?
When you check in at the Drive-Thru Check-In you receive your wristband for admission to the Festival. (See previous question for further details.)
Who is in charge of WeXs?
The WeX staff is made up of LEAF Staff. Throughout the year we plan for each Festival, coordinate meetings for our WeX Team to set policy, etc. Our most intense period of work is one month prior to the Festival and the month of the Festival itself. During the Festival we will be in and out of the WeX Headquarters. Please do not hesitate to find us should any problems arise.
Can my child accompany me on my shift?
Unfortunately, no. It is important you are focused first on your WeX work and are fully present during your shift. We request that you make childcare arrangements for the times you will be on shift. Childcare is available at the Festival in Elfhaven ($).
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, no. It is for the safety of all festival patrons, WeXs, staff and performers.
When are deposits cashed?
Turn in your signed WeX card once you have completed your shifts. If you do not drop off your card at WeX Headquarters before you leave the festival you must send us your signed work card! You can send it in the mail–within ONE WEEK (arrive by the following Sunday’s mail)–or you can send us an email with it scanned as an attachment. All DEPOSIT CHECKS will be torn up after we receive your signed card and successful completion of your shifts according to our WeX Policy.
What if my availability changes?
Please email as soon as you know there is a change in your schedule. We appreciate your timeliness on this issue, as your shift is very important and we will have to work to find someone to fill it.
Be LEAFy and kind! Follow the rules or you got to go.
Info Here
YOU are RESPONSIBLE. There are inherent risks associated with being at LEAF or a LEAF event. By participating in LEAF (LEAF Community Arts) in any way (ticket purchaser, volunteer, staff, performer, vendor, etc) YOU are fully responsible for your physical and mental self, your belongings, your vehicle, your actions, injuries, accidents, illness, property damage, or other occurrence arising in any manner whatsoever out of your participation in activities sponsored by LEAF. In addition, all persons attending this event, by their presence, may be photographed, videotaped, or broadcasted and, waive any claim related to the use of their image for promotional purposes for LEAF. BE RESPECTFUL, KIND & RESPONSIBLE.
NO OPEN FIRES! Small grills & fire pits allowed as long as they are 18″ off the ground. Coals must be dumped in marked barells by the dumpster.
CREDIT POLICY: Limited #’s of tickets are released at each price tier. Purchase early to ensure the best rate! If you’re unable to use your ticket(s), credit for future LEAF Festivals can be applied less $18 fee per item. To receive credit, notify LEAF in writing by EMAIL (info@theLEAF.org) or LETTER (LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St., Ste 120, Asheville, NC 28801) at least 7 days prior to the festival you’ll miss (Thursday the week prior to Festival). No phone credit request or post-deadline requests accepted. Credit is valid for 3 years and may be transferred to another person. The credit is a dollar amount that can be applied towards tickets (while tickets last) and is not an actual ticket. CALL the LEAF office to redeem your credit. No refunds. Lineup subject to change. No credit on lodging reservations (Lodge Rooms/Cabins/Bunks/ETC) unless lodging can be re-booked.
Security roams 24 hours & is always available at Gate 3
For off-hour emergencies go to Security at Gate 3
For immediate assistance, a F.A.S.T. member can be reached by any staff member with a walkie-talkie.
First Aid is located across from the tennis courts by the main road.
For Emergencies during off-hours: Knock on Security door or go to Security at Gate 3 OR call LEAF Director at 828-713-6504
Low Impact Festival Camping Guidelines from your friendly LEAF Green Team
What’s Recyclable?
Metal, glass, clean paper, corrugated cardboard, and aluminum pie pans and food trays. NEW- ALL plastics #1-7 are recyclable at LEAF.
What’s Compostable?
Food scraps (including meat), paper plates, paper cups and the green corn cups, dirty paper and cardboard, and pizza boxes. We are composting at a closer facility now and rather than being preserved in an ugly, toxic, and unnatural landfill, this material is being recycled into nutritious mulch for landscaping and gardening. Help us expand our composting by spreading the word. Together we can significantly reduce the load going to the landfill!
LEAF Festival is a family friendly event for all ages. Smoking is allowed ONLY in designated areas. Please see map.
Waterfront & Zipline are open Noon to 5pm weather permitting. No boats out after 6pm. No swimming after dark. Swimming is allowed ONLY at the waterfront when life guards are on duty. Boaters must wear life jackets.
This section will be updated once these pieces are released for the upcoming event, however, these Fall LEAF Retreat 20 & Fall Festival 19 pieces will give you a good idea of what’s coming.
Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.
