WordCamp Jinja 2026 is powered by the community, and we would love you to be part of the team that brings it to life.
Taking place on 19–20 September 2026 at Civil Service College Uganda, WordCamp Jinja will bring together developers, designers, writers, creatives, students, educators, entrepreneurs, contributors, and WordPress enthusiasts from Uganda and beyond.
Guided by our theme, “Embrace Creative Currents on the Nile,” this year’s event will celebrate the different ideas, talents, experiences, and people flowing through our community. Volunteers will be at the heart of it all; welcoming attendees, supporting speakers, guiding activities, and helping create the friendly atmosphere that WordCamps are known for.
You do not need to be a WordPress expert or an experienced event volunteer to apply. You only need to be helpful, dependable, willing to learn, and excited to work with others.
Why volunteer at WordCamp Jinja?
Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience a WordCamp from the inside. You will have an opportunity to:
- Contribute directly to the WordPress community
- Meet attendees, speakers, sponsors, and fellow volunteers
- Gain practical experience in event coordination and teamwork
- Build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Learn how a community-led technology event is organised
- Attend sessions outside your assigned volunteer shifts
- Make new connections and become part of a welcoming community
Volunteer roles
There are unlimited ways to help, and we will try to match selected volunteers with roles that suit their interests, experience, and availability.
Registration and Welcome Desk
Be one of the first friendly faces attendees meet. You will help with:
- Welcoming and checking in attendees
- Distributing badges and event materials
- Answering general questions
- Directing attendees to the correct rooms and activities
- Supporting ticket and registration enquiries
Speaker Support
Help our speakers feel prepared and supported by:
- Welcoming speakers when they arrive
- Directing them to the speaker area and session rooms
- Confirming their presentation time
- Helping them connect with the audiovisual team
- Making sure they have what they need before their session
Attendee Support and Information
Help attendees navigate the venue and enjoy the event by:
- Giving directions
- Answering questions about the schedule
- Helping attendees locate facilities and activity areas
- Supporting attendees who require additional assistance
- Escalating concerns to the appropriate organising team member
Contributor Track and Hackathon Support
Our contributor track will run alongside community hackathon and do_action activities. Volunteers in this area may:
- Direct participants to the right teams, rooms and tables
- Assist facilitators with materials and room setup
- Support first-time contributors
- Keep activity spaces organised and welcoming
You do not need previous contribution experience to volunteer in this area. Guidance will be provided.
Photography and Media Support
Help us capture and share the story of WordCamp Jinja through:
- Event photography
- Short video clips and interviews
- Social media updates
- Collecting speaker and attendee highlights
- Organising approved media files after the event
Applicants interested in photography or media may be asked to share examples of their previous work.
Logistics and Venue Support
Help with the practical details that keep the event running, including:
- Preparing rooms and activity spaces
- Arranging signs, tables, chairs, and event materials
- Supporting meal and refreshment distribution
- Restocking supplies
- Helping with setup before the event and packing up afterwards
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Help us create an event where attendees feel welcomed and supported. This may include:
- Helping attendees find accessible routes and seating
- Offering clear directions and practical assistance
- Watching for barriers that may affect participation
- Directing concerns to the organising team
- Supporting a respectful and inclusive event environment
After-party and Social Activities
Help attendees continue connecting after the main programme by:
- Checking entry or tickets
- Welcoming and directing guests
- Helping manage event materials
- Assisting the organising team throughout the activity
The final roles may change as the event programme and venue arrangements are completed. Selected volunteers will receive their assignments and schedules before the event.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from:
- WordPress community members
- Students and recent graduates
- Developers, designers, writers, and creatives
- Educators and community organisers
- Technology and open-source enthusiasts
- People volunteering at a WordCamp for the first time
- Anyone interested in learning, helping, and meeting new people
You do not need advanced technical knowledge. Some roles require familiarity with WordPress or event production, but many simply require enthusiasm, kindness, and a willingness to support others.
Applicants should be able to attend WordCamp Jinja in person and participate in the volunteer orientation.
What we expect from volunteers
As a WordCamp Jinja volunteer, we ask you to:
- Be welcoming, respectful, and helpful
- Arrive on time for assigned shifts
- Follow instructions from volunteer and organising team leads
- Communicate early if your availability changes
- Work cooperatively with other volunteers
- Treat attendees, speakers, sponsors, and team members with respect
- Follow the WordCamp Jinja Code of Conduct
- Wear your volunteer identification or T-shirt while on duty
- Help us create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment
These expectations reflect the approach taken by other WordCamps, where volunteers are asked to maintain a positive attitude, work well with others, follow the Code of Conduct, and help create a welcoming atmosphere.
Time commitment
Volunteers will be assigned specific shifts based on the event programme and their availability. We will aim to create a balanced schedule so that volunteers can help the event while still having time to attend sessions and enjoy the WordCamp experience.
Some roles may require availability:
- Before the event for orientation or setup
- On one or both event days
- Early in the morning before attendee registration
- After the programme for packing up
- During the after-party or another community activity
Please provide your availability honestly in the application form. The final volunteer schedule will be shared with selected applicants before the event.
What selected volunteers receive
As a thank-you for contributing your time and energy, selected volunteers will receive:
- A complimentary ticket to WordCamp Jinja 2026
- An official volunteer Event T-shirt
- Meals and refreshments during assigned event shifts
- Access to event sessions outside their volunteer shifts
- Volunteer orientation and role guidance
- Recognition on the WordCamp Jinja website
Please note that volunteering is an unpaid community role. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation unless the organising team communicates otherwise.
Volunteer orientation
Selected volunteers will be required to attend an orientation session before the event.
During orientation, we will:
- Introduce the volunteer and organising teams
- Explain the event programme and venue layout
- Review volunteer responsibilities
- Discuss the Code of Conduct and escalation procedures
- Confirm shifts and role assignments
- Answer questions and help everyone feel prepared
Additional on-site instructions may be provided before the event begins. Volunteer onboarding and orientation are standard parts of the selection process at many WordCamps.
Important dates
- Volunteer applications open: 30th June, 2026
- Application deadline: 8th August, 2026
- Applicants notified: 15th August, 2026
- Volunteer orientation: 17th September, 2026
- WordCamp Jinja 2026: 19–20 September 2026
How to apply
Complete the volunteer application form and tell us:
- A little about yourself
- Why you would like to volunteer
- Your preferred volunteer roles
- Your availability during the event
- Any previous volunteering or event experience
- Any accessibility or support requirements
- Your contact information and WordPress.org username, where applicable
Previous experience is welcome, but it is not required. Please apply even when this would be your first time volunteering at a WordCamp.
Applicants will be contacted after the application period closes. Selected volunteers will receive details about orientation, shifts, roles, and the next steps.
Ready to join the current?
Every welcoming smile, answered question, prepared room, supported speaker, and helping hand contributes to the WordCamp experience.
Come share your energy, meet new people, build new skills, and help us Embrace Creative Currents on the Nile at WordCamp Jinja 2026.
Application deadline: 8th August, 2026
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