Pashiri
Pashiri is the term used for the group of volunteers who assist the Genki-con organizers with setting up before the con, cleaning up after the con, and manage stations during the con itself, making sure nothing gets stolen, that everything is clean, etc. In exchange for their services, Pashiri are granted free entry to the con as well as a bit of free merchandise (e.g. a t-shirt with print).
Etymology
Pashiri (ぱしり) as a term that refers to a person who is made to do things or go get things for someone else, and thus is the rough equivalent of the English term, gofer. According to the Japanese Wikipedia, it derives from the word "tsukaihashiri" (使い走り), which means "running errands", which was later called "tsukaippashiri" (使いっ走り) in everyday speach.
Contrary to what rumours say, "pashiri" does not mean slave nor does it mean parsley (パセリ paseri).
Requirements
In order to become a Pashiri, one must fulfill certain requirements explained below; 'you' refers to the person wanting to become a pashiri, 'we' refers to the organizer group:
- You have to be at least 16 years old to be a Pashiri (helper).
- We ask you to be punctual when it comes to your shifts. If you can’t make it for your shifts, or if you overslept, you are to contact our reception desk so that we can find a replacement for you. We will of course understand it if you miss your shift due to an unexpected problem or an emergency, but we will still have to find a stand-in.
- If there is an event or a competition that you would like to compete in, then you have to contact us at least one week before Genki starts so that we can correct the time schedule. If you contact us after this point, we cannot guarantee that you will have time off during the contest.
- Since we need as many Pashiri as perky as possible Saturday morning, we’d like to ask you to refrain from partying too hard Friday evening/night. However, feel free to party as much as you want on Saturday (unless you have a shift).
- We will provide you with a place to sleep at Kulturhuset so you won’t have to walk all the way to the sleeping locales, so you don’t have to worry about it!
- We will provide breakfast every day for all our Pashiri. We can however not provide lunch or supper, since we are still a small Genki, so you’re on your own when it comes to that.
- We expect you to show up at the Krew meeting Friday or Thursday so that you can be briefed of your role and shifts. If you can’t show up at the briefings your are to report it to us in advance and then you will get a short recap when you arrive.
- We will, as best as we can, make sure that all Pashiri and organizers equally share the workload/shifts. If, however, you want to work more shifts, you will be welcome to. Just specify where you’d like to work: cinema, wardrobe, reception desk, game room, etc.