Be Part of SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival: Volunteer Shifts Available Now 

Every February, something extraordinary happens in Nevada City. The South Yuba River Citizens League’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival transforms our community into a hub for river advocates, environmental activists, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers from across the region and beyond.  

And it all happens because of volunteers like you. 

SYRCL’s 24th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival will take place February 19-23, 2026, and VOLUNTEER SHIFTS ARE NOW OPEN. We need your help to make this year’s event our most impactful yet. 

Mobilize: The 2026 Theme 

This year’s film festival theme is “Mobilize“: a call to action and a celebration of movement and progress towards tangible change. 

As arts and science organizations throughout the nation navigate a tumultuous landscape, “Mobilize” reminds us that meaningful change happens when people come together. Stories that mobilize elevate voices, organize efforts, and address challenges with urgency and persistence. From grassroots resistance to international coalitions, from Indigenous land stewards to youth climate strikers, this year’s festival honors those who are mobilizing to create change. 

When you volunteer at SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, you are not just supporting an event. You become part of this movement. 

More Than a Film Festival 

SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is not just about watching amazing films on a big screen. It is about sparking conversations that lead to action. It is about building community around shared values. It is about inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and celebrating the work already underway to protect rivers, forests, and wild places. 

As one longtime volunteer puts it: “I love the purpose behind it. Educating the public about real issues. I love our river and all of nature.” 

When you volunteer at the festival, you become part of this mission. You help create the welcoming, organized, and inspiring atmosphere that makes SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival a cornerstone event for environmental activism on the West Coast. 

As a first-time volunteer shared: “It was a great experience. Very organized and well-informed throughout. Everyone so helpful and friendly.” 

The Power of Community 

In 2025, 269 volunteers filled 475 shifts, contributing 1,880 hours to make the festival a success. These volunteers helped sell tickets, greeted filmgoers, supported youth education programs, coordinated filmmakers, managed concessions, and ensured that every detail ran smoothly. 

But the impact goes far beyond festival logistics. Volunteers consistently describe the festival as a chance to reconnect with the community, meet kindred spirits, and be part of something larger than themselves. 

“It was sooooo much fun to see so many friends coming into the theater that I hadn’t seen in forever. It was a lovefest,” shared one volunteer. “The films were so inspiring too! Gives me hope especially in these times.” 

This is what community looks like in action: people showing up year after year, not because they have to, but because they believe in the mission and love being part of the movement. 

Available Volunteer Opportunities 

The South Yuba River Citizens League’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival offers a wide range of volunteer shifts to match your interests, skills, and availability. Whether you can commit to multiple shifts throughout the weekend or just want to help for a few hours, there is a role for you. 

Some of the roles available include: 

Tech II Crew: No Experience Needed! Comfortable using your smartphone or laptop? Then you’ve already got what it takes to join our Tech II Crew!  We’ll provide all the training you need to feel confident and ready to go, so don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before. As part of the Tech Team, you’ll work alongside our Tech Leads to keep film screenings running smoothly: managing sound, projectors, and playback equipment. You’ll learn to use our professional gear (including Ki-Pro units for film playback) and play a key role in delivering a flawless, cinematic experience for festival audiences. If you’re organized, tech-curious, and love being behind the scenes, this is the perfect way to be part of the magic!  

HQ Ticketing and Support: Help provide attendees with information and sell tickets at headquarters during the festival weekend. This position requires a very warm and friendly demeanor, proficiency on a computer or iPad, and customer service & cash handling experience. This can be a fast-paced role at times. Must be patient and enjoy making people feel welcome and taken care of. Pre-festival training is required by all ticketing volunteers the week prior to the festival. 

Usher: Welcome, offer assistance, and track open seats for guests who are arriving. Help guide attendees to their seats with a flashlight. Encourage attendees to move to the middle of the row to make room for people arriving later.  

Pass Checkers: Greet the public at the venue doors and use a scanning device to check attendees’ tickets. Help with crowd control at popular screenings, maintain quiet in the areas outside the film-viewing area, & change “Now Playing” signs as needed. SYRCL seeks assertive, polite volunteers to staff busy film sessions. 

Why Volunteer? 

Volunteering during SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is not just about giving your time. It is about being part of a movement that protects rivers, inspires activism, and builds climate resilience through storytelling and community engagement. 

Here is what past volunteers say about why they return year after year: 

“The energy and positive atmosphere of locals and visitors coming together to celebrate nature—with hope and inspiration!” 

“Everyone is cheerfully helpful and supportive, and I love the perks of getting to see some of the films and getting to hang out with friends at the festival.” 

“Love being part of community and a cause I deeply believe in. And LOVE the Wild & Scenic.” 

“I love supporting SYRCL. I’m a lifelong conservationist. I always meet lovely new-to-me people who feel as I do during my volunteer stints.” 

When you volunteer, you also get the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute directly to SYRCL’s mission to protect and restore the Yuba River watershed. 

Supporting SYRCL’s Mission 

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is one of SYRCL’s most visible community events, but it serves a deeper purpose. Revenue from the festival supports our science-based advocacy, watershed restoration, water quality monitoring, and environmental education programs throughout the Yuba River watershed. 

Every volunteer shift you fill helps reduce our operational costs, allowing more resources to go directly toward protecting the river and building climate resilience in our region. Your time matters. Your presence matters. Your commitment to this work matters. 

As one attendee observed: “This event was very well organized. Staff and volunteers were outgoing and inviting. The movies were well curated and inspiring. I noticed the attendees when leaving were all smiles.” 

Those smiles? They are partly because of you. 

Sign Up Today 

Volunteer shifts for the 2026 Wild & Scenic Film Festival are now open and fill quickly.  

Whether you are a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, we would love to have you as part of the team. 

Sign up for volunteer shifts here and choose the roles and times that work best for your schedule. 

Questions about volunteering? Contact SYRCL’s Community Engagement Manager, Emily Wilson, at Emily@yubariver.org or call (530) 265-5961. 

Be Part of the Story 

The South Yuba River Citizens League’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is one of the premier environmental film festivals in the country because of volunteers who believe that people can make a difference. People who show up. People who build community. People like you. 

Join us February 19-23, 2026, and be part of the movement that inspires activism, celebrates nature, and protects the places we love for generations to come. 

Sign up today. Your river needs you.