Volunteer

DI in TN is made possible by our volunteers. There are many ways to get involved with DI. Whether you have a lot of time or a just a little, you can make a difference. Here are some ways people get involved. When you're ready to get started, contact your regional director!

Tournament Official

Tennessee DI tournaments are exciting and fun. Officials attend a casual training on a Saturday in February. The regional tournament takes another Saturday, and is usually in early March. Some officials choose to participate in the state tournament as well.

No experience is necessary! At the training session, the program is fully explained. Based on each individual's preference, roles are assigned. Each person is only responsible for a few things, so there's very little pressure.

There are a number of ways you can be involved at the tournament. Teams of Appraisers are responsible for awarding points to teams. We also need Announcers, Timekeepers, Doorkeepers, Number Crunchers... and more!

Team Manager

Each DI team needs an adult Team Manager to be in charge of meetings, planning, team registration, Tournament logistics and team safety. Team Managers are in high demand and are key to the success of any DI program, and while most are volunteers some receive stipends or some degree of compensation for their time. A DI Team Manager...

• Has a good sense of humor
• Appreciates creativity and innovation in all its forms
• Enjoys working with children and young adults
• Is interested in helping young people learn about creativity, teamwork and problem solving
• Wants to join the DI community and share with other caring adults
• Has a positive and friendly attitude

The degree of a Team Manager's involvement will depend upon the team's schedule, Tournament progression, and the overall goals and needs of the team. In any case, the team does the real work - the problem solving - and the Team Manager facilitates the process, allowing the team to have the best educational experience possible. Team Managers must be 18 years of age or older. Assistant Team Managers may be younger than 18.

from the 2007-2008 DI Program Guide

Workshop Instructor

Do you have skills in metalworking, woodworking, engineering, science, theater, improvisation, etc. that could be useful to teams? Though participants in DI must make everything without any help, we encourage them to learn new skills that they could apply to their solution. If you would be willing to lead / participate in a workshop for team members, please let us know!

Board Member

Several times a year, a dedicated group of volunteers gathers to plan various aspects of the DI program in TN. Board members representing each region, as well as alumni, are present. Other members include Regional/State Tournament Directors, the TN Affiliate Director, Affiliate Training Coordinator, and Board Chairperson.

If you are interested in participating, contact your regional director or the DI Board Chairperson, Rick Wimberly.