To become a volunteer during the Republican National Convention, go to the Minneapolis St. Paul Host Committee website at www.msp2008.com, click on "volunteer" and fill out the online application.

The host committee will give tickets to three convention parties to the person who recruits the most volunteers. To be eligible to win this "Red Carpet Convention Package," individuals should e-mail volunteer@msp2008.com before completing the online application. The host committee will provide a referral code that should be entered into the online application and used by anyone recruited by that individual. Participants must recruit at least 25 volunteers. The winner of the package will be announced Aug. 13.

In the coming week, the host committee has set up sign-up volunteer stations at the Mall of America Sears Court today, 11 a.m.-2 p.m; Wednesday 8 a.m.-noon; Thursday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

There will also be a sign-up on Thursday at the Minneapolis Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

RANDY FURST