Opportunities From: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Volunteer Check-in Lead: The Volunteer Lead creates a working infrastructure throughout the event by collaborating with Staff to gain full understanding of volunteer needs, running event volunteer check-in and direct volunteers to areas in need, and manage large groups of volunteers in multiple locations.

Unloading and distributing supplies, setting up tents, tables, and chairs, hanging banners and signage, decorating tents and tables (heavy lifting required ≤50lbs)

The Volunteer Lead creates a working infrastructure throughout the event. Key Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with Staff and logistics company (where available) to gain full understanding of volunteer needs

• Run event volunteer check-in and direct volunteers to areas in need

• Manage large groups of volunteers in multiple locations

• Serve as liaison between Staff and volunteers on event weekend

Working with Volunteer Check-In Lead - checking in volunteers, ensuring paperwork is turned in and volunteers receive a t-shirt and instructions for their volunteer shift. Should be comfortable managing Volunteer Tent if Lead should need to leave or go on a break.

Setting up/taking down the site (may include tents, tables, chairs and additional support uploading the supply truck), running hydration (may include mixing sports beverages where applicable) area and serving food to participants (single serve where possible); encouraged to bring decorations and signs to cheer on riders as they enter your stop

**Rest Stop location and timing is subject to change**

Setting up/taking down the site (may include tents, tables, chairs and additional support uploading the supply truck), running hydration (may include mixing sports beverages where applicable) area and serving food to participants (single serve where possible); encouraged to bring decorations and signs to cheer on riders as they enter your stop

**Rest Stop locations and timings are subject to change**

Setting up/taking down the site (may include tents, tables, chairs and additional support uploading the supply truck), running hydration (may include mixing sports beverages where applicable) area and serving food to participants (single serve where possible); encouraged to bring decorations and signs to cheer on riders as they enter your stop

**Rest Stop location and timing is subject to change**

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

T-Shirt Distribution: Organizing supplies and shirts by size and type, handing out shirts to qualifying participants, keeping area tidy, providing excellent customer service.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Registration & Information Area Team:  Welcoming participants, looking-up participant name, confirming information, answering questions, and taking fundraising donations.  (Background check required for volunteers handling donations)

Welcoming participants, looking-up participant name, and confirming information, taking fundraising donations and more. (Background check required for volunteers handling donations)

Organizing supplies and shirts by size and type, handing out shirts to qualifying participants, keeping area tidy, providing excellent customer service. 

Setting up/taking down the site (may include tents, tables, chairs and additional support uploading the supply truck), running hydration (may include mixing sports beverages where applicable) area and serving food to participants (single serve where possible); encouraged to bring decorations and signs to cheer on riders as they enter your stop

**Rest Stop location and timing is subject to change**

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Event Food & Beverage Team: Setting up/taking down the food and beverage area, set out water and other beverages, serve coffee where applicable (if not self-serve), lay out snacks, and keep area clean.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

The Center: Setting up/breaking down area with appropriate supplies, managing the area during the event which may include passing out bandanas, Society print materials, speaking to constituents about MS Society.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Complete the Circle Display Greeters: Setting up/taking down Complete the Circle interactive graphic, set up and manage circle stickers and offer instruction to participants on how to fill out and apply circle stickers to graphic. 

Using personal photography equipment, capture event including team photos, start & finish line photos, route photos, & festival area photos. Volunteer Photographers are expected to share full rights to digital media with the MS Society in-kind.

Shift Time:

Setting up/taking down the food and beverage area, setting out water and other beverages, and serving coffee where applicable (if not self-serve) lay out snacks. Keep area clean.

Setting up/breaking down area with appropriate supplies, managing the area during the event which may include passing out bandanas, Society print materials, speaking to constituents about MS Society. Usually staffed with at least one Staff member.

Setting up/taking down Complete the Circle interactive graphic, set up and manage circle stickers and offer instruction to participants on how to fill out and apply circle stickers to graphic. Take inventory post event of Circle of Support Stickers.

Setting up/taking down Circles of Support tent, set up and manage circle fans and offer instruction to participants on what they represent and how to use during the Program.

 Two shifts available:

Circles of Support Tent Volunteer: 8am-12pm

Circles of Support Roaming Volunteer: 8am-10:30am

Provides high-level of customer service and registration services for Top Fundraisers. Includes setting up/breaking down Top Fundraiser Area Check-in, providing check in and registration services, and answering questions.

Welcomes Top Fundraisers into the Top Fundraiser Area. Provides information and able to answer general questions.

Stationed at the step-and-repeat display to assist Top Fundraiser participants with taking photos. Can use their personal photography equipment, cell phone or participants cell phone. If more than one in Top Fundraiser Area, can take candid photos around the area.

Setting up/taking down the food and beverage area. Provide an elevated food and beverage experience to Top Fundraisers, set out water and other beverages, serve coffee (if not self-serve) lay out snacks. Keep area clean.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

First Aid: First Aid Volunteers are CPR/First Aid certified individuals and do not have to be licensed medical professionals (EMT, EMS, RN, etc) but they can be, when available. They administer First-Aid to event participants.  The support locations can include start/finish, and along the route.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Photographer: Using personal photography equipment (can be a cell phone), capture event including team photos, start & finish line photos, sponsors, route photos, & festival area photos. Volunteer Photographers are expected to share full rights to digital media with the MS Society in-kind within 2 weeks of the event taking place.  Does not need to be a professional photographer. Shot lists will be shared. 

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Route Marking: Marking event route with signage to indicate the direction participants should follow. Often this task is completed in collaboration with a staff, committee member, or another volunteer utilizing a vehicle or golf cart.

Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Event Greeter: Welcoming participants and directing them to the appropriate areas at the event site, answering questions as needed, ensuring registration lines are moving quickly and that participants have all necessary materials completed before they get to the front of the line.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Circles of Support Tent: Setting up/taking down Circles of Support tent, set up and manage circle fans and offer instruction to participants on what they represent and how to use during the Program.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Circles of Support Roamers: Roam the site with baskets of Circle of Support circle fans, passing out to all participants and explaining what they are and how to use during the Program.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Floater: Helping staff with various tasks throughout the event, setting up/tearing down event site, communicating with other volunteers, filling in for others on an "as needs" basis (lifting may be required).

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Volunteer Journalist: Student or individual with professional skills, volunteer will interview participants, take video or photos using appropriate tags on social media.

Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Spirit Team: Standing at the finish line to cheer on participants, using noise makers, handing out medals/mementos, often these volunteers are asked to bring encouraging signs(either pre-prepared or from home)  or cheering swag (available at volunteer tent)!

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Hydration Station: Setting up/taking down hydration area. Welcoming and encouraging/congratulating participants, serving beverages, icing down beverages and replenishing supplies as needed, and keeping hydration areas clean.

Setting up/taking down hydration area. Welcoming and encouraging/congratulating participants, serving beverages, icing down beverages and replenishing supplies as needed, keeping hydration area clean. Water stops are along the route and hydration stations are located on event sites.

Helping staff with various tasks throughout the event, setting up/tearing down event site, communicating with other volunteers,  filling in for others on an "as needs" basis (lifting may be required).

Student or individual with professional skills, volunteer will interview particpants, take video or photos usuing appropriate tags on social media.

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

SAG Golf Cart Driver: Shuttle participants along the route. Must be 16+, possess a valid driver's license, no background or safety training required but prior knowledge of how to drive a golf cart helpful.

Directing participants at key locations on the route to ensure the walk route is followed correctly.

Standing at the finish line to cheer on participants, using noise makers, handing out medals/mementos, all available at our volunteer tent.

Setting up and organizing food service area, handing out food to participants, cleaning up area and putting away supplies. 

 Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 7, 2026

Route Unmarking: Unmarking and cleaning up route of signage after event concludes. Often this task is completed in collaboration with a staff, committee member, or another volunteer utilizing a vehicle or gold cart. Helping staff with various tasks throughout the event, setting up/tearing down event site, communicating with other volunteers, filling in for others on an "as needs" basis (lifting may be required).

Walk MS Simsbury on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 

Tear Down Team: Cleaning up the event site, taking down decorations, signage and banners, breaking down tents, tables, and chairs, organizing and loading supplies on trucks (heavy lifting required ≤50lbs)

Cleaning up the event site, taking down decorations, signage and banners, breaking down tents, tables, and chairs, organizing and loading supplies on trucks (heavy lifting required ≤50lbs)

Volunteers on our Green Team help us be mindful of our event sites! This group travels around emptying trash and recycling bins, picking up trash from the ground, and keeping our sites clean and safe. There may be a need to replenish toilet paper in portable toilets. If water and ice run low at the Start/Finish lines, it is this team’s job to replace that with the assistance of other teams if needed.  

Before the event can begin, the MS Society staff needs help setting everything up! This early shift is for people who can help us efficiently unload and move supplies, set up tables and chairs, hang banners and other signage, and decorate stations as needed. We ask that volunteers for this role be able to lift up to 50 pounds. The set-up shift finishes prior to the event starting, making this role an easy one to combine with other volunteer opportunities!  

Collaborate with staff to gain a full understanding of volunteer needs. Run event volunteer check in and direct volunteers to areas in need. Part of the check in process includes ensuring that all paperwork is turned in and handing out volunteer t-shirts. Assist the Volunteer Engagement staff throughout the day by managing volunteer groups.  

Parking volunteers will help direct parking in an orderly manner and also act as greeters, welcoming in everyone with a smile. You may need to answer questions that people will have, but for the most part direct them towards the event site where their questions can be answered. 

Help us capture the memories made at Bike MS! Using your own personal photography equipment, document the event including start & finish line photos, team photos, route photos, & festival area photos. Specific shots may be discussed closer to the event. Volunteer Photographers are asked to share full rights to digital media with the MS Society in-kind.  

If you have a current portfolio, please share with us in the application process so we can see your work!  

Registration is a very important part of the event process and thus requires important volunteers! This role is for volunteers who want to welcome participants in with a smile and get them set up with all of the information needed for a successful event. Some duties include sorting through information packets, answering questions, taking fundraising donations, and more.

Helping staff with various tasks throughout the event, setting up/tearing down event site, communicating with other volunteers,  filling in for others on an "as needs" basis (lifting may be required)

Volunteers in the Hoopla tent will help hand out extra goodies and provide information for participants outside of registration. This is a collaborative role with staff who will also be helping out in the tent. This is also where jerseys will be handed out which will require volunteers to keep the jerseys organized and also track who has picked one up.  

This will function as a one stop shop for participants looking for answers. Volunteers will do their best to answer questions that riders have, sometimes seeking direction from Society staff. The information area also functions as the lost and found. 

Volunteers will help a member of our staff organize shirts by size and type, and then hand them out to qualifying participants using a check-list. Keep the shirts tidy and clearly separated for easy access.  

First Aid Volunteers consists of certified medical professionals (EMT, EMS, RN, etc) who can administer First-Aid to event participants. We position first aid volunteers along the route at rest stops and at the start/finish line. This volunteer position is not a bike-riding position.

Volunteers for loading bikes are a huge help for both our staff and our riders! When bikes need to be transported, volunteers load the bikes into trucks organized by rider number. Participants are typically very protective of their bikes, so we ask that volunteers are very careful and able to lift up to 25 pounds easily.  

Parking volunteers will help direct parking in an orderly manner and also act as greeters, welcoming in everyone with a smile. You may need to answer questions that people will have, but for the most part direct them towards the event site where their questions can be answered. 

Before the event can begin, the MS Society staff needs help setting everything up! This early shift is for people who can help us efficiently unload and move supplies, set up tables and chairs, hang banners and other signage, and decorate stations as needed. We ask that volunteers for this role be able to lift up to 50 pounds. The set-up shift finishes prior to the event starting, making this role an easy one to combine with other volunteer opportunities!  

Assist participants as they load the shuttles, directing them to and from the event site. 

Help set up the area, work with staff to hand out bandanas and resources to people living with MS. Help to tear down the event area.

Welcoming in everyone with a smile. You may need to answer questions that people will have, but for the most part direct them towards the event site where their questions can be answered. 

Collaborate with staff to gain a full understanding of volunteer needs. Run event volunteer check in and direct volunteers to areas in need. Part of the check in process includes ensuring that all paperwork is turned in and handing out volunteer t-shirts. Assist the Volunteer Engagement staff throughout the day by managing volunteer groups.  

Assist participants as they load the shuttles, directing them to and from the event site. 

Volunteers for loading bikes are a huge help for both our staff and our riders! When bikes need to be transported, volunteers load the bikes into trucks organized by rider number. Participants are typically very protective of their bikes, so we ask that volunteers are very careful and able to lift up to 25 pounds easily.  

The Tear Down crew is our closing shift, our volunteers who help us make sure the event site is left nicer than when we arrived. Duties for this team include cleaning up the event site, taking down decorations, signage and banners, breaking down tents, tables, and chairs, organizing and loading supplies on trucks. We ask that most volunteers on this team be able to lift objects up to 50 pounds. This is another role that is relatively easy to pair with other volunteer roles at the event. Tear down often does not begin until the event is over, meaning you can transition from one role right into tear down if you are interested in serving a full day with the Society.  

Registration is a very important part of the event process and thus requires important volunteers! This role is for volunteers who want to welcome participants in with a smile and get them set up with all of the information needed for a successful event. Some duties include sorting through information packets, answering questions, taking fundraising donations, and more.

Volunteers for the Food and Beverage team will help set up and organize the food service area and then hand out food to participants. The type of food and beverages varies from event to event, so some might be self-serve while others will require more hands on serving from volunteers. Gloves and a handwashing station will be provided, and we ask that volunteers practice basic safe food practices.  

Did you miss your opportunity in high school to join the cheerleading team? Are you someone who enjoys bringing positive energy with you wherever you go, and loves to make others smile? Then this is the volunteer opportunity for you! The Spirit Team is a group of people who cheer on event participants from the start and finish lines. Sometimes there are opportunities to hand out mementos/medals, but generally this role is all about creating a fun environment and inviting others into it! Be creative with your fun, using costumes, signs, noise makers, etc to create a memorable experience for everyone.  

Helping staff with various tasks throughout the event, setting up/tearing down event site, communicating with other volunteers,  filling in for others on an "as needs" basis (lifting may be required)

Unloading and distributing supplies, setting up tents, tables, and chairs,  hanging banners and signage, decorating tents and tables (heavy lifting required ≤50lbs)

Volunteers will assist VIP participants at the reception area, VIP shower area, and more. Tasks may include setting up/breaking down area, decorating, providing great customer service, and checking on access credentials. This area is for specific riders who qualify for a VIP experience, and volunteers help boost the valuable experience.  

Bike MS: Ride the Rhode on June 13, 2026 at University of Rhode Island

Volunteer Check-in: Check in volunteers, ensuring paperwork is turned in and volunteers receive a t-shirt, and instructions for their volunteer shift.

Answer phone calls from participants in need of assistance. Coordinate SAGs and HAM radio operators. Serve as liaison between communications volunteers and staff. Contact emergency services, as needed.

Motorcycle Marshals provide motorcycle escort support along the route to troubleshoot problems and ensure rider safety. When needed, they respond to emergencies and traffic situations. Responsibilities may include: Starting the ride ahead of cyclists; monitoring the flow of riders; communicating with Tour officials via the command center or net control; and handling minor incidents. *Motorcycle Marshals must have a valid motorcycle driver's license and proof of insurance covering the motorcycle to be ridden in Bike MS.  

Like bicycle riders, all Motorcycle Marshals are required to wear a helmet.

Motorcycle Marshals are encouraged to be active amateur radio operators with VHF/UHF HAM radio capability on the motorcycle and a cellular phone for backup communications. 

Provide vehicle assistance on the bike route. Keep an eye out for any riders in need of help, double check signage, and coordinate with other staff and volunteers to lend a helping hand where needed. 

Ride Marshals have the important job of riding alongside participants and providing assistance when problems arise. Because of this, Ride Marshals should be confident cyclists, and have their own equipment (bike, helmet). If needed, Ride Marshals respond to emergencies and traffic situations while also contacting the necessary support (Medical, MS Staff, HAMS).  

Ideally, we would like our Ride Marshal volunteers to be First Aid certified in case of any incidents along the route. Please leave a comment if you are not certified. 

Respond to medical or bicycle mechanical calls along the route. Contact emergency services, as necessary. Proof of current first aid and CPR certification, driver's license, and automobile insurance required prior to event. Driver's training required. 

SAG Navigators are partnered with our SAG drivers to help move participants on the route. Their specific purpose is to serve as communication with other SAGs and Net Control. You may be asked to help load/unload bicycles for participants. Please indicate if you are a HAM Radio operator, and include your call sign in a comment. Must pass a MS Society-provided background check.

Our SAG drivers use vehicles to shuttle participants along the route. Drivers are partnered with a SAG navigator for directions and extra help loading/unloading the vehicles. Proof of current driver's license and automobile insurance required. Must pass a MS Society-provided background check. If you are a HAM radio operator, please leave a comment about that. Drivers will also be asked to complete MS Society provided Driver Safety Training. 

The Volunteer Check-In Lead collaborates with staff to gain a full understanding of volunteer needs. They manage a large group of volunteers across multiple locations, run the event volunteer check-in, and direct volunteers to areas where support is needed. They also serve as a liaison between staff and volunteers on event weekend

Checking in volunteers, ensuring paperwork is turned in and volunteers receive a t-shirt and instructions for their volunteer shift. 

Welcoming participants, looking-up participant name, confirming information and giving numbered packet to participant(s), taking fundraising donations and more. (Background check required for volunteers handling donations)

Bike MS: Ride the Road 2026 on June 13th 

SATURDAY Packet Pick-Up: Assist by providing our riders with the information they need to have a smooth ride.

Bike MS: Ride the Rhode- June 13, 2026

Greeter/Floater Role

Rest Stop Volunteers will help with the setting up/taking down of the site, running hydration/fruit stations, serving food and beverages to participants, providing excellent customer service. (Occasional lifting may be required).  

This is the first rest stop on the route. 

Official location: 

To be announced

Supervise and be point person for rest stop.

Rest Stop Volunteers will help with the setting up/taking down of the site, running hydration/fruit stations, serving food and beverages to participants, providing excellent customer service. (Occasional lifting may be required).  

This is the first rest stop on the route. 

Official location: 

To be announced

First Aid Volunteers consists of certified medical professionals (EMT, EMS, RN, etc) who can administer First-Aid to event participants. This volunteer position is not a bike-riding position and will be stationed at this specific rest stop. 

This is the first rest stop on the route. 

Location to be announced.

Rest Stop Volunteers will help with the setting up/taking down of the site, running hydration/fruit stations, serving food and beverages to participants, providing excellent customer service. (Occasional lifting may be required).  

This is the second rest stop on the route. 

Official location: 

To be announced

Supervise and be point person for rest stop.

Rest Stop Volunteers will help with the setting up/taking down of the site, running hydration/fruit stations, serving food and beverages to participants, providing excellent customer service. (Occasional lifting may be required).  

This is the second rest stop on the route. 

Official location: 

To be announced

First Aid Volunteers consists of certified medical professionals (EMT, EMS, RN, etc) who can administer First-Aid to event participants. This volunteer position is not a bike-riding position and will be stationed at this specific rest stop. 

This is the second rest stop on the route. 

Location to be announced.

Capture photos of cyclists at the start, along the route, and at the finish! You have the option to be stationary or travel along the route, please enter your preference in the notes.

Motorcycle Marshals provide motorcycle escort support along the route to troubleshoot problems and ensure rider safety. When needed, they respond to emergencies and traffic situations. Responsibilities may include: ensuring safe crossing at busy intersections; monitoring the flow of riders; communicating with staff via the command center or net control; and handling minor incidents.

Motorcycle Marshals must provide proof of vehicle insurance.

First Aid Volunteers consists of certified medical professionals (EMT, EMS, RN, etc) who can administer First-Aid to event participants. We position first aid volunteers along the route at rest stops and at the start/finish line. This volunteer position is not a bike-riding position. This position will be traveling from one location to another - TBD. 

Answer phone calls from participants in need of assistance. Coordinate SAGs and HAM radio operators. Serve as liaison between communications volunteers and staff. Contact emergency services, as needed.

Amateur radio operators are assigned to several different groups or stationed at different locations along the route. This is a one- or two-day commitment, depending on your location.

Bike MS: Ride the Rhode June 13, 2026

ON ROUTE Photographers: Using personal photography equipment, capture event including team photos, start & finish line photos, route photos, & festival area photos. Volunteer Photographers are expected to share full rights to digital media with the MS Society in-kind.  Photographers are supplied an approved shot list.

*Time flexibility within the shifts is allowed. Please reach out to Gina Bell gina.bell@nmss.org for more details. *

Bike MS: Ride the Rhode June 13, 2026

Photographers: Using personal photography equipment, capture event including team photos, start & finish line photos, route photos, & festival area photos. Volunteer Photographers are expected to share full rights to digital media with the MS Society in-kind.  Photographers are supplied an approved shot list.

*Time flexibility within the shifts is allowed. Please reach out to Gina Bell gina.bell@nmss.org for more details.*