Opportunities From: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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 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 on a break.

The Center has been historically known as the Living with MS Area, and includes things like the Wall of Hope and a station for the “I Walk for” bibs. Volunteering in the Center includes setting up supplies for those stations and restocking them throughout the event, as well as handing out any printed materials from the Society or talking with participants about the MS Society. If you are an MS Ambassador or are interested in becoming one, this may be a wonderful opportunity for you!

Helping staff with various tasks throughout the event, setting up/tearing down event site, communicating with other volunteers, emptying trash and recycles bins and generally keeping area clean and safe filling in for others on an "as needs" basis (lifting may be required). Might also need to service (trash and/or replenish water) in TFA if they do not have their own floaters.

In conjunction with the volunteers at the Circles of Support tent, our roamers will walk through the site prior to the event with baskets of the Circles of Support fans, handing them out to participants and explaining how to use them during the program. Periodically check in with the tent volunteers in case they need extra help and to grab more supplies as needed.

The Circles of Support is a new part of the Walk MS program that allows participants to show their support for their loved ones affected by MS. There will be a tent where participants can stop by to pick up their circle and receive instructions from volunteers on what each one represents and how to use them during the program. Volunteers for the Circles of Support Tent are in charge of setting up and taking down the tent and managing it during the event.

Registration volunteers welcome participants to the event and provide them with necessary information before the event starts. Duties include looking up the participant name and confirming their information before giving them a numbered packet.

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

Each of our Walk MS events include a fun interactive activity called “Complete the Circle”. This display allows participants to look at the stories of other people affected by MS and share their own. Volunteering for this station includes setting up and taking down the Complete the Circle interactive graphic, and managing the circle stickers. You will also instruct to participants on how to fill out and apply circle stickers to graphic.

One exciting, interactive part of Walk MS is the bibs that participants wear to show who they are supporting. This area used to be a part of registration but will now be its own station. Volunteers at this station will periodically restock supplies and also help any participants understand the purpose of the bibs and how to write on them/pin them on.

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

Assisting photographers with set up, gathering participants, using props or signs, staging photos, reminding participants to use appropriate tags for social media, etc.

Manage this area to keep it safe, welcoming, and fun for both dogs and their owners. Keep water bowls filled, make sure signage is visible and visitors are following all rules (dogs on leash, etc.).

First Aid Volunteers consist of certified medical professionals (EMT, EMS, RN, etc) who administer First Aid to event participants. Current First Aid Certification Required.

Shuttle participants along the route. If driving own vehicle, proof of current driver's license, automobile insurance required.

*Completed Safety Training and Background check required for all drivers and navigators.

Help us capture the memories made at Walk 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!

Shuttle participants along the route. If driving own vehicle, proof of current driver's license, automobile insurance required.

*Completed Safety Training and Background check required for all drivers and navigators.

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

Hydration Station volunteers get to be a smiling face and a source of water on the Walk MS route! Volunteers are in charge of the set up and tear down of the hydration area, often at the half way point on the walk route. Some routes may have 1 station, others may have 2. Be an encouraging face along the route and restock beverages as needed. Try to keep the area around the hydration station relatively clean throughout the walk.

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

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)

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.

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.

Volunteers who help with event specific tasks at the office or warehouse. Activates such as inventory, packing, truck unloading, etc. after event day