Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
2. When can I start volunteering?
Beginning February 25, 2013, we will have volunteer activities in our office every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. Volunteering with your friends after work is a great alterative to Happy Hour! Although we affectionately call our nightly volunteer activities “Cocktail Hour,” there are no cocktails served. Instead, join us for dinner and help us mail Walker Kits, make phone calls to past walkers, and much more. We’d love to see you there! Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Nakeshia, at 212-807-9255 (WALK) or at nakeshiab@aidswalk.net to schedule a time to participate!
3. Can I form a group of volunteers?
Yes! You can form a volunteer group and recruit your co-workers, friends and family to volunteer with you on the day of AIDS Walk New York. Volunteer groups follow special procedures that differ from individual volunteers, so contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Nakeshia, at 212-807-9255 (WALK) or at nakeshiab@aidswalk.net to help get your volunteer group organized and registered.
4. Where do I sign in on the morning of AIDS Walk New York?
Every volunteer position is different so, please refer to the maps and instructions in your confirmation e-mail. Most volunteers should report to Volunteer Sign In on the morning of the AIDS Walk. Volunteer Sign In is located at the Naumberg Bandshell; enter Central Park at 72nd Street and walk along the 72nd Street Transverse towards the Bethesda Fountain. If you have not received your confirmation email by May 10, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Nakeshia, at 212-807-9255 (WALK) or at nakeshiab@aidswalk.net.
5. Can I volunteer AND fundraise?
YES! We encourage everyone who participates in AIDS Walk New York to raise funds for the fight against AIDS. Therefore, we credit all of our volunteers with walking ten kilometers. CLICK HERE to download a Sponsor Form to assist you with your fundraising efforts. If you have questions or need fundraising tips, please visit our Fundraising Tips and Tools page or contact one of our fundraising specialists at awnyteams@aidswalk.net or at 212-807-9255(WALK).
6. How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We welcome volunteers of all ages! There are several positions in which volunteers must be of a certain age.
Although there are no age requirements for certain positions, we recommend that children under the age of 9 refrain from volunteering. Any volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Sign-In: 16 Years of Age or older
Monitors: 16 Years of Age or older
Checkpoints: No age requirement
Checkpoint 4: No age requirement
Delineators: No age requirement
Totaling: 18 Years of Age or older
Strike Crew: No age requirement
Hooplah/Strike Crew: No age requirement
Information Army: No age requirement
Security: No age requirement
Route Green Team: No age requirement
Venue Green Team: No age requirement
Teams: No age requirement
Crowd Control: 16 Years of Age or older
7. What is orientation and why is it mandatory?
Orientation is held for certain volunteer positions that require specific and detailed instructions for the day of the event. This information is key to the safety of our volunteers and participants. We want to be sure that all volunteers receive the necessary information to efficiently complete their volunteer duty and have an enjoyable volunteer experience. CLICK HERE to see if your position has an orientation and when it will be held.
8. How do I get to the AIDS Walk? Where do I park?
Please visit our AIDS Walk New York Maps and Directions page for more information.
9. Can I bring my friends?
Absolutely! We can always use more volunteers and volunteering with your friends is always more fun! They can register right now by clicking here!
10. Can I walk AND volunteer?
We have several positions that allow you to walk and volunteer on the day of the event:
SATURDAY SET-UP
Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. We need a lot of help on Saturday, May 18 preparing for the big event! Come help up set up the Teams area, assemble the Sign-In area and assist with the placement of posters. This volunteer position is great for those who prefer to walk on Sunday, May 19. Click here to register as a Saturday Set Up Volunteer!
PHOTOGRAPHY
AIDS WALK SHIFT: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
NO ORIENTATION
AIDS Walk New York is currently looking for shutterbugs to help capture the moments that make the AIDS Walk so special! Photography Volunteers are asked to have professional training and experience with photography and be able to supply their own equipment on the day of the event. This volunteer position is great for individuals or groups who are currently studying photography or want to use their photographic talents at the AIDS Walk! Click here to register as a Photography Volunteer!
STRIKE CREW–CLEAN UP
AIDS WALK SHIFT: 12:00 p.m. - TBD
NO ORIENTATION
Do you want to walk and volunteer at AIDS Walk New York? Join our Strike Crew–Clean Up Volunteers! Help us to clean up and break down the route in Central Park after you cross the finish line. This volunteer position is great for groups! Strike Crew-Clean Up Volunteers do not have an orientation. Click here to register as a Strike Crew-Clean Up Volunteer!
11. What do I wear?
AIDS Walk New York will happen rain or shine, so please dress appropriately – layers are recommended and, for your safety, flip flops are not allowed. Also, please be sure to leave all valuables at home. You will also be given a special AIDS Walk Volunteer T-Shirt!
12. Is there a place for my purse or backpack?
There will not be a place for you to keep your purse or your backpack. You should leave all valuables at home.
13. Are there post-walk volunteer activities?
Yes! We need help in the weeks following the event with certain projects, including unpacking and alphabetizing materials. If you would like to help us post-walk, please contact Nakeshia, at 212- 807-9255 (WALK) or at nakeshiab@aidswalk.net to schedule a day to come to the office and volunteer.
