Lake Charles, LA - March 27, 2010

Free to Breathe® depends on the kindness and dedication of volunteers to make the event a success. A variety of volunteer opportunities exist, and whether part of the planning committee or event day festivities each person makes a difference.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please contact the local event organizer.

Volunteer Opportunities:

EVENT COMMITTEES
Publicity & promotion:

• Public relations - Creating visibility for the event by accessing media outlets.
• Promotional material distribution - Distribution of entry forms and posters throughout the community and through mailings.
• Distribution of other promotional materials:
  • Press announcements (calendar listings) to local newspapers and running magazines
• Television/Radio public service announcements
• Press releases
• Neighborhood flyer

Sponsorships & donations:
Approaching local businesses to obtain and secure financial and in-kind sponsorships to support the event.

Logistics for day of activities:
Planning and coordinating the rally, expo and awards ceremony and activities.

Goody bags:
Securing and coordinating the collection of items that will go into the goody bags, and organizing the stuffing of the bags.

Volunteer:
Outreach within the community to secure plenty of volunteers for all of the event day responsibilities and activities.

EVENT-DAY VOLUNTEERS
Distribute packets at pre-event packet pick up (not available for all events):
   • Assist with early check-in a day or two before the event (usually at a local sporting goods or running store)

Set up exhibit tables/chairs

Inflate & distribute balloons

Hang banners

Direct parking

Set up registration area

Assist participants at registration:
   • Direct participants where to go to sign up or check in
   • DistributeT-shirts and/or goody bags
   • Clear registration tables and prepare for setting up the food tables
   • Run on-site registrations from registration table to event timers

Pass out bib numbers and timing chips (NOTE: Only required if run is being timed)

Lead participants in a 5-7 minute aerobic warm up & stretch

Take photographs

Be a course marshal:
   • Keep runners safe from traffic
   • Direct runners/walkers along the route
   • Fill water cups and hand them out to participants as they pass the water station

Set up and prepare food area

Help at the finish line:
   • Cut off chips (if event is chip timed)
   • Guide participants to food/rally areas
   • Possibly help with timing
   • Cheer people on!

Unpack and organize the awards before the awards ceremony

Help clean up after the event

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of volunteer opportunities. Possibilities for volunteers vary somewhat from event to event. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the local event organizer to learn the specific volunteer needs for this event.

Volunteers Can Fundraise Too
To create your online personal fundraising page, click here and select "Register as an Individual." You are then able to register as a fundraiser for free. Once you have registered as a fundraiser, you will be able to customize your page and use online tools to encourage family and friends to support your efforts with a donation. An incentive is available for those who raise $1,500 or more!