We can’t do this without you.
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Without volunteers the National Multiple Sclerosis Society would not exist today.  Your donation of time is greatly appreciated and needed to create successful events.  Although it is not required, volunteers often want to do more than help at the event or work on a planning committee they want to help raise money to bring us closer to a world free of MS.  Last year our volunteers raised $25,000 at our annual events. 

If this is something you’d like to do, we are making it easy for you!  When you register online as a volunteer, you will receive the same fundraising tools our riders enjoy.  That includes all tools available online, receive information in your mailbox about the event and have access to your online Participant Center.  And when you fundraise as a volunteer, you are eligible for the same great prizes available to riders!

On the Participant Center, you can create your own personal webpage with pictures and your story about your connection to multiple sclerosis and the Bike MS: Waves to Wine Ride.  You can send emails to your family and friends asking them to donate and volunteer with you, send thank you notes, track your fundraising progress and enter gifts received online!

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Waves to Wine Volunteer Job Descriptions

“A local woman on her morning run stopped in the middle of the park and began speaking to the crowd of riders and workers.   As everyone quieted down, you could hear her screaming out over the crowd that she was an MS patient and she wanted to give her heartfelt thanks for everything everyone was doing there that day, anything to keep her running.  Then she turned and everyone applauded as she continued her jog to the other side of the park.  Misty-eyed and clapping, I remember turning to my friend who was helping me and in unison to each other saying, "oh my gosh."  It was a real-life reminder of the difference the smallest actions can make.”
Tym Peters, 2008 Waves to Wine Volunteer

We are glad that you have chosen to have the invigorating experience of volunteering at Waves to Wine 2009.  To provide the best experience possible for YOU, Volunteer shifts are 1 or 2 days.  However, if you are interested in volunteering but can’t commit 1-2 days, we are still interested in talking to you.  Please note that all Waves to Wine Volunteers driving any vehicle must consent to driving record and background check. 
Call Shannon at 415-230-6678 extension 2020 with any questions!

Route Positions

Amateur Radio/HAM Operators
Time commitment: 1 or 2 days
Amateur radio operators are the primary source of event communication.  This team works with Waves to Wine staff and volunteers at sites and along the route to ensure the smooth flow of vital information and communications.
Qualifications: Must have mobile ham radio as well as a current license.

Medical
Time commitment: 1 or 2 days
Comprised of a variety of Medical Professionals including EMTs and paramedics, this team provides First Aid Medical support, including setting up and breaking down the supplies and cots within the Medical tents, at each of the Rest Stops and at the overnight camp.  Will manage any emergency situations that arise, until local emergency Medical Services arrive on the scene. 
Qualifications: Must provide license/certification and proof of insurance.

Bike Medic
Time Commitment: 2 days
Works with Medical Team to provide medical assistance to riders along the route.  Will manage any emergency situations that arise, until local emergency Medical Services arrive on the scene.
Qualifications:  ECA or greater (BTLS, ACLS or other specialty certifications are welcomed).  Must provide own bicycle and helmet and be able to ride one of short, long or century (Saturday only) routes each day.

Motorcycle Safety
Time commitment: 2 days
Team works with Waves to Wine Staff and local law enforcement to support safe passage for cyclists along the route. This team will assist at difficult intersections and other locations as requested, ensuring that all cyclists obey traffic laws and signals—they direct Waves to Wine participants, not vehicle traffic.
Qualifications: Team members must provide own motorcycle and helmet, as well as valid motorcycle license and insurance.

SAG Vehicle Driver
Time commitment: 2 days
Team consists of several personally owned vehicles.  Each vehicle patrols a section of the route between Stops, lending assistance and transportation to injured cyclists, cyclists needing technical support, etc. 
Qualifications: Must have valid driver’s license and a vehicle able to transport both bikes and passengers.  Requires ability to lift repeatedly as SAG drivers will load and unload bicycles throughout the day. 

Rest Stops
Time commitment: 1 or 2 days
Each Stop will be assigned a team of volunteers to manage set-up, food distribution, and traffic control at each location.  Stops provide snacks, water, sports drink, and portable toilets; one Stop will serve as the Lunch Stop for the day.  Limited medical services are available at each Stop.  Once all cyclists have passed, volunteers will clean up Stop and assist Route Clean-Up team with loading of trash and recyclables. 
Qualifications: Ideally groups of 4-8; (if your group is smaller or larger please consider a station at the Start/Finish Lines or Overnight Camp)  Must be able to arrive early for set up and stay until Stop materials are picked up—please note this position involves a very long day, especially for later Stops.  Should be able to lift 40+ lbs and be on feet for an extended period of time.

Route Clean-Up
Time commitment: 2 days
This team is responsible for the pick-up of bagged trash and recyclables from each Stop along the route. Dumpsters are provided at each day's Lunch Stop, the overnight camp and the finish line so all trash must be transported to these locations and disposed of.
Qualifications: Should be able to lift 50+ lbs and be able to drive a 24' truck.

Rest Stop Supply Assistants
Time commitment: 2 days
Assist with distribution and pick-up of supplies to Stops along the route.  Should be able to start early and stay late.
Qualifications: Should be able to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.

Route Marking
Time Commitment: 2 or 3 days
This team works to mark the physical route so that cyclists know where to go.  This entails marking the next day's Route with signage (attention to detail is critical since the cyclists will rely upon Route Marking to find their way along each day's route!), circulating along the route each day as
a “fix-it” team, addressing problem areas where signage might be insufficient or need replacement, and following behind the last cyclist to pick up all Route Marking signage, organizing it so that it can be redistributed to continue marking the following day's route.
Qualifications: Should be able to lift 30 lbs and be comfortable spending long periods of time in a vehicle.  Requires stopping and getting in and out of vehicle frequently.

Ride Marshal
Time Commitment: 2 days
Ride Marshals act as Safety Ambassadors by sharing cycling advice and encouraging safe cycling behaviors.  Ride Marshals may also perform the role of first responders at accident scenes along ride routes and identify unsafe cyclists to ride officials.  In addition, Ride Marshals are often willing to provide basic assistance to riders who may experience problems, such as flat tires, along the route.
Qualifications: Must provide own bicycle and helmet and be able to ride one of short, long or century (Saturday only) routes each day.

Start/Finish Line & Overnight Camp Positions

Set Up
Time Commitment: 2 days
Will assist in the overall set-up of tables, chairs, signage and other equipment and supplies.  This is a very fast-paced and hands-on position! 
Qualifications: Should be able to lift 40 lbs and be on feet for an extended period of time.

Clean Up
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
Assist with clean up of start, overnight camp and finish locations.  Will include breakdown of tables/chairs, signage, etc. This position is also responsible for monitoring and emptying of trash containers throughout the sites.
Qualifications: Should be able to lift up to 40 lbs.

Parking/Traffic
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
Will help provide direction to vehicles arriving/parking, assist in maintaining vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow.
Qualifications: Must be able to arrive early!  Must be assertive and able to give direction.  **Should be 18 or older**

Information Booth
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
This team will answer any shuttle, camping or route questions and assist cyclists with getting on the correct shuttle. 
Qualifications: Must be friendly and helpful! 

Luggage Team
Time Commitment: 2 days
This team manages the collection and distribution of all participant luggage throughout the event. Team will load all luggage into trucks Saturday morning, then off-load in the assigned area of the overnight camp or finish line. Assists participants in locating their luggage.  Great opportunity for a large group! 
Qualifications:  Should be able to lift up to 60+ lbs continuously. Approximately half of the team members must be able to drive a 24' truck. 

Bike Loading/Unloading
Time Commitment: 1 day
One portion of this team will load bikes onto trucks as they arrive at the finish line, welcome and congratulate the cyclists as they arrive.  Other members of the team will unload bikes at the parking locations when trucks arrive from finish line.  Assist cyclists with finding bike.  Great opportunity for large groups!
Qualifications: Must be able to work quickly!  Should be able to lift 40 lbs continuously.

Registration
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
These front-line volunteers are stationed in the Check-In tents. Should be comfortable with numbers. Volunteers in this area will check-in cyclists, collect donations, give bib cyclist packets and answer general event questions. 
Qualifications: Must be friendly, quick, and accurate (to learn registration system and frequently asked questions).  **Should be 18 or older**

T-Shirt Distribution
Time Commitment: 1 day
Give cyclists t-shirts after they have checked in at Registration. 
Qualifications: Be friendly and able to answer frequently asked questions.  Must be able to stand for an extended period of time

Breakfast
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
Works closely with the catering vendor or Waves to Wine staff, serving breakfast to event participants. No cooking or food prep required.
Qualifications: Must be quick and friendly!  Should be able to lift 20 lbs and be on feet for an extended period of time.

Hydration and Snack Stations
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
This team is responsible for the set-up and stocking of water and snacks at finish lines.  Clean up station and help load excess materials onto truck at the end of the day.
Qualifications: Must be quick and friendly!  Should be able to lift 40 lbs and be on feet for an extended period of time.

Bike Parking
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
This team is responsible for setting up and managing the bike parking area. This involves helping each cyclist find an open spot for their bike when they arrive and locating their bike when they are ready to depart.  This team also assists with the set-up and break-down of the bike racks at each location.
Qualifications: Must be patient and friendly!  Should be able to lift 40 lbs and be on feet for an extended period of time.

Bus Liaisons
Time Commitment: 1 or 2 days
Members of this team will assist riders with loading their luggage onto the shuttle buses and work with Waves to Wine staff to answer bus-related questions.
Qualifications:  Must be patient and friendly!  Should be able to stand for long periods of time.

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