VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Safety Monitors & “Follow Vehicle’ Driver –  Volunteer to create a safety buffer between Flag Carriers and other local traffic by operating a lead vehicle (preferably local law enforcement) or a “follow vehicle” (usually a 4 door  SUV or similar size) carrying the Volunteer Segment Coordinator (VCS) and a “safety runner.  The safety monitors should be prepared to serve for an entire 25 mile segment (approximately 4 hours).

The primary responsibility of the follow vehicle is to remain 3-4 car links behind the Flag Relayers with vehicle flashers on, remind Flag Relayers to remain in the right lane of the road, and coach other vehicles to pass safely.  The primary responsibility of the lead vehicle(s) is to remain approximately 3 car links or more in front of the Flag Relayers and create a safe situation as they approach intersections and other congested areas.

Safety Runner(s) – Volunteers to ride in the back seat of the “Follow Vehicle” and remains prepared on notice to jump out of the vehicle to relay the flag(s) at any point where there is a gap due to a participant “no show,” or in case of injury.   This person also jumps out at each transition to pull the mile marker and place it in back portion of the SUV (to avoid having to ride the route again later to retrieve the signs).  This person should be conditioned to run multiple miles as needed and typically runs/jogs the last mile of the designated route, if not provided and opportunity to run/jog previously.

Photographer/Facebook Agent – Volunteers to take photographs along the designated route, particularly capturing transition point “hand offs,” as the flags continue to move (i. e. -- no “posed” pictures until flag(s) is handed off).  This person then should post pictures to Facebook as feasible between hand offs so that updates are live.  Other photos can be shared & added to the NMDFR Facebook site later in the day as applicable.

Emergency Response Driver – Volunteers to drive a second personal vehicle to assist the photographer and be ready to assist with basic first aide needs or call an ambulance in case of an injury.  This person would render assistance as the flag relayers and follow vehicle continue to relay as feasible.

Route Encouragers – Volunteer to stand along the identified route and cheer Flag Relayers carrying the flags through the community.  Encouragers are invited to wave a small U.S. Flag, salute or place their hand over their heart as Flag Relayers pass.  If Encouragers cannot participate along the identified route as the flags pass, they are encouraged to display their patriotism and support by carrying/waving a U.S. Flag through their own neighborhoods during the day as time permits.

Local Resource Partners – Volunteer to assist community participants, particularly Segment Coordinators, in organizing and identifying resources to conduct the Memorial Day Flag Relay in their local area. Recommend connecting with city/town officials, Chamber of Commerce, military units, churches and other organizations.