A Call to Volunteering!
Why did you join the New York Flyers? Because it's a running team? Because it's a social team combined with running?
Well, do you know that we also volunteer at special events?
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| Flyer, Heidi I., as LTR Paceleader |
We do support other NYRR events as well:
- The NYC Half Marathon (March 20) - Our team volunteers at a fluid station as we see runners including our own teammates whizzing by.
- MORE Half Marathon (close to the last Sunday in April) - Our NY Flyer females pace most of the pace groups and volunteer at the Expo. The males man (no pun intended) a water station and also volunteer at the Expo.
- NYC Marathon (First Sunday in November) - Headed usually by Gabi D., near Mile 18, the Power Gel Station is where many Flyers take pride in handing out these energy packets to everyone from the elite to back of the pack (it's where the party is at) runners.
But what if you can't take part in these events? There are other opportunities to help the club out in other ways:
Weekly Group Run Leaders or (if you can't commit full time) Alternate Group Run Leaders
In my book, the group run leaders take the cake, as they help and encourage other runners who participate in the group to finish the run. They are out there in weather that includes everything from torrential downpours to winter cold to steamy hot summer days. Hats off to them, as they are out there once a week, every week.
But they need your help, too! They can always use an extra alternate or two to come out and support them on any group run. Contact the Flyers President or Vice-President to help out.
Executive Board and Volunteered Positions
Yes, remember that although they are runfor office and vote in particular ways to help urn the club these people are still volunteers and volunteer to help steer the club in the right direction for the year or even more.
Even though this year's elections are over, there are other positions that are still available to be filled. Blogmaster (Blogmaster's note: yes, it's true!), social chairs, apparel coordinator, and more. All of these positions need to be filled with one or two capable peopel.
Think about running for next year's Executive Board as we always hope to get more people involved with our club.
Social/Humanitarian Events
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| Gala volunteering! |
Yes, these people who plan the extravagant party of NY Flyers Awards Gala, usually held at the end of January, are all volunteers. Planning the agenda of the evening, locating a venue, planning the menu, and all the little details in-between don't just happen on their own - they're seen to by a dedicated group of volunteers - so that we can all enjoy this special night. Ask our club President how you can get involved next year.
Central Park Conservancy (usually 3-4 times a year)
Last year Heather M. and David K. headed up these events which usually occur on a weekend after a group run or race. The club helps out Central Park Conservancy in cleaning up our beloved Central Park, the place where most of us do our regular runs. Raking leaves, pulling weeds, throwing down mulch or sod, are usually the tasks that are generally rewarded with scrumptious baked goods supplied by our own Heather M. Apart from the social fun, you feel great helping out your community and the place you run! E-mail Heather M. or Dave K. if you want to get your hands dirty!
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| Post-volunteering treats! |
NYC Marathon Pasta Party (Thursday before the NYC Marathon)
Pasta! Pasta! Pasta! The Flyer community, including NYC marathoners and friends, get together for a pasta dinner to celebrate the upcoming marathon. Hey, even if you're not running the NYC marathon, and are out there cheering, you need to carbo-load for that as well. Get involved by contacting our club President.
Soles for Souls
Run by Dave K. and Diane Z., the Flyers donate their used running shoes (those that have reached their 300-500 miles) to Soles for Souls to give to developing countries. Donation sites for these used shoes to find a loving home having included marathon pasta party, holiday party, and other Flyer events. They always need help expanding to other Flyer events. Interested? Drop and email to Dave K. or Diane Z to offer help.
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| At the Holiday Party, 2010 |
Organized by the Events Coordinator, this party in December brings friends together to celebrate our own personal relationship to the season. Winter arrives and we celebrate our achievements from the past year. There are many ways to help out - just contact the Events Coordinator to find out how you can help.
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| Toys for Tots |
For many years, Sandy A. has organized Toys for Tots. A crew of crooning Flyers and friends run along a running route through various areas of NYC, stopping at Rockefeller Center and NYC's famous Christmas tree and at the Children’s Hospital, singing Holiday songs and handing out gifts to the kids. E-mail Sandy A. to participate next year.
The Food Bank of NYC
Started by our own webmistress, Dana M., this has been the third year that our club has collectively donated to the NYC Food Bank charity to support the city's vast community of people who are unable to provide for themselves. E-mail Dana M. to find out how you can help.
NYRR Youth Programs
The NY Flyers also helped out with the NYRR Youth and Community Services, acting as "race buddies" at a NYRR race. We've mentored various kids from all different boroughs - some running the distance for the very first time. Volunteer to be a NYRR race buddy - look for it in our list of announcements.
In closing, our club always welcomes people to volunteer in various ways and opportunities. So make it your resolution this year to give a helping hand and help out our loveable running club.
I hope to see you all out there! - Brian H.
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