Volunteer Training 2017
Agenda: History and Purpose of Event 2017 Festival Overview Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities Safety/Rules
History of La Crosse Event: 2017 is the 5th Annual Dragon Boat Race 2013: 30 teams 2014: 52 teams 2015: 50 teams & 4 youth teams 2016: 48 teams & 7 youth teams Location moved from Riverside Park to Copeland Park in 2014 due to water currents and available space One day event expanded into two day festival in 2015 Youth races added to festival schedule in 2015
Purpose of Event: Celebration of breast cancer survivors Promote fitness and teamwork Fundraiser for the Center for Breast Care at Mayo Clinic Health System
This event is a LIFT Initiative Enhance LIVING Make an IMPACT True to FRANCISCAN traditions Encourage TEAMWORK The umbrella for our most important community outreach, collaborations and events.
The Breast Cancer Connection: In a 1996 research study, a doctor theorized that dragon boat racing could benefit breast cancer survivors Stay active Enjoy the support and camaraderie of fellow survivors Avoid lymphedema through vigorous exercise Now, 150+ breast cancer teams racing across the world
About Dragon Boat Racing World s fastest growing water sport Originated in ancient China more than 2000 years ago Equal parts sporting event and spectacle Colorful racing boats 40 to 50 long Teams of about 20 people Courses range from 250 to 1,000 meters
Festival Overview: Friday, July 14 Team packet pick-up and tent set up Opening ceremony Youth races Saturday, July 15 Full day of dragon boat racing Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony Food and merchandise vendors Fun and entertainment for all ages
Important Volunteer Information Report to green Volunteer Station tent for sign-in (15 minutes prior to shift) o Volunteers can park in the green lot on the west end of St. Cloud Street You must sign a waiver (sent via confirmation email or upon check-in) Wear your volunteer t-shirt and comfortable shoes Pick up your volunteer t-shirt: o July 11 13 in Health Promotion (8 am - 4 pm in room 5-22 of the St. Ann Bldg., 630 11th Ave S.) o OR July 14-15 at the Volunteer Station at check-in Remember sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sun glasses) Bottled water and snack bars will be provided to volunteers Food/drink will be available for purchase or bring your own If you need a break, please notify your lead volunteer
Who are the lead volunteer resource people? Dock Crew Lead: Mike Mcardle Ground Crew Lead: Dan Bagniewski Timing Lead: Cindy Amundson Chief Marshall: Katie McCabe Liaison Leads: Natosha Woxland & Cindy Shireman Staging Lead: Rick Thiesse Volunteer Leads: Joyce Mlsna & Sandy Bissen
Volunteer Expectations: Arrive on time for your shift Check in and out with your volunteer area lead Make sure the next volunteer taking your spot knows their role Provide help and support to spectators as able No alcohol allowed during the event Safety is always a top priority
General Volunteer Roles Set Up/Tear Down Crew Registration & Check-in Teams Race Equipment Crew Team Coordination Race Timers Dock Crew Supervise Kids Activities Grounds Clean-up
Dock Crew Safety Information Golden Rules of Back Care Keep It Close: When staff are helping paddlers in/out of the boats it is crucial to keep all reaching minimized and stay as close as you can. When reaching for rowers, stand with feet in a staggered stance and reach with legs/hips by shifting weight front to back. Keep The Curves: When volunteers are helping paddlers in/out of boats do not stoop or bend forward, but rather stand upright and generate force and balance with leg/hip vs. back muscles. Compensate: If the task is too demanding for the volunteer, they should delegate to another volunteer and always stretch before, during and after the work tasks.
Dock Crew Safety Information Tug-O-War: The preferred position for all volunteers to assist paddlers in/out of the boats is to maintain a Tug-o-War posture. This posture allows the largest and the strongest muscle groups to complete the majority of their work. Nobody plays Tug-o-War with a parallel stance and stooped posture. They always maintain a staggered stance with their back in an upright position, with elbows as close to their body as feasible allowing their legs to generate the majority of their work.
Dock workers should stretch before their shift to prevent injury.
Important Links for Volunteers: Volunteer job descriptions Volunteer job sign-up Volunteer waiver - all volunteers must sign the waiver prior to their volunteer shift
Safety Plan There will be medical personnel on the grounds There will be a hard copy of all the policies located in the Event Check-in tent Park Evacuation Procedure Lost/Missing Child Policy and Procedure Any injuries: incident form needs to be completed
For questions contact: Sandy Bissen at Bissen.cassandra@mayo.edu Cell: 608-792-4788 Joyce Mlsna at Mlsna.joyce@mayo.edu Cell: 608-780-3494 Thanks for volunteering!