Wednesday, May 10, 2006

ROTR - Q&A

Volunteer Q&A

How do I get on the schedule?
You contact the volunteer schedule coordinator. The easiest way is to e-mail the coordinator at colts.cooks@comcast.net. We appreciate any time you can spend working on the tour, but you must notify the volunteer coordinator so we know when and where you’re coming.

When do I go on tour?
Volunteers join up whenever and wherever they can. At times, it’s because the travel schedule brings the Colts to a nearby town. Other times, it’s because the calendar works best. For some of us, it’s when or where the Colts need more help. You decide what’s best for you, in consultation with the volunteer coordinator.

How do I get on and off tour?
You will need to meet up with the corps on the date you are scheduled to begin your volunteer time and then jump off when you’ve worked your tour. This might mean having someone drop you off when the corps is “in your neighborhood” or that you find the best way for you to get to the corps’ general vicinity. Typically, you arrange your own transportation (a flight, a bus ride, get dropped off by a friend or relative) to the city where the corps is staying after contacting the corps well in advance about having someone come pick you up. The Colts are creative at figuring out how to best hook up – but you have to let us know well in advance. Very rarely it is possible to get on and off in the same city, so you might in that case leave a vehicle parked there.
Please communicate all travel arrangements to the schedule coordinator. Once the information is received, an approval will be confirmed, and you know you are locked in to the master plan. If there is a problem, this can also be corrected prior to being on the road. Corps housing arrangements in distant cities DO change at the last minute. Check www.colts.org for updated housing information and be sure to check with the volunteer coordinator for last-minute instructions and cell phone numbers for the cooktruck and the tour director before you leave home.

Why can’t I take my car?
Volunteers travel with the corps, and the corps travels at night. It is not possible for you to drive and work (unless you are volunteering as a driver).

What do I do when I actually meet up with the corps?
Find the kitchen trailer and DON’T BE SHY! Sometimes you’ll arrive during a flurry of activity. Or there may be no one around. Either way, stow your gear near the trailer and find the head cook. Your first responsibility is to let him or her know that you made it. Try, “Hi, I’m (your name here). I’m (corps member’s name here)’s mom/dad/friend/aunt/uncle/grandmother” as appropriate. Ask, “What can I do?” or just start washing dishes. Somebody will notice and tell you you’re doing a great job.
Don’t be upset if your welcome is less than spectacular. Everyone is really glad you’re there, and you’ll know it before your tour of duty is over.

Where will I travel while on tour?
You will travel in one of the corps vehicles. First, we fill the sleeping berths of the semis, then seats in the corps vans. If a van goes in for service or repairs, you may end up riding the staff bus for a night or two. We travel overnight, so your van or bus seat becomes your bed. You get a whole full-size van seat, so you don’t have to sleep sitting up – like the corps members do.

Do I sleep just when we travel?
You’ll also have a chance to bunk out at the schools along with the rest of the corps. The typical arrangement is the floor of a classroom. Bring a warm sleeping bag. Volunteers are allowed to bring an air mattress, a foam mat, or a cot to make the floor more comfortable.
We don’t always have time to set up or tear down beds, so take that into consideration when selecting your mattress. If you know you’re not staying the next night in the same place, roll up your bed as soon as you roll out of it. You won’t need it during the day.
Bring a sleeping bag. Temperatures inside schools vary from broiling to freezing – occasionally in the same night. Sleeping bags also roll up quickly on the way out of town. Bring your own pillow and an alarm clock.

Besides sleeping gear, what else should I bring?
See the Survival Guide, coming up tomorrow.

1 comment :

Anonymous said...

Possible volunteers,
If the only thing holding you back from volunteering is... How do I get on and off of tour... contact Bill the volunteer coordinator and he will amaze you with his abilities.

Volunteering with the Colts is so rewarding. The kids(sorry I know they are young adults)often thank us for what we do for them. But I want to THANK them for what they do and allowing me to help in some small way.