volunteer with our programs
Contact: Amanda (AJ) Russell
Volunteering with Verge is a unique and fun opportunity to make a meaningful impact and connect with some amazing people to help them grow, be included, and enjoy running!
Past volunteers have noted how much they have learned while volunteering, but what they are most excited about is the friendships they make with the runners and other volunteers, and getting to see how much the runners grow and improve, knowing that they were a part of it. Volunteers may also take advantage of educational and leadership opportunities throughout the year.
STUDENTS: A great way to earn community service hours.
Do I need to be a runner? - Nope! But a basic level of physical fitness is helpful (able to walk/jog at least 2 laps or 1/2 mile).
How often do I need to be there? - Volunteering is a season commitment (not a one time event). The athletes and coaches depend on you to be there regularly. We do understand that conflicts may arise at times and absences are unavoidable. If you are aware of a schedule conflict, let the head coach know and we can work with your schedule. Teens need to attend at least 70% of the practices they are signed up for (or pre-arranged agreement) in order to have their community service forms signed at the end of the season.
volunteer opportunities
Run Buddies/Peer Coaches - Teens (ages 12+) and Adults.
Run with individuals at practices and races. Be a friend and mentor. Many of our runners have difficulty with comprehension, communication, delayed processing, focus, anxiety, or coordination and may need you to:
simplify/clarify instructions or use visual aids, or offer physical prompts or verbal cues
help them stay focused and engaged
assist them with their drills, exercises, and stretches
and everyone loves encouragement!
Adult Assistant Coaches - Adults with a running or athletic background to share their experience and love of running. Lead small groups, offer guidance and support, and help modify workouts to athletes’ abilities. Should be able to instruct drills, exercises, and stretches. Ability to at least jog short distances is a plus. Specific interests/experience in sprints, distance, or hurdles will add benefit for runners with those interests.
Verge athletes have varied abilities, communication and learning styles. Being open to learning and engaging with all is important.
Assistant coaches need to commit to full season, but can coordinate attendance throughout season with other assistant coaches.
Adaptive Support Coaches (paid) - Special educators, BCBA’s, child development specialists, or similar experience in working with people with autism/dev. disabilities to join our team as support to assist individuals with challenges as needed; determine ways to help them have a successful experience; guide volunteers and coaches; communicate with parents. Should be able to run or jog short distances.
Assistants for “Ready, Set, Move” Classes
Assist class instructor as needed, and help participants with activities.
Team Parent Coordinators
Great role for a parent or parents. Rally others to help! Coordinate parents to share handling tasks such as trail run water stations and similar, team apparel orders, etc. Help encourage and motivate families to participate in seasonal races and events, coordinate and communicate event info and group meetup time/location, team bib pick-up, etc. Help with parent communication and rallying parents for team fundraising efforts. Organize occasional team social events or fun at practices (collaborate with volunteers).
join the Volunteer Committee
Who: Youth and adult volunteers. Parents welcome to join too.
Committee Members help with ongoing volunteer recruitment efforts; training/orientation guidelines; act as ambassadors for Verge in their community/schools and help cultivate relationships; and are the voice of the volunteers to the Head Coach/Exec. Director and the Board. They also plan fun social events, and help with an annual fundraising event.
The committee is a great opportunity for volunteers, particularly youth, to be further engaged in organizational and program operations as active learners, advocates, collaborators, and leaders, while strengthening Verge and the volunteer experience overall.
volunteer testimonials
I started volunteering with Verge 3 years ago and did not know anyone when I started. I did not know that I would be stumbling into such an amazing community. Over the years, I have become close friends with runners and volunteers alike who live in different towns and are different ages than I am. I have observed the families make connections and become support systems for each other. I have watched the children make friends, grow, and improve tremendously. I have learned countless lessons of leadership and how to skillfully adapt from the coaches and experienced volunteers as well as through my experiences working with the runners. Every person involved with Team Verge exudes pure kindness, enthusiasm, and passion. I love working with these incredible people and I look forward to volunteering with the team every weekend.
-Amelia, HS Student Volunteer
I’ve had a great time with Verge. I came into it with no experience with kids with special needs and not a huge liking for kids. I’m glad to say those both changed for the better. It’s definitely something I want to continue in college and as an adult. At college, I hope I’ll find a similar program to Verge or friends who would want to start one.
-Anna, Student Volunteer
Volunteering with Verge has been an outlet for me to pursue the sport I love without competing, something I never truly understood was possible. I dug deeper into my passion, resulting in a life changing experience.
The hidden treasure of volunteering is the lessons you don’t expect to learn. I never thought I would understand that success comes in all shapes and sizes, nor did I expect to learn that running is more than about time; it’s about hope, determination, and development.
-Alli, HS Student Volunteer
From the first day volunteering, I have been looking forward to Sunday mornings when I get to coach. Not only does it feel good to be helping this fantastic organization, I love spending time with these genuinely fun people, and it's clear they all love being there too. I encourage anyone who's interested to get involved and give it a try.
-Sean, Assistant Coach
