Volunteering in a nutshellWho does it, what does it involve and who benefits?

Last updated: Thu 8 Jun 2023

Apparently, the act of volunteering improves our sense of well-being, through feeling that you have made a contribution to something worthwhile, perhaps learning new skills, and through meeting new people.

Orienteering totally depends on volunteers and this sheet briefly identifies the range of volunteering opportunities. There is something for everyone, whether you have an hour before or after participating in an event or can commit to an ongoing role, using your specific skills (in IT, marketing, First Aid, as a teacher, coordinator, organiser, mapper, accountant etc), experience and connections.

We can provide training and support (if there is a need) for any of the roles below.

EVERY LITTLE CONTRIBUTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE: Reduce the burden on those who do volunteer.

If you wish to respond to, or comment on, any of the above, please contact Adrian Taylor or any of the elected officers identified at www.devonorienteering.co.uk

From Adrian Taylor (Devon Orienteering Club Chair). May 2023.

Role	None or minimal experience needed	Some experience & training needed	Significant experience & training required	Notes
BEFORE AN EVENT
Mapper		Apprentices welcome	x	Works with others to identify updating and timing of event
Event Planner (see DOC/BOF guidance)		Apprentices welcome	x	Identify start/finish with organiser. Select control sites and drafts courses with Controller. Finalises courses and ensures map printing. Puts out controls and activates them (with Controller)
Event Organiser (see DOC/BOF guidance)		Apprentices welcome	x	Works with planner to identify start/finish/parking etc. Considers safety issues, event publicity (on-line and other media), finding & coordinating volunteers
Event Controller (see DOC/BOF guidance)		Apprentices welcome	x	Supports event Planner/Organiser and mapper in achieving high event standards, for DOC and other Clubs
AT AN EVENT
Parking marshal	x
Registration	x	x		Various jobs: putting up tent(s), taking money from people entering on the day (EOD), signing out and in loaned dibbers, putting EOD information into IT system
Supporting novices (pre-post the event)		x		Selecting the right course. Advice on map reading, using a compass and route choice. Reflecting on the experience
Setting up the start	x	x		Various jobs: mark route to start, start lanes with clock, dibber check, late announcements, manage start lanes
Tea tent and social hub	x	x		Welcoming novices, forum for connecting with others
Supporting the Timing team	x	x	x	Timing team has range of skills from software programming to data entry
Collecting controls		x
AWAY FROM EVENTS
Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Fixtures sec, Safeguarding Officer, Access Officer, Club Captain, Junior representative, Club Coach. Coordinators and helpers for: Marketing; Volunteering & training; Coaching for all; Permanent Orienteering Courses; Mapping; IT/Timing; Website; Equipment; O kit; MapRuns; Devon League standings; Green transport.	x	x	x	Devon Orienteering Club have a range of roles for elected (at our AGM) and non-elected volunteers Much of the club’s business in deciding who, where, when and strategy to achieve our goals is done about every 6 weeks at virtual Committee Meetings (though is continuing on a daily basis in the background). All club members (juniors & seniors) are invited to attend and get involved in Committee meetings and attend the AGM. Have your say in what types of events we should put on, and where and when, and for whom, and what non-competitive activities (promotional, training, social etc) we should arrange. Comment on our 3 year Development Plan.