| Kansas City: KANSAS |
| Omaha: NEBRASKA |
| Ozarks: CLEVER |
| Wichita: AUTUMN |
Volunteer for Bike MS
Whether you need community service hours or want to get more involved with the MS Society, whether you are an individual or with a group, there are lots of opportunities at Bike MS! It takes hundreds of volunteers to host the three rides across the Mid America Chapter and we want to add you to that number! Below are descriptions for some of the positions available. You can sign up using one of our online volunteer forms.
Ways You Can Help
- Bike MS Promo Team - The Promo Team is the front line of Bike MS Marketing! Help us create a buzz to increase community awareness, rider participation and volunteers for Bike MS. Promo Team members will distribute Bike MS marketing materials around the city and attend community events to help us promote Bike MS. Learn more about the Promo Team or apply today!
- Bike MS Work Parties - We need your help! Come join other volunteers to help organize pre-event materials at the MS Society office. Contact the Kansas City Office for more information.
- Bike MS Committee - If you have ever thought, “I could do that!” or have ideas you would like to share and execute, join the committee and make this year the best ever! Committee members are involved with Bike MS from inception to execution. The Bike MS Committee is committed to work alongside the Mid America staff to produce an incredible event. Areas where you can be involved include sponsorships, in-kind donations, recruitment, marketing, fundraising, entertainment and décor the day of event.
- Pre Event Opportunities - Assist in the MS Society office during normal business hours in a variety of ways. See your local branch volunteer application for specific opportunities.
- Packing & Loading - Sort, pack, label and load items onto the truck.
- Route Signing - Placing directional arrows along the route and removing them after the event.
- Set up - Preparing the Bike site before the riders arrive. Everything from putting up tents to blowing up balloons. We need set up at Start Lines, Finish Lines and overnight locations!
- Truck Drivers - Deliver items to rest stops, sweep the route to pick up rest stop items when the rest stops close and help drive trucks back. Must submit a DMV background check and a copy of license and insurance.
- HAM Radio Operator - FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operators from KCMSS Amateur Radio Club are dedicated to furnishing public service communication. A HAM is assigned to each rest stop, mobile medical units, some hazard locations and main locations on the route. They will also be shadowing key staff and volunteers. They are in radio contact at all times with Net Control.
- Cyclist Check-in and Registration - Greet Cyclists as they come in, help them fill out necessary paperwork and get them their ride information. We also have pre-event check-ins!
- Photographer - Record the event in photos. There will be some posed photos with teams.
- Security and Gear Vehicle Driver (SAG) - Drive the route and pick up Cyclists who need assistance to the next rest stop or finish line. Must submit a DMV background check and a copy of license and insurance.
- Medical - requires medical certification - Help care for any medical incidents that may occur during the event. Anyone with official medical training is welcome to join us. We will need a copy of your medical certification.
- Hazard/Safety - Positioned at key points along the route to ensure that cyclists follow the route, rules of the road and cross streets safely.
- Rest Stop Captain - Responsible for recruiting 7-9 others to work with them at the rest stop. Rest stop workers set up the rest stop, prepare and serve snacks and greet the participants as they pass through.
- Finish Line - Cheer the Cyclists who have just completed the Bike and hand out medals.
- Wrap up - Wrap up the Bike site and ensure that it is left in the same condition as arrival on Friday.
- Data Entry - Assist with confirming cyclist information and entering fundraising dollars into our online system. This is perfect for groups. Help is needed the weekend of the ride and the weeks following at the Kansas City Office.
Volunteer Screening Process
Volunteers filling high-level positions including, but not limited to event volunteers (SAGs, motorcycles, medical, supply truck drivers, etc.) are required to have an annual background check. In order to protect the privacy of our volunteers, the National MS Society has established a secure, online process for these background checks through a partnership with HirEase, Inc.
Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions on Volunteer Background Check Screenings. Click here to see a sample walk through of the online process offered by HirEase. If you have additional questions regarding the Volunteer Screening Policy, contact Debbie Mellentine at 816-448-2191 or debbie.mellentine@nmss.org. We will receive the results within the week. You will only hear back from the Society if there is a problem with your application. If you have additional questions, please contact Debbie Mellentine, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at debbie.mellentine@nmss.org or by calling 816-448-2191.
If you already have a background check that is no more than one-year-old, you can submit the full copy of the report to the Chapter’s Director of Volunteer Engagement. Thank you for your ongoing support of the National MS Society. If you have additional questions regarding volunteer opportunities with Bike MS, please contact:
Kansas City/Lawrence/Topeka: Libby Kreighbaum at 816-448-2195 or Libby.Kreighbaum@nmss.org.
Springfield: Mel Scofield at 417-268-9011 or Mel.Scofield@nmss.org.
Wichita: Kari Rinker at 316-854-0776 or Kari.Rinker@nmss.org.
Omaha: Amy Kruse at 402-390-6290 or Amy.Kruse@nmss.org.