Ramblers Scotland Medal Routes Project: Volunteer roles outlined.
Role: Walking Hub selector and Medal Routes mapper (identifying a hub, walking three short circular routes from and back to the hub, writing short route descriptions, mapping the routes using an online mapping tool and sending routes and descriptions to Project Officer). Walking Hubs are places where people gather and where the short circular Medal Routes walks start and finish, for example a library, a café, a health centre.
A volunteer can be involved in one or more of the volunteering roles with Ramblers Scotland; however, a clear responsibility for one role will be agreed at the outset. At all times the volunteers will, regardless of role, be supported by the Project Officer.
Key Contact: Rob Burns, Medal Routes Project Officer, Ramblers Scotland. This is a partnership project funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, Paths for All and Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust. There may be opportunity to also be involved with the partnership organisations as the project evolves.
The project aims: Do you have the enthusiasm to encourage more people to be more active in their local communities? Would you like to set up walking routes in your area ? Can you help people to find their local park or a way to walk their children to school? This project aims to encourage more people to be more active outdoors in their local communities through walking independently on Medal Routes (short circular walks of approx 15, 30 and 60 minutes duration starting and finishing at a Walking Hub) and, in time, on other local paths.
The timescales: October 2011- October 2014 (the project has gained inspiration from the 2012 Olympic and 2014 Commonwealth Games) although it is hoped that people will be walking Medal Routes on a regular basis long after 2014! The 3 volunteer roles noted above will follow on from each other and therefore the start dates will vary across Scotland.
Location: Across Scotland with some focus in the central belt in the first phase to end October 2012.
Equipment required: Access to the internet is essential (this may be available at your local library or community centre).
Experience and qualities:
Essential :
· an interest in people, walking and the outdoors
· an interest in encouraging others to be more active through walking
· good communication and organisation skills
· competent computer skills- able to email, access Microsoft Word and access the internet with confidence
· the ability to understand and respect your own limits and those of all you come into contact with
· know your local area and its green spaces
Desirable:
· basic map skills
· enthusiasm to develop into a walk organiser role
Expenses: It is expected that these roles will be filled by people living locally to the Walking Hubs therefore travel will be negligible. There will be the opportunity to reimburse any additional travel expenses e.g to attend training or a networking day.
Selection requirements:
Completion of volunteer details form, ability to keep a record of hours volunteered, commitment to maintain all confidentialities at all times.
Training and Induction Details:
Depending on the role there will be appropriate training e.g walk leader training and the Project Officer will coordinate this. There will be informal induction as appropriate, which will likely take place over the phone, and there may be the opportunity to network with other volunteers.
Work Type: Sports / Outdoor activities
Frequency & Commitment: This depends upon the volunteer role
This role is a short term commitment of 16-24 total hours including liaising with Project Officer
Minimum Age: 18
Opportunity Provided By: Ramblers Scotland
Benefits to the volunteers: Opportunities to share own skills and experience whilst encouraging others to enjoy the physical and mental well being gained from walking. Be part of your local community and part of a Scotland-wide project which aims to leave a health and activity legacy, from the Commonwealth Games, for all of Scotland. The opportunity to build one’s own skills: walking route development, walk leader training, networking skills, marketing skills, empathy skills. We aim to engage our volunteers in this project and others as they come along - this is a great opportunity to be part of an established organisation and help it to be the best it can be for the people of Scotland.
At all times, support and guidance will be available; we aim to build relationships and partnerships as the project evolves.