Volunteers are the backbone of Inward Bound while having an opportunity to make connections, gain experience and be involved with the ANU spirit! We would like to thank all the wonderful people who will step up to assist in the smooth running of the race – your time, patience and willingness is what makes this event happen.
You can now sign up to volunteer here: https://forms.gle/xo6S4VqRwg6ufqYg6
Race weekend is the 11th and 12th of October this weekend. The roles are spread across both days. Be quick, sign ups close on the 16th of September. All volunteers are required to attend one of the Volunteer’s Briefing sessions EITHER on Monday night Week 9 (30th of September) or Wednesday night Week 9 (2nd of October).
If you are unable to make both nights, please contact your College/Hall IBCC with your reason and solution, and we will try our best to help you. If you have questions, queries or concerns, please ask your College/Hall IBCC or feel free to email the IB Volunteers Coordinator, Sar (she/her), using the email: [email protected].
The Roles
Chaperone
The main purpose of this role is to assist the runners. As participants will be blindfolded for the bus journey, you will be their support crew. You are required to monitor the runners during their drive, help run the division drop and organise toilet breaks during the trip. We will also be asking you to help us get some content to share with all the spectators and supporters – this could include some chill interviews or videos of the teams at the drop site. A full briefing will be given prior to heading off; however, you can expect a fun night, with lots of good stories to tell later at End Point.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
You will not know the location of End Point until you begin driving, and it is against the rules and spirit of the event to speak with runners about the drop location or about your surroundings at any point. You will be guided by the lead driver(s) of the Division.
You will need a phone with lots of storage and at minimum a decent camera. You might want to consider bringing a power bank.
During the IB weekend, you will most likely sleep over at a disclosed location that is near End Point, ie. in 2022, the chaperone’s stayed in Kioloa before then heading to End Point in Batemans Bay. In the lead up to the weekend, we will keep the chaperone’s informed on how to prepare for the weekend, but keep in mind that there will be a dedicated amount of time away from the ANU/Canberra.
Criteria: Sensible individuals with attention to detail.
Time commitment: up to 8 HOUR SHIFT throughout the afternoon/night (11th – 12th October) depending on the division. Some chaperones will be returned to ANU, and others will head on to End Point. You will not know if you will be returning to ANU or heading straight to End Point until you begin driving.
Bus Blackout
IB relies on secrecy for maximum effect. Volunteers on this task will be blacking out the buses on the day of the event with black material to ensure that runners cannot see the route to drops. This role is a great way to meet people by working together in a team.
Criteria: Easy physical labour – no experience required.
Time commitment: 1 hour at send off
Scrutineers
During Scrutineering, volunteers check items in the runners’ bags as specified on the Compulsory Gear List to ensure that runners are compliant with the safety requirements of Inward Bound. As a Scrutineer, you will be provided with a checklist of items to match and a procedure to follow. Scrutineering volunteers are required at either Send-Off (on the 11th of October) or Endpoint (on the 12th of October).
Criteria: An ability to act with the utmost impartiality when assessing compliance with the Compulsory Gear List. Volunteers with previous Scrutineering experience will be favoured.
Time commitment: 4 hour shifts at both endpoint and sendoff
Send-Off Assistants
At Send-Off, the Inward Bound Committee will need volunteers to assist with crowd control, the manning of particular areas, and communication with runners. Send-Off Assistants must ensure that no contact occurs between runners and spectators after Scrutineering and help runners to board the buses safely.
Criteria: None.
(Sadly, High-vis vest availability is TBA)
Time commitment: 3 – 4 hours
Endpoint Assistants
Endpoint Assistants may help in managing particular areas of Endpoint, ensuring safety for runners and spectators. They may also help maintain the facilities at Endpoint, ensure that Endpoint remains rubbish-free, facilitate smooth updates regarding the runners on course, or assist with the distribution of food and drinks.
Criteria: None
Time commitment: 3 – 4 hours
Media Team
Do you want to help us document the event? We are looking for Content Volunteer/Videographers who are helping us get lots of footage of the event in action. You will also be working alongside the Race Experience team to provide a more engaging experience for all the supporters and volunteers. We are looking for individuals to both create content and upload it in a timely fashion so people can follow all the IB action on social media.
Criteria: A phone with lots of storage and a decent camera. You might want to consider bringing a power bank.
Time commitment: 3 – 4 hour shifts
