Shift Lead Role Expands

6/12/2025

Thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped to step up at events this spring as Shift Leads. Your help makes a big difference in the success of our events.

For the past few years, the Shift Lead has made sure that materials get to and back from events and they enter the contacts into the database. We are expanding that list of responsibilities a little: We are now asking Shift Leads to help us take attendance at events.

QR code for reporting an absent volunteer

New Responsibility Overview

The Shift Lead will check SignUp Genius page for the event to double-check the names of the other volunteers who will be participating.

When the Shift Lead arrives at the event, they will report any absent volunteers by filling in this easy Google Form with some basic information. (If the Shift Lead is missing, we hope one of the other volunteers will let us know by filling int he same form.)

• Shift Lead Name (or person reporting the information)

• Absent Volunteer Name(s)

• Event Name

• Event Date

RCMG Program Leadership (either Darren or Brianna) will then check in with the absent volunteer.

Why Do We Need to Do This?

We are hearing from volunteers that sometimes they arrive at an event or activities and they find themselves alone or, if it's a group project, the group is short-handed because other volunteers are missing. This makes our work in the community more difficult.

Before we can do anything, we need to know how often this happens. We are counting on the Project Leads and Shift Leads to help us collect the data to help us figure out what kinds of solutions will work.

What if My Availability Changes?

We understand that sometimes life blind-sides you with surprises. If you are signed up for an event, you have made a social contract with your peer volunteers and they are counting on you to make sure that your role is fulfilled. This is outlined in our Sign-up Etiquette.

If you can't attend, we have a list of recommendations for making sure someone is taking over your role at an event. If you have done everything you can, we need you to contact the project lead (name at the top of the sign-up) and/or Darren so they can be prepared to change the plan if needed. That might mean we have to cancel a whole event; it depends. We can't make good decisions if we don't have all of the information though. That's where you come in.

Updated Volunteer Role Responsibilities

Project Lead (co-Lead)

• Always a returning MG

• Coordinate schedule and event details with the hosting organization

• Recruits RCMG volunteers

• Managed materials to support the event

Shift Lead

• Usually a returning MG or emeritus MG

• Makes sure that materials get to and back from events

• Enters the contacts into the database

• NEW Report absent volunteers

Shift Volunteer

• Either a returning MG, emeritus MG, or intern

• Supports the event activities

If you have concerns or questions about this new responsibility, please contact Darren or Brianna.