Outrun the Stigma volunteer Sign-up
If you are interested in volunteering for Outrun the Stigma 2018 (Sunday, Oct 21, 2018 from approximately 8am-2pm), we kindly ask that you fill out this form above.
All volunteers will have the opportunity to help with fundraising (we highly encourage all volunteers to fundraise a minimum of $20, however it is not required). Volunteers will also help out with the creation of race materials, such as noise-makers and banners. On the day of the event, volunteers will also be needed in various roles - including, but not limited to, check-in, refreshments, and course marshaling. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the run itself with no fee! Please note that all volunteers will be required to attend one of the two offered orientation sessions. If you would like to volunteer for pre-race activities AND participate in the run on Oct. 21, please indicate so on the form by selecting the appropriate volunteer role.
Please note that this year, the run will be held at Eau Claire Festival Market (187 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4R3) as opposed to the TFDL Quad in previous years.
We thank you for expressing interest in our event and we look forward to working with you! Once we receive your completed form we will contact you with more information. Please email calgary@outrunthestigma.ca if you have any further questions.
Outrun the Stigma Ambassador Application
Outrun the Stigma Ambassadors are long-term volunteers who are integral for the success of the run. They work closely with and support the planning committee from now through to the event in October.
Ambassadors attend regular meetings, and are involved in tasks such as:
Planning and running fundraisers
Creating promotional materials
Event promotion, including off campus events
Creating and running promotional activities
Providing support and input for the planning of the run
Assisting on run day
If you are able to help us regularly through both the planning process and the day of the run, you will be able to add the OTS Ambassador position to your CCR! We will be sending out emails throughout the summer and into September and October about different volunteering opportunities for OTS Ambassadors, so please check your email regularly. In addition to this, we will also hold several meeting throughout the summer and into the fall, especially closer to the run date.
Please note that we ask you are able to commit as much as you can to the meeting and volunteering opportunities (we do understand that life as a student is busy and that times may not always work!). However, we do ask that you are able to attend the run date itself (October 14th), and, if possible, Saturday, October 13th for a rehearsal run (this is due to the fact that we are taking the run off of the University of Calgary campus this year, but it is more important you are able to make the run rather than the rehearsal).
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email us at calgary@outrunthestigma.ca!
Outrun the Stigma Planning Committee Application
Outrun the Stigma Mission and History
Outrun the Stigma aims to contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health that prevents people from expressing their authentic selves, discussing their experiences, seeking support, and feeling a sense of belonging into their community. Outrun the Stigma began when a group of students identified a gap in the running culture that support mental health issues. As running events assume an important role in garnering attention, resources, and public support for health issues, Outrun the Stigma organizes an annual 5km walk/run and 10km run by the same name that brings community members together to discuss mental health experiences, listen to a community speaker share their mental health experience, connect community members with mental health resources, and support local mental health services. Since October 2013, Outrun the Stigma has organized four annual events, each bringing together over 350 students, community members, and volunteers and raising over $78,000 for Distress Centre Calgary. Beyond the annual run, Outrun the Stigma aims to facilitate yearlong dialogue and activities that address mental health stigma through partnership with community organizations, universities, and grassroots initiatives.
Our Future
Outrun the Stigma is now a not-for-profit organization (NFP) with the aim of expanding our run and other initiatives to campuses and communities across Canada. In 2017, the Toronto chapter collaborated with One Brave Night and One Brave Record and the Edmonton chapter had their run in October where they raised money for the CMHA Edmonton. Our goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health by bringing communities together to share mental health stories, connect with mental health resources, raise funds to support local mental health services, and elevate mental health awareness.
We need you!
Apart from the numbers, OTS is much more than a run and fundraiser. OTS is an initiative to mobilize mental health awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness. We have collected and shared stories of journey and recovery, connected students and other community members with mental health services and resources, and created a platform for engaging hundreds of community members in the conversation of mental health. Yet, we have so much more to do in achieving our vision. We need you to help take OTS to the next level and make this the best year yet!
While this is a leadership role in which we value creativity, innovation, commitment, and organization, we also aim to support you and your goals in any way we can – whether they be personal, professional, and/or otherwise. We look forward to reading your application and meeting you!
What you need to know before you apply!
The planning committee term is from March–November 2018, with the run/walk taking place in October. Generally:
March–August: monthly meetings
September–October: weekly meetings
November: debrief meeting
These meetings are in addition to meetings you will have with your respective teams and time spent on fulfilling your team’s respective action items. The level of ‘busyness’ at different times during the year varies between teams.
Summary of Planning Committee Team needed
Community Outreach Team
Plan logistics, recruit organizations, and coordinate the mental health expo (post-run fair that hosts local mental health organizations and interactive activities) - timeline, activities, and support needed
Recruit and coordinate speakers and performers for event
Integrate story sharing initiatives into event