DUTIES OF A WALK ASSISTANT

Preparation

• Attend a training session
• Sign up well in advance for a minimum of three walks
• Confirm your attendance at walk during the week prior to specific walk
• Familiarize yourself with walk route (pamphlet can be forwarded from office)
• Wear/carry Heritage Toronto volunteer identification material supplied by our sponsor (shirt, hat, etc) on all walks, so that you are easily identifiable
• Be aware that, unless there is lightning, all walks are a go!
• Pick up bag containing sound system, pamphlets, surveys and other publicity materials from Heritage Toronto office the Thursday or Friday before the walk (if designated to do so)

At the walk

• Arrive at the start point ½ hour prior to walk
• Introduce yourself to walk leader and other volunteers
• Distribute pamphlets to participants
• Collect donations

When walking

• Be positioned at middle and back of group of participants
• Keep group moving together
• Ensure that group follows traffic rules (i.e. staying off road and not crossing against red traffic lights)
• Continually liaise with tour leader and other walk assistants (e.g. if participants are lagging, let the leader know to slow the lead pace)
• Keep an eye out for any walkers experiencing difficulty or distress

During leader's comments at the stop

• Inform leader if participants cannot hear them (e.g. signal to speak louder or slower)
• Ensure that group moves off street, leaving road clear for traffic
• If necessary, remind participants to stay off private property

After the walk

• Collect completed surveys and any additional donations
• Be prepared to answer general questions about Heritage Toronto or to direct people to sources of information (i.e. Heritage Toronto website, office)
• Be prepared to give directions to nearby transit stops
• Return speaker bag, surveys and any leftover pamphlets to Heritage Toronto (or designated drop-off spot) early the next week (or on day of walk if arranged)
• Email or phone in attendance numbers for walk, plus any feedback