The Heart of Open Streets
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Open Streets Tempe. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and community spirit transform our streets into vibrant spaces where neighbors connect, friendships form, and memories are made.
By volunteering, you're not just helping at an event—you're building a more sustainable, connected, and joyful community. You're part of a movement that shows how our streets can be reimagined as places for people, not just cars.
Join us in making Open Streets Tempe a success!
Why Volunteer?
- Be part of Tempe's first Open Streets celebration
- Meet neighbors and make new friends
- Get a free event t-shirt
- Help create a more sustainable and connected community
- Volunteer half the day, enjoy the event the other half!
Volunteer Shifts
All volunteer positions are available in two shifts:
Morning Shift: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Afternoon Shift: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The 30-minute overlap allows for smooth transitions between shifts. Choose the time that works best for you!
Volunteer Opportunities
Route Coordinator
Route Coordinators ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable experience along the Open Streets route. They oversee intersections, provide directions, and help maintain a smooth flow of activity throughout the event.
Key Responsibilities:
- Guide attendees to activity areas, restrooms, and entry/exit points.
- Monitor bike and pedestrian traffic, resolving any minor hazards.
- Supervise access points and manage road closures effectively.
- Offer assistance and directions to participants as needed.
- Report safety concerns or logistical issues to event organizers.
Community Ambassador
The friendly and welcoming face of the event, Community Ambassadors help attendees navigate the experience while creating a positive and engaging atmosphere. They ensure participants feel informed, supported, and excited to participate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Greet attendees warmly and share event maps or schedules.
- Answer questions about activities, locations, and amenities.
- Encourage participation in activities, highlighting unique features.
- Promote resources from community organizations and businesses.
- Gather attendee feedback to help organizers improve future events.
Census Volunteer
Census Volunteers play a critical role in gathering the data that tells the story of Open Streets events. By collecting surveys from participants, they provide insights that demonstrate the event's positive impact on the community and inspire future improvements. This role is perfect for those interested in transportation advocacy, data collection, or simply helping to make the event better.
Key Responsibilities:
- Engage attendees across the route to complete brief, meaningful surveys.
- Collect data on behaviors, experiences, and attitudes that highlight the event's impact.
- Emphasize how participant feedback supports active transportation advocacy and event planning.
- Share how the data will be used to show the event's value, such as encouraging more physical activity, supporting local businesses, and inspiring sustainable transportation habits.
- Handle all collected information responsibly and maintain participant confidentiality.
Bike Valet
Bike Valets provide secure and stress-free parking for cyclists attending the event. By keeping the bike parking area organized and efficient, they play a key role in promoting sustainable transportation and ensuring attendees feel confident leaving their bikes in good hands.
Key Responsibilities:
- Welcome cyclists and guide them through the valet process.
- Assign tags and safely park bikes in the designated area.
- Retrieve bikes quickly and efficiently when participants are ready to leave.
- Maintain the security and organization of the bike parking zone.
- Share information about biking benefits and local cycling resources.
Activations Facilitator
Activations Facilitators bring energy and life to the event by supporting activities, performances, and workshops. They create engaging spaces that inspire participants to explore, connect, and enjoy all that Open Streets has to offer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the setup, operation, and tear-down of activity zones.
- Encourage participation by providing demonstrations or instructions.
- Coordinate with performers and activity leaders to stay on schedule.
- Keep activity areas organized, safe, and welcoming for attendees.
- Promote the event's mission by connecting activities to its broader goals.
Set-Up and Tear-Down Crew
Set-Up and Tear-Down volunteers are the backbone of the event, helping to transform the streets into a welcoming, car-free community space and ensuring everything is packed up smoothly afterward. From placing barricades and setting up activity zones to dismantling booths and clearing the route, this role is perfect for hands-on volunteers who love seeing a project come to life.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with setting up tents, tables, signage, and activity stations before the event begins.
- Help place barricades and traffic control equipment to ensure a safe route.
- Dismantle and pack up event infrastructure after the event concludes.
- Maintain an organized and efficient workflow during set-up and tear-down.
What to Expect
- Training and orientation before the event
- Clear instructions and support during your shift
- Free event t-shirt and refreshments
- A fun, rewarding experience giving back to your community
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteers can choose between two shifts: Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) or Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM). We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your shift for check-in and a brief orientation.
The 30-minute overlap between shifts ensures a smooth transition and allows time for shift handover. After your shift, you're free to enjoy the event!
To ensure everyone's safety and the smooth operation of the event, volunteers need to be at least 14 years of age to participate.
For youth volunteer groups (ages 14-17), we require adult supervision with a ratio of one adult for every 15 young volunteers.
For safety reasons, we cannot allow pets during volunteer shifts.
Parents who are volunteering may bring children under 14 with them, provided the children stay under their direct supervision throughout the shift.
We love when volunteers bring friends! If you'd like to volunteer with friends, we encourage it - just let us know by emailing volunteer@openstreetstempe.org beforehand so we can prepare enough t-shirts and make sure you're assigned to the same area.
The best way to stay informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities is to join our Volunteer Mailing List. Sign up for our newsletter here to receive updates about future events and volunteer opportunities.
No special skills are required! We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities. We'll provide all necessary training and support to help you succeed in your role. The most important qualities are enthusiasm, reliability, and a desire to help create a great community event.
We recommend bringing:
- Water bottle (we'll have refill stations)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
We'll provide your volunteer t-shirt, any necessary equipment, and light refreshments during your shift.
Yes! We welcome both individual volunteers and groups. When you sign up, you can indicate if you're part of a group, and we'll do our best to assign you to the same area. It's a great way to make the experience even more fun while serving your community together.
Open Streets Tempe is a rain or shine event! We'll provide weather-appropriate gear if needed, and we'll adjust activities as necessary to ensure everyone's safety and comfort. In case of severe weather, we'll communicate any changes or cancellations directly to all volunteers.
Yes, we'll provide information about designated volunteer parking areas in your confirmation email. We encourage volunteers to bike, walk, or use public transit if possible, as it aligns with our event's mission of promoting sustainable transportation. We'll also have secure bike parking available.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your shift, please email us at volunteer@openstreetstempe.org as soon as possible so we can find a replacement. We appreciate at least 48 hours notice when possible.