Volunteer with Sunday Parkways

Information
Four volunteers wearing yellow Sunday Parkways shirts pose for a group photo.
Volunteers are essential to a successful Sunday Parkways event. Learn about options for signing up as an individual, as a group, or fundraising for an organization by volunteering at Portland Sunday Parkways.

 Last updated 7/26/2023

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Portland Sunday Parkways! This year we will have three events, the first on Sunday, May 7th, the second on Sunday, June 25, and the third on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone as we open the streets up for thousands of happy, smiling Parkways participants. Please read the information below for volunteering at our events this summer.

Sign up to volunteer 

We are currently accepting volunteer applications for the following 2023 Sunday Parkways events. Volunteer shifts last 3.5 hours, and you'll receive training prior to your shift. 

Sunday, September 10th - Southwest Portland event

Volunteer Booth Locations & Shift Times: 

  • Gabriel Park – SW 45th Ave & Vermont Street

  • Spring Garden Park – SW Spring Garden Street & SW 30th

  • Info Booth Volunteer Shifts: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM; 1:15 PM - 4:15 PM

  • Mobile Superhero & Intersection Superhero Volunteer Shifts: 9:45 AM - 1:30 PM; 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Sign up here for SW Multnomah Event 

Volunteer roles & responsibilities

This summer, the two volunteer positions we’re recruiting are for Intersection Superhero and Mobile Superhero. Our Superheroes are the most important volunteers, helping neighbors who live directly on the route, and acting as ambassadors for Portland Sunday Parkways. 

All volunteer responsibilities 

  • Act as a cheerful, energetic, communicative, empathetic, and assertive ambassador to the neighborhood on behalf of Sunday Parkways. 

  • Perform the volunteer role according to the instructions provided prior to your shift and at the event. 

  • Wear a Sunday Parkways volunteer t-shirt to visually communicate your role to participants and the public. 

  • Bring weather-appropriate clothing, water bottler, additional food, and any supplies you may need to remain comfortable and present for your full shift. 

An individual wearing a green shirt and holding onto his bike.

Intersection superhero responsibilities 

  • Set up and coordinate one or more intersections on the route according to provided plans. 

  • Remain at assigned intersection for the duration of the shift to support people in cars and participants. 

  • Greet and help guide vehicles that must drive on route to and from their homes, while helping keep Parkways participants safe. 

  • Direct all other automobiles to the nearest flagger-controlled intersection. 

Mobile superhero responsibilities 

  • Patrol a section of the Sunday Parkways route looking for neighbors to help. 

  • Escort automobiles to or from their houses to aid the Intersection Superheroes. 

  • Direct all other automobiles to the nearest flagger-controlled intersection. 

  • Bring a bicycle and be able to ride for the duration of the shift. 

  • Be able to ride with confidence on a crowded street. 

*The minimum age to be a Sunday Parkways volunteer is 16.

Fundraising opportunity for groups 

A collection of 30 Sunday Parkways volunteers sitting for a group shot in a city park. Half wearing teal shirts, half wearing purple shirts
Sign up your group to volunteer for Sunday Parkways today!

Come together and raise funds for an organization by supporting Sunday Parkways with volunteer support.  Bring 5 or more people to volunteer to receive a financial contribution for each volunteer shift covered.  Each group member must agree to volunteer in an Intersection Superhero or Mobile Superhero role for the entire 3.5-hour shift.  For more information about Group Fundraising opportunities, please reach out to our Volunteer Manager at SundayParkways@AxiomEventProductions.com

Adopting an intersection for organizations 

Stand apart and bring your cause to life to thousands of event participants by adopting an intersection at an event.  Placed on a highly visible and low-effort intersection for the full day, your organization may set up a canopy and chairs, and engage with everyone passing by.  One person on the team serves as the Intersection Superhero, receiving the training and helping neighbors get to and from their homes.  The rest of the team can get the attention of participants and spread the word. 

Ideas for your intersection:

  • Cheering people on the route is fun and gets their attention 

  • Hand out healthy snacks or fun freebies 

  • Create an art table for families and children to make their own Parkways souvenir 

  • Bring out activities to play in the street – we can find the perfect spot for your ideas! 

For more information about adopting an intersection, please contact us at SundayParkways@AxiomEventProductions.com