Walking Club Volunteer Training

Walk with a Doc (WWAD) chapters are encouraged to host weekly “walking clubs” to provide the community with additional opportunities for walking and social connection outside of their formal WWAD events.

Each chapter must appoint a community member to serve as the “lead volunteer” for the walking club, and walks should take place at your normal Walk with a Doc location. The lead volunteer is encouraged to review the tips and resources below, and then complete the registration form at the bottom.

About Walk with a Doc:

Walk with a Doc is a nonprofit that inspires communities through movement and conversation. Started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus Ohio, the program now extends to hundreds of communities throughout the world. The program aims to help people take a STEP toward better health by providing opportunities for physical activity, health education, social connection, and spending time in nature. Walks are free and open to everyone!

Print These Documents:

Know Your Location and Route:

• Walking Club events must take place at the same location as the chapter’s Walk with a Doc events.

• If your location has options for different routes, make sure you’re prepared to share the options with participants. If you can provide a map, even better!

Create a Flyer and Spread the Word:

Sign-In:

• Participants should sign the waiver before or at their 1st Walk with a Doc or Walking Club event, and then again once per year.

• They’ll read the waiver, then either scan the QR code and complete the e-waiver or sign the paper sign-up sheet.

Welcome, Intro, and Announcements

• Ask for a show of hands for any new participants – make sure they feel welcomed and have someone to walk with. Give them a copy of the welcome flyer.

• Remind everyone of Walk with a Doc’s mission: Inspiring communities through movement and conversation. Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health – in fact, there are over 100 reasons to walk! We’re also here to build community and have fun.

• Thank everyone for coming and remind them of your upcoming walk schedule. Now it’s time for the fun part…

Walk!

• The group can stick together, or break off into smaller groups based on speed/ability. Follow the buddy system by making sure everyone has someone to walk with. As the lead volunteer, try to visit with different groups throughout the event if possible. Consider walking with one group for a little while, then turn around and walk backward on the trail until you meet up with the next group.

• We encourage everyone to walk for at least 30-45 minutes, but people can walk as little or much as they’d like and leave whenever they need to.

• Feel free to take pictures and videos during the walk.

• Encourage conversation and camaraderie, but don’t answer any health-related questions if you’re not a healthcare provider. For those who have health questions, encourage them to come back when it’s an official Walk with a Doc event so a healthcare provider can answer them.

• Carry a cell phone with you in case there’s an emergency and you need to call 911. Please report any injuries or accidents to Walk with a Doc headquarters by emailing contact@walkwithadoc.org.

Survey:

• Please complete the post-event survey after each walk to track attendance, share feedback, and send pictures and sign-in sheets to WWAD Headquarters. Select “Community Walking Club” when asked about the type of event.

Pictures:

• Send pictures to your chapter leader and post them on the WWAD Facebook Group.

Thanks for taking the time to go through these materials. You’re ready to lead a walk and help your community take a step toward better health! Please complete the form below to register as a lead volunteer for your chapter.

Please reach out to WWAD Headquarters if you have questions or need anything.
Email: contact@walkwithadoc.org | Phone: 614-714-0407