Volunteer Training Guide

Thank You for Volunteering!

Thank you for joining the American Wheelchair Safety Flag Campaign. By volunteering, you are helping make your community safer for wheelchair users. You may even help prevent injuries and save lives while meeting some wonderful people along the way.

Safety Comes First

Your safety is just as important as the safety of the people we serve.

As you go about your day, you may see someone using a wheelchair who could benefit from a Safety Flag. If you decide to approach them, always make sure you are in a safe location first. Park legally and never approach someone while they are in the roadway.

Introducing Yourself

Approach with a smile and start a friendly conversation.

You might say:

"Hello, my name is ________. I'm a volunteer with the American Wheelchair Safety Flag Campaign. We provide free Safety Flags to help wheelchair users become more visible to drivers. Would you be interested in receiving one?"

If they are interested, show them the flag and explain how it works.

Installing the Flag

With their permission, help attach the flag to a location on the wheelchair where it is easy to raise, lower, or remove when needed.

Once installed, make sure they understand how to use it. If they prefer to install it themselves, simply give them the flag and explain how it works.

Learn Their Story

Take a few minutes to get to know the person. Ask if they have ever experienced a close call or accident involving a vehicle while using their wheelchair.

Their experiences help us better understand the safety challenges wheelchair users face every day.

Photos and Volunteer Reports

If they are comfortable, ask if you may take a photo of them with their new Safety Flag. Photos help us show the impact of our program and encourage support for providing more free flags.

If they do not want a photo, that's perfectly okay.

Please record their name and a few notes about their safety experiences in your volunteer report.

Optional Video Testimonial

Sometimes you may build a great connection with someone and they may want to share their story.

If they agree, ask them to sign the Media Consent Form before recording. A short 30-second video is perfect.

Ask them to introduce themselves and share:

• Their safety concerns or experiences around traffic

• Any close calls or accidents they have experienced

• How the Safety Flag may help them stay safer

These stories help raise awareness and support our mission.

Thank You

Every Safety Flag you provide can help make someone more visible and safer. Thank you for being part of this important effort and helping make a difference in your community.