Walkabout Volunteer Training

2016

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Volunteer Training Overview

What is Walkabout and why do we do it?

General Instructions & Information

Talking Points

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WHAT IS WALKA AND WHY DO

WECONTINUE DOIN

1What is

WALKABOUTAnd why do we do it?

Walkabout is...

An annual program in which

volunteers visitoff-campus students in their rental houses/apartments at the beginning of fall semester.

Volunteers welcome students back to town and provide information about living

smoothly in Oxford.

In addition to packets of information, volunteers deliver cookies

to each house that answers the door.

Why do we do it?

College towns have dealt with challenging student behavior for decades.

Loud Noises. Litter. Unruly behavior.

Walkabout is based on the premise

of meeting students

where they are.

And that interacting with students on their own

doorstep...

raises awareness of the broader Oxford community and has a positive impact on behavior.

14th Year!Walkabout is in its

WALKABOUT IS BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT MEETING STUD

General Information and Instructions

2

Meet at the LCNB Community Room uptown about 15

minutes prior to your shift.

Right here!

You’ll receive a stack of bags and cookies, and a folder with your route

information.

SampleRoute Map

➔ Visit buildings with stars- these are locations with rental permits.

➔ Should be accurate, but make corrections on map if not◆ (e.g. can’t find #, under construction,

doesn’t match with address, empty lot, other)

Snow Routes are dotted blue lines (no parking during 3”+

accumulation of snow or ANY LEVEL snow

emergency)

Route Spreadsheet (inside folder)

➔ Addresses should match map stars◆ Try to find all separate units (doors)

➔ Leave one bag per address - and only leave cookies if you speak with the residents.◆ Leave bag by door / on porch (not in yard

or in mailbox)

➔ Make notes according to the instructions at the top.

It will likely be hot - take water!

Be sure to wear your Walkabout

t-shirt, so students know

you are legitimate.

Remember: It’s not a race!

It should take you about 1½ hours to complete your route.

Upon Finishing Your Routeat least one member of team should return leftover items

and completed sheet to the LCNB Community Room.

TALKING POINTS ABOUT

OXFORDLIVING IN

COMMSPEAKING TO S

Talking Points / Sample Script

3

When a student tenant

answers...

1: Introduce yourself!

“Hi I’m [...] and this is [...] and we are volunteering with

the Annual Walkabout program through Miami and

the City of Oxford.”

2: Explain Walkabout

“We’re here to say welcome to a new academic year in the Oxford

neighborhood. We have some information for you that will help you get settled (hand over bag).”

3: Introduce the material

“We want to make sure you are getting started on the right foot

and that you know some important points about living in

Oxford. Some are obvious, but some you might not know unless

you’ve been told.”

(No need to memorize any of this - you’ll get a copy of a sample script

on Walkabout day as well!)

4: The Mile Square

“So you’re living in the Mile Square - this is the heart of Oxford, where many businesses and churches are located.

The community has high expectations for this area of town, including maintaining a reasonable level of noise and picking up

trash in front of your house.”

5: Litter

“Some people think you must have party litter picked up by 7 or 9 am the next day, but you can actually get a ticket for litter at any time - even

during your party.

So be sure you pick up litter off your property, no matter how it got there,

before you head uptown or go to sleep.”

6: Parking

“There is a 72 hour parking limit on ALL streets… so be careful

when you head home for breaks that you aren’t leaving your car. (Note if they are on a snow route

as well).”

7: Indoor Furniture

“You also can’t have indoor furniture stored outside - including tables or items

used to build a table.”

8: Safety

“We really want to make sure that you and your roommates stay safe while you’re here. A lot of students

forget to lock their doors. Oxford is a safe town, but unlocked doors make

it pretty easy for thieves - and student rentals can be a target during

Thanksgiving Break and Winter Term.

We had 36 burglaries reported last winter term

alone. We included in your bag a couple of coupons for free theft prevention items.

Be sure to take a look!”

9: Wrap Up and Questions

“Do you have any questions so far? Last thing is - enjoy these cookies!”

WALKABOUTwould not be possible without our many dedicated volunteers who care about the Miami and Oxford

communities.

THANK YOU!!!!

Feel free to stop here! But if you’re curious….

Packet Materials?So what’s in the Walkabout

Coupon for free Safety Timer

Coupon for free Door / Window Alarm

Recycling Magnet

What is Walkabout / “Sorry if we missed you” card

Flip Book Information regarding who to

contact for issues, property maintenance, trash, etc.

YOUR VOICE YOUR VOTE

Flyer

McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital

Magnets

Emergency Information Cards

Community Picnic & Nixle Info

Love and Honor Decals

Notice stapled to the outside of

every bag

Parking in Oxford

Social Hosting Tips

Welcome to Mile Square and Code of Love & Honor

BCRTA Bus Schedules

Thanks again!See you on August 28 and/or 29th.

Questions? Contact offcampus@MiamiOH.edu or call (513) 529-2071.