Community Event Organizer

Dutchboy · February 17, 2009, 05:33:29 PM

I am just curious as far as what everone would reccommend as far as who should organize a major community event (a marathon)( CAP providing assistance with support type missions)

Eclipse · February 17, 2009, 05:42:27 PM

IMHO that needs to start with the commander or an experienced member of staff.

Our abilities in regards to the kinds of support we're allowed to provide are limited, and only someone speaking with the commander's authority should be committing unit resources. Once the groundwork is laid, I would think anyone the CC designates as the POC for the activity would be ok. As mentioned in the other thread, only an SD can sign an MOU, and only a Wing CC can sign a contract.

Is this something already planned the unit would help with, or the unit is seeking to start one?

The former is probably ok, within our regulatory limitations, but the latter is somewhat far afield from what we normally do.

Pylon · February 17, 2009, 05:47:22 PM

Well, usually CAP provides support to events that are already organized. As for a marathon, usually three types of organizations put together events like marathons: Running and track clubs, for-profit companies (like the Boilermaker or Mountain Goat Run), and non-profits conducting fundraisers.

I happen to work for a non-profit organization and my department organizes a run each year that consists of a concurrent Half-Marathon, 5k and 3k walk. I can tell you that even with a full-time events coordinator on staff and several support staff members, our run takes several months of day-in and day-out work, hundreds of in-kind donations, coordination with dozens of public agencies, organizations and local companies, and over 250 volunteers to properly run. Plus, there's liability insurance, local permits and all sorts of other fun responsibilities.

Oftentimes, our local CAP units have provided a team of volunteers to local non-profit running events. It provides opportunities for the public to see uniformed CAP members (exposure and awareness building) and builds citizenship in our cadets (reinforces the positives of volunteering and supporting worthy community organizations and causes). CAP is assigned roles by the event coordinator. Typical roles include staffing a water station on the course (handing out cups of water to runners), providing parking assistance or being present in the crowd for information and traffic control.

Flying Pig · February 17, 2009, 05:58:32 PM

Darn...I thought this was a thread about President Obama!

Oh my gosh...I couldnt resist. Now back to our regularly scheduled programing.

Dutchboy · February 17, 2009, 09:52:57 PM

the marathon is an existing one. we would be assiting with things like start & finish line area and possibly Air support for Law enforcement to look for trouble areas. ect.

Flying Pig · February 17, 2009, 10:20:46 PM

Coordinating Air assets with local law enforcement would be a good tool. Especially if the Dept cold put in a request. Where are you located in Utah? I dont think that state has much in the way of Airborne Law Enforcement so you wouldnt be stepping on to many toes I would imagine.

Pylon · February 17, 2009, 10:51:52 PM

So then I guess I don't understand your original question. At all.

Are you asking who should coordinate Civil Air Patrol's involvement with an established community event? That's a fairly different question than "who should organize a major community event?" If the question is the former instead of the latter, a good project officer is indeed a commodity in CAP. A project officer should have some experience in CAP, be good at dealing with people, organize and communicate effectively (both with command and the partnering organization).

JoeTomasone · February 17, 2009, 10:53:53 PM

Quote from: Eclipse on February 17, 2009, 05:42:27 PM
only an SD can sign an MOU

"SD"??

Flying Pig · February 17, 2009, 10:58:38 PM

State Director I believe

Eclipse · February 17, 2009, 11:02:11 PM

Quote from: Flying Pig on February 17, 2009, 10:58:38 PM
State Director I believe

Correct.

A.Member · February 19, 2009, 05:03:52 PM

Quote from: Flying Pig on February 17, 2009, 05:58:32 PM
Darn...I thought this was a thread about President Obama! Oh my gosh...I couldnt resist. Now back to our regularly scheduled programing.

:clap: LOL!

RRLE · March 02, 2009, 12:47:44 PM

You might want to look at FEMA Independent Study Course: IS-15.A Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies

flyguy06 · March 04, 2009, 03:15:57 AM

Quote from: A.Member on February 19, 2009, 05:03:52 PM
Quote from: Flying Pig on February 17, 2009, 05:58:32 PM
Darn...I thought this was a thread about President Obama! Oh my gosh...I couldnt resist. Now back to our regularly scheduled programing.
:clap: LOL!

I wont even comment.