Volunteer for Wellness! Help Launch “Walk with a Doc” in Los Altos

Are you passionate about mental health, outdoor recreation, and building community?

We are launching a brand-new Walk With A Doc (WWAD) chapter right here in the Silicon Valley Foothills (Los Altos/Palo Alto area), and we need your help to bring it to life! Volunteer now for Walk With A Doc Los Altos!

Walk With A Doc (WWAD) is an international nonprofit program that brings local physicians and community members together for a free, casual walk in nature. Hosted by a local mental health clinic and a new community-building nonprofit, our chapter focuses on the powerful connection between physical movement, nature, and mental well-being.

What We Need: We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help us run our monthly weekend walks. Roles include:

  • Welcome Crew: Greet walkers, hand out nametags, and help with a quick sign-in.
  • Trail Guides: Walk alongside participants, keep the group together, and foster warm, inclusive conversations.
  • Community Outreach: Help us drop flyers at local coffee shops, farmers markets, and libraries leading up to the events.
  • Social Media/Photography: Snap a few photos of the walk (with permission!) for our new NPO’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Who Should Apply? Volunteer now for Walk With A Doc Los Altos

Anyone! But this is an especially great fit for:

  • Pre-med, psychology, or kinesiology students looking to build resume experience and network with local healthcare professionals.
  • Active retirees who love walking and want to give back to the community.
  • Mental health advocates who want to promote accessible, free wellness activities.

Time Commitment: Super flexible! Our walks happen once a month on Saturday mornings. We ask volunteers to arrive 30 minutes early and stay for the 1-hour walk. (Total time: ~2 hours per month).

Perks:

  • Get fresh air and exercise while giving back.
  • Network with local doctors, mental health professionals, and community leaders.
  • Letters of recommendation / verifiable volunteer hours for students.
  • Free Walk with a Doc t-shirt!

Ready to step up? Volunteer now for Walk With A Doc Los Altos

Email our staff Joana at admin@arc-center.org with a quick note about why you’d like to get involved. Let’s walk our way to better health, together!

The Roles

📋 Registration Lead (1-2 Volunteers)

The Gatekeeper & Administrator

  • 8:15 AM (Setup): Arrive early to set up the registration table, sign-in sheets, mandatory Walk With A Doc liability waivers, and name tags.
  • 8:40 AM (Arrivals): Ensure every single attendee signs the waiver and receives a name tag. Encourage attendees to write a fun prompt (e.g., “Ask me about my favorite trail”) on their tag to spark conversation.
  • 10:00 AM (Wrap-up): Pack up the station, securely store all signed legal waivers, collect leftover supplies, and forward the sign-in sheet emails to the admin team for thank-you follow-ups.
👋 The Mingler / Greeter (1-2 Volunteers)

The Community Builder

  • 8:40 AM (Arrivals): Keep an eye out for attendees who are standing alone or look nervous. Welcome them warmly, point out the coffee/water stations, and introduce them to the guest doctor or other walkers to keep the energy light.
  • 10:00 AM (Wrap-up): Position yourself near the finishing area to personally thank attendees for joining as they complete the walk.
🥾 The Pacer (1 Volunteer)

The Navigator

  • 8:15 AM (Setup): Perform a quick visual check of the starting area and nearest restrooms so you can confidently direct early arrivals.
  • 9:10 AM (The Walk): Lead the group from the very front. You will need to know the route perfectly and maintain a moderate, conversational pace so the group stays together and doesn’t move too fast.
🛡️ The Sweeper (1 Volunteer)

The Safety Net

  • 8:15 AM (Setup): Assist the Pacer with the visual check of the starting area and restrooms.
  • 9:10 AM (The Walk): Take your place at the absolute back of the group. You walk at the pace of the slowest attendee and stop to wait with anyone who needs to rest. Your primary duty is ensuring no one gets left behind.
📸 The Paparazzi (1 Volunteer)

The Storyteller

  • 9:00 AM (Doc Talk): Capture a wide shot of the crowd listening to the opening welcome, as well as close-ups of the guest doctor speaking.
  • 9:10 AM (The Walk): Move dynamically! Run ahead of the group to get action shots of people walking toward the camera, then fall back into the pack to capture candid, smiling conversation shots. (Note: You will coordinate with the Registration Lead to ensure attendees being photographed have signed a photo release).

Ready to Join Our Community of Resilience?

Your time is a precious gift. We seek volunteers who can commit for a minimum of three months to ensure consistency and stability for our clients and programs.

Take the next step: View our detailed volunteer handbook and complete the online application form to join the ARC Center team and start making an impact!