Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation with support from Kingston Gets Active (Street Stewards for Kingston’s First-Ever School Street Initiative)

Organization Name: Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation with support from Kingston Gets Active
Opportunity Title: Street Stewards for Kingston’s First-Ever School Street Initiative
Category: Children & Youth
Commitment: Less than 6 months
Start Date: September 7, 2021
End Date: August 31, 2022

Email: schoolstreetygk@gmail.com
Website: http://ltpfkingston.com
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Family-oriented volunteering
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

What are School Streets? School Streets are street rebalancing initiatives that are designed to create safer environments around elementary school sites. School Streets involve closing streets adjacent to elementary schools to through-traffic for 30 minutes before and after the school day. Vehicles are not permitted to enter the street during these times, unless they have an exemption (e.g., school staff, residents). By increasing the safety of streets adjacent to schools, the fundamental goal of School Streets is to offer opportunities for children to build capacity for independent mobility, and in turn, increase their engagement in active school travel. When and where is Kingston’s School Street operating? Kingston’s first-ever School Street initiative will be launching in September 2021, adjacent to Winston Churchill Public School The School Street zone is planned to encompass MacDonnell St (from Earl St to Union St) and Hill St (from Napier St to MacDonnell St) Two School Street sessions will run every school day, from 8:40am-9:10am and 3:20pm-3:50pm What are the responsibilities of School Street Stewards? Managing vehicular traffic seeking entry into the School Street zone Chaperoning authorized vehicles through the School Street zone as needed Greeting parents and children entering and exiting the School Street zone Addressing questions and concerns from pedestrians and motorists about the initiative Observing children, parents, residents, and motorists interface with the School Street What is required to become a School Street Steward? Valid CPIC or willingness to obtain a CPIC with a vulnerable sector check* Attend one volunteer training session (sessions will be held between Aug 29 and Sept 11, 2021) Commitment of at least one session per week* for a minimum of 3 months First Aid Training (asset, not a requirement) What are the benefits for School Street Stewards? Support a movement to encourage active school travel and independent mobility among children Be a familiar and encouraging face for children on their active journey to school Support a shift in public perceptions about how and for whom streets are used Gain valuable volunteer experience managing a novel urban planning intervention Meet and work with like-minded volunteers who are passionate about healthy child development and sustainable transportation