The Bismarck Human Relations Committee organized volunteer sign-ups and logistics for the Buddy Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the state capitol, with volunteer shifts and preparatory work scheduled the week before.

Committee members said the walk begins at 10 a.m. and ends about noon; organizers requested volunteers for two primary shifts on the day of the event: 8:30–10:30 a.m. (set-up, registration, handing out team-captain bags and T-shirts) and 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (crowd guidance, additional T-shirt distribution and teardown). Members noted volunteers can split the day or take a single shift. The host organization also requested volunteers at a central Mandan location on Monday, Sept. 22 and Tuesday, Sept. 23 (shirt-sorting, sponsor- and team-bag prep, and deliveries), with flexible hours and options to volunteer for one or multiple hours.

Committee members agreed to collect volunteer names, email addresses and phone numbers and to provide those to the event’s volunteer coordinator so organizers can communicate directly about assignments and any changes. Several committee members volunteered for specific dates and shifts during the meeting.

Members asked whether the committee would staff a booth at the Bismarck market; they noted the market had not produced strong outcomes previously but remains a potential outreach opportunity. The committee also discussed whether to wear committee T-shirts at events and confirmed existing shirts are available for members on request.

The committee asked members who plan to volunteer to notify the subcommittee lead within about a week so organizers can finalize schedules and communicate with volunteers ahead of the event.