Volunteer

Volunteering with Velorosa

Velorosa exists to encourage, nurture, teach, and challenge women to get more involved in the cycling community. As a non-profit organization, we ask our members to give back to the community through volunteering four hours each year.

Velorosa volunteers can be seen as corner marshals or check point staff at local road, cyclocross and gravel races, bike support for the Des Moines Marathon and Women's Half Marathon, making burritos to deliver via bike with the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, leading organizing and participating in various charity rides and groups through out our community.

Here are a just a few that our team is committed to supporting;

Sip n' Swap

At this Velorosa event, which is also open to the community, people can bring in their gently used or new athletic gear and swap for something else! All items that are left are donated to Dream Team and We Cycle. This event also has a silent auction with proceeds going to UBFM (Urban Bicycle Food Ministry).

UBFM

Since 2014 UBFM has been delivering food and personal care items to community members in need in the Des Moines Metro.

Dream Team

Velorosa team members act as ride mentors, support volunteers and donate funds and gear to the team annually.

Iowa Bicycle Coalition

Velorosa acts as event volunteers, Pigtails ride ambassadors and participate in IBC rides and advocacy efforts to make Iowa a great place to bike.

2026 Velorosa Volunteer Efforts

In 2026 we have selected four events/organizations Velorosa will support in our community, one event per quarter for Velorosa to rally around.

HOW IT WORKS FOR TEAM MEMBERS:

Pick your event during 2026 membership sign-up.
We’ll share shift times, locations, and roles as the event dates approach.
Plan to help at one of our four team events; the annual minimum remains 4 hours (no cap if you want to do more).
Log all volunteer hours in the Velorosa Volunteers form (below).
Flexibility: Beyond the quarterly events, you can still volunteer in cycling, fitness, or health-related service that’s meaningful to you. (no cap) However they do NOT take the place of the 1 required volunteer event.

WHY WE'RE EXCITED

Greater impact: Concentrating our efforts at key events boosts support for partners, organizers, and the broader cycling community.
Better experience: Clear schedules, defined roles, and team sign-ups make it easier to plan and show up.
Stronger community: Serving together builds skills, friendship, and visibility for Velorosa across Central Iowa.

SCHEDULE CONFLICTS

If you need to cancel a shift, please first try to find a replacement or swap with another member.
If you’re unable to secure coverage, contact the volunteer coordinator to arrange an alternative option.
Log all volunteer hours in the Velorosa Volunteers form (below).

EXEMPTIONS

Current & past board members, advisory board members, and current committee members fulfill their volunteer requirement through their service and are therefore exempt from having to do an additional volunteer event.
While exempt, we welcome and encourage these members to join a team supported volunteer event if they choose to, as their leadership and experience enrich the day!

Report Volunteer Hours

Thanks for volunteering your time and representing our team in the community.

Please help us make sure you get recognized for your contributions. Whenever you voluteer, complete the form and you're all set!