Flooding affects many neighborhoods across Richmond, but we need better information on where it actually happens and how often.
The Go with the Flow Canvassing Team helps us connect directly with residents in flood-prone neighborhoods and encourages their participation in our community flood mapping project. As a volunteer, you’ll help spread the word about Go with the Flow, talk with residents about flooding in their community, and invite them to submit quick flood surveys whenever it rains.
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in community science, public engagement, and environmental resilience.
What You’ll Do
Canvassers will participate in small-team outreach events that typically last about two hours.
Activities may include:
Canvassing door-to-door in flood-prone neighborhoods.
Talking with residents about local flooding experiences.
Explaining how neighbors can submit flood surveys after rain events.
Leaving informational doorhangers when residents are not home.
Tabling about Go with the Flow at community events.
Most canvassing will take place in Southside neighborhoods, with each outreach event focusing on a different area. All canvassing opportunities will be led by our Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, Lisa Aikins-Afful, or another team member.
Training will be provided before you canvas. Topics covered will include basics of flooding in Richmond, the Go with the Flow campaign, how to explain the flood survey process to residents, and tips for effective and respectful community outreach.
Time Commitment
Minimum commitment: Participate in at least one canvassing shift
Typical shifts are about 2 hours
Shifts will be scheduled based on volunteer availability
Volunteers are welcome to volunteer for multiple shifts if they’d like to stay involved throughout the season. The campaign runs from March 20 to September 22, 2026.
Who Should Volunteer
We encourage any community members who love talking to neighbors and want to support a community-driven climate resilience project to volunteer on our canvassing team.
Students from Richmond-area colleges and universities are especially welcome! Students studying environmental science, public policy, sustainability, community development, urban planning, communications, or related fields may find this experience particularly valuable.
Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially helpful in some neighborhoods, but Spanish is not required.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteers will receive:
Verified community service or volunteer hours
Direct experience in community science and public outreach
Resume-worthy experience working on a real climate resilience project
Opportunities to connect with sustainability professionals, students, and other community volunteers
Satisfaction of supporting Richmond’s journey to becoming a more climate-resilient city
Sign Up
Interested in joining the team? Complete the Canvassing Team Volunteer Form below to get started! We’ll provide a full list of dates for upcoming canvassing opportunities after you submit the form. For questions, please email Lisa at lisa@southsidereleaf.org.